How to Renew Your Passport
Since I just went through this, I thought I’d document the steps. Don’t be like me and wait until the last minute so you have to pay extra to expedite it :) Save some money and get a head start. If you have a trip within 6 months of your passport expiring, you will need to renew it. Most countries won’t let you travel if it expires in 6 months or less of your travel so better to be safe than sorry.
Expedited takes about 2-3 weeks and routine takes about 6-8 weeks.
CONFIRM YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS:
You can renew by mail if you respond "Yes" to all statements below about your most recent passport:
I can submit it with my application.
It is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear).
I have never reported it lost or stolen.
It was issued within the last 15 years.
It was issued when I was age 16 or older.
It was issued in my current name, or I can provide another document such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree that is evidence of my name change.
It was not limited to less than the normal 10 year period of validity because I've lost multiple passports or I've had multiple damaged passports.
FILL OUT YOUR PAPERWORK:
You can use the form filler to fill out all of your information and then print the PDF form of the document.
Complete all parts of the form. Sign and date your form before you mail it.
Print your form on single-sided paper. They do not accept double-sided forms.
Double check the information you entered on the form filler for your date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive.
You may get a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no additional cost, by checking the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-82.
TAKE YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO:
You will need to get a photo taken that meets the strict requirements below:
Submit one color photo that is 2 x 2 inches.
Submit a recent photo taken in last 6 months.
It needs to be printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence.
Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed, take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines
You can’t wear a white shirt so wear a neutral color.
Personally, I think it’s easier and safer to get your photo taken at a place that does them, just to prevent the risk of it getting denied. You can get your photo taken at any of the places below:
Your local post office (You need to schedule an appointment)
FedEx or UPS (You can walk in)
Walgreens or CVS (Check that your nearest location is offering these services, you can walk in)
Staples/Office Depot/Office Max (You can walk in)
WRITE YOUR CHECK:
Pay using a personal check or money order (sorry, no credit cards here) and make it payable to: U.S. Department of State. They will NOT accept cash.
If you need it expedited, add $60 to the fee. Add $19.53 to have them ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after issuance.
Use their fee calculator if you want to be sure you have the right fees calculated.
Here’s a visual of your check!
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:
If you are traveling in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment to renew in person at an agency or center - here.
Otherwise, you can mail it.
“I want routine service and I live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas.”
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
“I want routine service and I live in any other state or in Canada.”
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
“I want expedited service.”
IMPORTANT: Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
TRACK YOUR STATUS:
If you’re like me and you stalk your packages, you can track your status. I recommend keeping your tracking number from whichever mail service you used to ensure it gets delivered (mine was delayed a few days).
You can also track your passport status and it will say "pending” until they start processing your application and your status will change to “processing.” Once it has changed to processing, it takes about 1-2 weeks to get delivered depending on where you live. It took exactly 3 weeks from the time I mailed it to the time I received my passport and I expedited it.
