travel when passport is about to expire

What To Do If Your Passport Expires Just Before You’re Supposed To Travel

Whenever you're thinking about vacationing somewhere international, the very first thing you should do, before absolutely anything else, is check out your passport , specifically the expiration date. Even if you think you have a while before it expires, even if you just used it, even if it's a pain to find it. Trust us: If your passport expires and you need to travel , you are going to deal with a whole slew of problems that no one wants to deal with.

But we all make mistakes sometimes. It can be easy to get caught up in the vacation-planning moment and book plane tickets before making sure your passport is still usable. It's happened to the best of us: you plan everything out, you're ready to go, and sometime in the near future before your trip, you look at your passport and realize it has expired already.

If this happens a few months before, you're probably OK — you can just get it renewed. Even if this happens a few weeks before, it'll be fine — sure, you're going to have spend more money for a rush renewal, but it'll work out. But, if it happens a few days before? Well, that's a whole other story.

Here's the thing when traveling with a passport: if you are flying international, it absolutely cannot be expired. In fact, it can't even be close to expiring: for travel in nearly every other country, including Canada and Mexico, you won't be able to fly if your passport is expiring in the next six months. So, not only do you need to make sure your passport isn't expired already, but you need to make sure it won't expire within six months of your travel date.

If you do notice your passport is expired or expiring soon, is it worth it to still head to the airport and try to get on an international flight? In a word, no. It's really not. Airport security will almost definitely not let you get on the plane, and you'll just end up wasting a lot of time and money. If, for some strange reason, you're able to board with that passport, don't forget that coming home from a foreign country could be a very different story. Do you really want to get stuck in another country without a passport? Probably not.

If you're flying domestic , however, an expired passport shouldn't be an issue, as long as you have another valid form of United States identification, like a driver's license. You don't need a passport to fly within the U.S., you just need a valid ID. So, if your passport is your only ID, and it's expired, then it isn't valid and won't work. But if you have other photo ID, like your license, you'll be fine.

What are you supposed to do if you're flying international and have just realized your passport is no good? You have two options: attempt to get an expedited passport in time, or cancel and reschedule the trip. If you want to get an expedited passport, it's possible - it will just cost you some time and effort.

As soon as you figure out that your passport is expired, try to make an appointment with the U.S. Passport Office (that's if you have more than 18 hours but less than two weeks before your flight). If you can't do that, get to a passport agency immediately. Get ready to wait on a long line and probably do a bit of begging. You should also come prepared: in some states, you will need proof of travel within 14 days. You'll also need to pay , which can vary, but will likely be around $170. Check out the list of agencies on the official government site, because they aren't in every state.

Expediting your passport should work out, but there are no guarantees that you'll get it in time if you are trying to right before your flight. So, it's always best to play it safe! Keep on top of your passport expiration date, and save yourself the trouble.

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Six-Month Validity Update

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Passport Expiration Rules: The 6 Month Validity Requirement | Countries List

Learn about passport expiration rules, including the 6-month validity requirement for international travel. check your passport to ensure compliance with travel requirements..

Key Takeaways:

• The 6-Month Passport Rule requires passports to be valid for 6 months beyond return, ensuring smooth international travel and border crossings.
• Many countries, including Canada and China, enforce this rule to mitigate issues like illegal overstays and facilitate the handling of emergencies.
• Exceptions exist based on bilateral treaties or specific national rules; always verify passport requirements with official sources before traveling.

What is the 6-Month Passport Rule?

When planning an international trip, one crucial detail to check is your passport’s expiration date. Surprisingly, it’s not enough for your passport to be merely valid during your travel; it also needs to conform to the 6 Month Rule . This rule requires that your passport remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of your planned return. The reason behind this is fairly straightforward but vital: it serves as a buffer to prevent any issues if your stay abroad unexpectedly extends.

Why Must My Passport Be Valid for Six Months Beyond My Travel Dates?

Countries enforce the six-month rule to reduce the risk of travelers staying beyond their passport’s validity. If your passport were to expire while you’re abroad, you might face significant delays and complications when trying to return home. This requirement ensures that travelers can handle unexpected situations abroad without breaching international travel requirements.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of why this rule is important: – Prevents Illegal Stay: It helps prevent situations where travelers overstay due to an expired passport. – Ease of Handling Emergencies: If you face emergencies that require you to stay longer than planned, a valid passport will help you manage the situation better. – Smooth Border Crossings: Immigration authorities at borders have clear directives to avoid admitting travelers who might encounter passport validity issues during their stay.

Which Countries Require this Six-Month Passport Validity?

• Afghanistan 🇦🇫
• Anguilla 🇦🇮
• Botswana 🇧🇼
• British Virgin Islands 🇻🇬
• Cambodia 🇰🇭
• Cameroon 🇨🇲
• Cayman Islands 🇰🇾
• Central African Republic 🇨🇫
• Côte D’Ivoire 🇨🇮
• El Salvador 🇸🇻
• Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶
• Guinea Bissau 🇬🇼
• Indonesia 🇮🇩
• Kiribati 🇰🇮
• Madagascar 🇲🇬
• Malaysia 🇲🇾
• Marshall Islands 🇲🇭
• Micronesia 🇫🇲
• Nicaragua 🇳🇮
• Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬
• Philippines 🇵🇭
• Saint Lucia 🇱🇨
• Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
• Singapore 🇸🇬
• Solomon Islands 🇸🇧
• Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
• Suriname 🇸🇷
• Tanzania 🇹🇿
• Thailand 🇹🇭
• Timor-Leste 🇹🇱
• United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
• Venezuela 🇻🇪
• Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

What Happens If I Travel With a Passport Nearing Expiration?

Traveling with a passport that is set to expire in less than six months could seriously derail your plans. Not only could you be denied entry upon reaching your destination, but you may also face complications even boarding your initial flights. Airlines often check passport validity as part of their routine checks and may deny boarding if they anticipate entry issues upon arrival in the destination country.

Here are potential issues with near-expiration passports: – Denied Entry: Countries strictly adhere to their entry requirements and having a short passport validity might get you turned away at the border. – Visa Complications: If you require a visa, the issuing country will typically request a passport validity extending beyond the visa duration .

Also of Interest:

Understanding the july 2024 visa bulletin: a guide to u.s. immigration policies, do foreign youtubers need work authorization in the us, list of countries with 3-month passport expiry rule.

• Albania 🇦🇱*
• Lithuania 🇱🇹
• Luxembourg 🇱🇺
• Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
• Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
• Montenegro 🇲🇪
• Netherlands 🇳🇱
• North Macedonia 🇲🇰*
• Honduras 🇭🇳*
• Portugal 🇵🇹
• Senegal 🇸🇳*
• Slovakia 🇸🇰
• Slovenia 🇸🇮
• Switzerland 🇨🇭
• Liechtenstein 🇱🇮

*These countries require a passport validity of 3 months from the date of your arrival into the country. Schengen countries generally require that you have a passport validity of 3 months from the date you intend to leave the EU.

What to Do If Your Passport Expires While You Are Abroad?

If you find yourself abroad with an expired passport, your first step should be to contact your home country’s embassy or consulate. They can guide you through the process of obtaining an emergency travel document. It’s vital to remember that these documents are usually a temporary solution, valid just for the duration required to ensure your return home where you will have to renew your passport under regular circumstances.

Steps to take if your passport expires abroad: 1. Contact the Embassy: Immediately connect with your country’s embassy or consulate. 2. Emergency Travel Document: Apply for an emergency travel document if necessary. 3. Plan Your Return: Strategize your traveling route back home considering your new document’s limitations.

Are There Exceptions to the Six-Month Rule?

Indeed, there are exceptions. Some countries might have special agreements or bilateral treaties that modify or waive the six-month rule. Others could have more or less stringent requirements based on diplomatic relationships or regional agreements. For example, Paraguay allows entry as long as your passport is valid upon entry, regardless of the duration left until expiration. Always verify with the relevant embassy or official travel advisories specific to your circumstances.

Always Check Passport Requirements Before Travel!

Ensuring your passport meets international travel requirements not only enables a smoother journey but also helps in managing unforeseen situations in a foreign country effectively. Always plan ahead and renew your passport if it falls within the six-month expiry window before an international trip. This simple step is a surefire way to enhance your travel experience, keeping regulatory hitches and stressful surprises at a minimum.

Learn Today:

Glossary/definitions.

• Definition: A requirement for international travelers that mandates their passport to remain valid for at least six months beyond the planned return date. This rule aims to prevent issues like overstaying, delays, or complications in case a traveler’s stay abroad extends unexpectedly.
• Definition: The period for which a passport remains usable, typically starting from the date of issue until the expiration date. Passport validity is a crucial factor in international travel compliance, ensuring travelers can enter foreign countries and return to their home country without hindrance.
• Definition: A temporary substitute for a passport issued by embassies or consulates to facilitate a traveler’s return home when their passport is lost, stolen, or expired while abroad. Emergency travel documents have limited validity and are meant to assist in immediate travel needs.
• Definition: Points of entry and exit at national borders where immigration officials enforce entry and exit requirements. Ensuring smooth border crossings involves meeting passport validity rules and complying with immigration regulations to facilitate seamless travel transitions between countries.
• Definition: Challenges or issues that arise when obtaining or using a visa due to factors like passport validity. Visa complications related to passport expiration may lead to the rejection of visa applications or restrictions on entry into foreign countries. Travelers must adhere to visa requirements, including ensuring sufficient passport validity beyond the visa duration.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Be travel-savvy by understanding the 6-Month Passport Rule. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your trip’s end date. This prevents overstays, aids in emergencies, and smooths border crossings. Beware, near-expiration passports can cause entry denials. Know exceptions, check requirements before traveling, and contact embassies if in a bind! — By VisaVerge.com

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How long is a US passport good for? Here's what to know — and how to renew it.

But before you jet off to a faraway location, you need to make sure your passport is not expired. Nothing can ruin a trip quite like showing up at the airport only to find out your passport is invalid.

Some countries even require passports to  "be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip," according to the U.S. Department of State. 

So, if you're planning on traveling and need to check your travel documents, here is a guide to how long your passport is good for, depending on when it was issued. 

How long is a passport good for?

Your passport's expiration date depends on when it was issued or renewed. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

According to the U.S. Department of State, a passport is valid for 10 years if it was issued when you were 16 years old or older. If your passport was issued when you were under the age of 16, your passport is valid for five years. 

You can identify your passport's issue date on the data page or on the front of your passport card.

How to find cheap flights:  Tips on how to cut travel costs

Can you renew your passport before it expires?

According to the State Department, your passport does not need to be expired for it to be renewed.  If you want a new book or a new card, all you must do is submit the valid documents in exchange for new ones.

If your passport has expired, you can still renew it if it has been issued within the last 15 years. 

How long are passports taking right now? 

As of Nov. 2023, the processing time for a passport is between seven to 10 weeks for routine processing. For expedited processing, your passport's processing time is between three to five weeks, according to the State Department. 

Processing time does not include mailing time, and it could take up to two weeks from your application day for your passport to be "In Process." 

How long does it take to get a passport? What is the fastest way to get one?

What do I need to bring to renew my passport?

According to the USAGov, these are the documents you will need if you're applying for a passport:

• Application form
• Your most recent passport 
• Passport photo

If you name has changed since your last passport,  you will have to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate or a court order of your name change .

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From " What to bring camping? " to " What is the smallest country? " to " What state has the lowest population? " – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our  Just Curious section  to see what else we can answer.

You Can No Longer Travel With an Expired US Passport

The pandemic-era policy has come to an end

As of July 1, 2022, the State Department has overturned a pandemic-era rule that temporarily allowed U.S. travelers to return home from overseas with an expired passport.

"If your passport has expired, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport," the State Department wrote on its website.

The policy, which applied to passports that expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, was initially implemented due to "unprecedented [passport] appointment backlogs" and subsequent processing delays. (In July 2021, expecting travelers could wait as long as 18 weeks to get their passports .)

While 18-week-long processing times are fortunately a thing of the past, it's best to fill out your renewal application ASAP if your passport is expired—or if the country you're visiting requires your passport to be at least six months valid after entry or departure. The State Department currently estimates that it can take eight to 11 weeks to process a passport application. However, if your trip is fast approaching, you can pay $60 to get your passport expedited in five to seven weeks.

If you're renewing your passport, you can expect your new travel document to look slightly different than what you're used to . Called the "Next Generation Passport" (NGP), the latest iteration of the U.S. passport will feature improved security features, including "a polycarbonate data page, laser-engraved personalization, and updated artwork."

Application fees for new and renewed passports also cost $20 more than pre-pandemic . As of Dec. 27, 2021, U.S. travelers 16 and up must pay $165 for a new passport (up from $145) and $130 for a renewal (up from $110).

U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. "U.S. Citizens May Return to the United States on Recently Expired Passports." Accessed July 5, 2022.

U.S. Department of State. "Return Travel on Recently Expired U.S. Passports." May 24, 2021.

U.S. Department of State. "U.S. Passports." Accessed July 5, 2022.

U.S. Department of State. "Next Generation Passport." Accessed July 5, 2022.

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How to Renew Your Passport

Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020. She previously wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.

Outside of work, she loves fitness, and she competes in both powerlifting and weightlifting (she can deadlift more than triple bodyweight). Naturally, her travels always involve a fitness component, including a week of cycling up the coastline of Vietnam and a camping trip to the Arctic Circle, where she biked over the sea ice. Other adventures have included hiking 25 miles in one day through Italy's Cinque Terre and climbing the 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi, Thailand.

She lives in San Francisco.

Meghan Coyle started as a web producer and writer at NerdWallet in 2018. She covers travel rewards, including industry news, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. She is based in Los Angeles.

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Table of Contents

How long does it take to renew your passport?

Reasons to renew your passport ahead of expiration, passport renewal fees, how to renew your passport by mail, in person or online, how often do you have to renew your passport, what to do if you have a lost or stolen passport.

Even if an international trip isn't on your calendar anytime soon, grab your passport and check when it expires. If your passport expires within the next year, don’t wait to renew. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport expires within six months. And it costs extra money to get a turnaround on your renewal quickly.

According to the U.S. Department of State, current passport processing timelines are as follows:

Routine processing: Six to eight weeks.

Expedited processing: Two to three weeks.

What's more, making an emergency visit to a passport agency if it doesn’t come in time is stressful, and not a great way to start your vacation. Here's how to renew your passport.

Though the State Department gives estimations for returning passports to applicants, you run the risk of being that one-off case that took longer than normal.

In addition, the State Department’s projected processing times do not include mailing times, and the department also warns that it can take up to two weeks for your application to actually be acknowledged as “in process.”

Add that all up, and it’s reasonable to start applying for your passport renewal now — even if it doesn’t expire this year.

It may not be valid for some travel — even if its still valid

Some countries require that passports be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip.

That means even if your passport doesn’t expire until the end of 2024, you might not be able to travel internationally during the summer of 2024 if it expires within six months. In fact, some airlines won’t allow you to board with a passport that is near expiry (and hey, you probably don’t want to fly 20 hours to Dubai only to find the United Arab Emirates won’t let you into the country).

The State Department’s Country Information page provides details on which countries have such requirements.

Expedited processing fees will eat into your vacation budget

If you procrastinate, then not all is lost — except some of your vacation fund. You can pay extra to receive a passport more quickly, but you’ll have to pay an additional $60 for expedited service.

And even still, the process isn't exactly speedy. Double or triple that cost if you have family members who need that service as well.

You could use a passport to fly domestically too (unless you have Real ID)

Even if you don’t plan to travel internationally anytime in the next few years, a passport could be necessary for domestic travel.

Beginning May 7, 2025, you’ll need Real ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card with a star. To obtain Real ID-compliant identification, you’ll typically have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency.

To obtain Real ID-compliant identification, you’ll typically have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency.

However, you can avoid a trip to the DMV for a new license by showing other acceptable identification at the airport, such as a passport or passport card. Depending on what your local DMV lines are like, it might be easier to just have a valid passport and use it for all domestic and international travel.

How much does it cost to renew your passport? For first-time passport applicants, the cost is $165, including $130 for the application fee and $35 for the execution (or acceptance) fee.

Those who plan to renew their passport do not need to pay the acceptance fee again. You'll be charged $30 for a passport card, $130 for a passport or $160 for both, per person. Expedited services is an additional $60 per person, and if you need it even faster, you can also pay for expedited delivery (one to two days) for an additional $19.53.

Renew by mail

In general, the easiest way to renew your passport is by mail. You can do this if all of the following apply:

You have your passport in your possession (and can submit it with your application).

It is undamaged (aside from normal wear and tear).

You received it when you were at least 16 years old.

It was issued within the past 15 years.

It was either issued to your current name or you can submit documentation of your name change.

To apply by mail, you’ll need the following:

A filled-out DS-82 form .

Your most recent passport.

Name change documents (such as a marriage certificate), if applicable.

A passport photo taken in the past six months.

Payment via personal check or money order to the U.S. Department of State of $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60.

Mail your application and documents to the National Passport Processing Center ( addresses and renewal details can be found here ).

Renew passport in person

If one of the above five scenarios doesn't apply to you, then you’ll need to apply in person. To apply in person, you’ll need the following:

A filled-out DS-82 form.

How to renew your passport online

In the spring of 2023, the U.S. Department of State offered a limited release of online renewal services. This application pathway has since been pause and is no longer available.

A nationwide release is pending improvements to the system.

While you cannot submit an application online now, you can still renew by mail if you are eligible.

Passports expire every 10 years if it was issued after you turned 16 years old. If your current passport was issued while you were 15 and younger, it is valid for 5 years.

Maybe you moved recently and your passport got lost in the shuffle. Or you tossed it in a box after a year of uncertainty of when you’d ever use it again — and now you can’t fathom finding it.

You’ll need to report your lost or stolen passport to the State Department. From there, you must apply for a replacement passport , and standard fees apply.

You can renew an expired passport if the passport was issued within the past 15 years only. If the passport was issued earlier than that, go through the same steps of applying for a new passport.

The cost to renew a passport book is $130. It’s $30 to renew a passport card, or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60.

Yes, your passport photo must have been taken in the past six months from the time you submit the new passport application.

Yes, your old passport book or passport card will be returned (you need to mail in your most recent passport if you are renewing by mail). It usually will be sent separately from the new passport.

If you were at least 16 years old when the passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. Otherwise, it’s valid for five years.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2022 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Thousands of Post Offices ™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo.

• Renewing Passports : If you answer 'Yes' to all 5 eligibility questions in the " Renew a Passport by Mail " section, mail your renewal form directly to the State Department. If you don't meet all the renewal requirements, you'll need to go to a Post Office in person and do a new, first-time passport application.
• First-Time Passports (and Passport Photos) : Schedule your in-person appointment online.

Schedule an Appointment

Alert: --> online scheduler to make an appointment for passport services to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. The State Department has extremely limited passport services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expect significant delays of several months before receiving your new U.S. passport. Learn More

Alert: For first-time passport and photo services, please make an appointment using our online scheduler , a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk , or at a Post Office retail counter . We also offer limited Passport walk-in hours at select locations.

First-Time Passports

First-time applicants and people who aren’t allowed to get a new passport by mail.

Apply at a Post Office

Expedited Delivery

Renewing Passports

Most people renewing a passport should mail their application directly to the State Department.

Renew by Mail

Passports for Minors

Passports for children under 16 have special requirements. Make sure you are prepared.

Apply for a First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person at the Post Office.

Step 1: Gather Documents Early

Generally, you should apply for your new passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally—at least several months in advance. Passport processing times may vary, so be sure to check the latest State Department service estimates . First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.

• Application forms (unsigned)
• Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Passport fees

Apply for a Passport in Person

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package

Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.

• Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
• Print your completed application. DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Postal employee must witness your signature.
• Have a passport photo taken.
• Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
• Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
• State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Get Started on Your Application

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk.

Scheduling Online

• Go to Schedule an Appointment .
• Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• You can search for appointment by location or date first. If you search by location first, you'll then be asked to choose a date and time; if you search by date first, you'll then need to choose a location and time.
• After you choose your appointment location and time, provide your contact information, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Click Review Appointment , then confirm your appointment.

If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, click the Manage Appointments tab and enter your confirmation number and email address or phone number.

Using a Self-Service Kiosk

• Go to a Post Office location with lobby self-service kiosks. Find USPS Locations
• At the self-service kiosk, touch the screen to begin, then select "Other Services," then "Passport Scheduler."
• Choose the passport service you need, then enter the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• Search for Post Office locations by ZIP Code™ or City/State and choose a location.
• Select an available appointment date and time, then agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Enter your contact information and decide if you'd like to receive SMS text notifications.
• Review and confirm your information, then select “Schedule Appointment” to finalize.
• Take your printed receipt listing your confirmation number and appointment details.

Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance & Processing Fees

First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra. Learn how to calculate fees and what you can use to pay for them.

Application Acceptance Fees – Postal Service

Pay acceptance fees in person at the Post Office. You may pay by check or money order, payable to "Postmaster," debit card, or credit card.

• $35.00 - Post Office acceptance fee
• $15.00 - Post Office photo fee (if needed)

Application Processing Fees – Department of State

State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from USPS fees.

• State Department Fees State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online .
• Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
• Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You can buy a money order at the Post Office with cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. You cannot pay with a credit card.

Application Status Updates

• Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are on their way to the Department of State. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page " U.S. Passports ."

Renew a Passport by Mail

If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail .

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail

A minor's passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor's passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person . An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.

You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer "Yes" to all 5 of the following statements:

Your passport:

• Is in your possession to submit with your application.
• Is undamaged other than normal "wear and tear."
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• Was issued within the last 15 years.
• Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport .)

If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.

State Department Renew by Mail

Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.

• Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
• Print and sign your DS-82 form.
• Have a passport photo taken. You can schedule a passport photo-only appointment at a Post Office ™ location.
• Calculate your passport renewal fees .
• Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
• Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
• TIP : Pay for Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your application. Order easily online: Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope or Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope .
• Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.

How to Renew a Passport - Details

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application

Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.

Choose one of the following services:

• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Delivery Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Signature Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail Express ® Service (for overnight delivery requests)

Compare Delivery Tracking Services

Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress

If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking ® to see when your package is delivered.

• With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.

USPS Tracking Status

U.S. Passport Application Status

Expedited Passport Delivery

Get a new passport faster in emergencies & special cases.

If you need your passport faster for emergency travel or another special case, you can send your passport application via Priority Mail Express ® service and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery.

Life-or-Death Emergency

If you need to travel within 72 hours (3 business days) for an immediate family member who is dead, dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury:

• Visit the Life-or-Death Emergencies page on travel.state.gov to learn if you are eligible.
• The State Department processes these requests by appointment only.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel.

Urgent Travel in Less than 10 Weeks

If you are traveling in less than 10 weeks, you must call the State Department Passport Agency to schedule an appointment:

• You can call 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) to schedule an appointment.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel, and you must provide proof of travel.

Note : An extremely limited number of appointments are available for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days), and other restrictions apply .

Get My Passport Fast

Renew Your Passport Fast

If you pay an additional $60 for expedited service and mail it with Priority Mail Express , you can get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.

• Check your eligibility under Renew Your Passport by Mail, Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail .
• Prepare your application as listed under Renew a Passport by Mail, Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package .
• Add these special fees, both payable to the U.S. Department of State, to your regular processing fees.
• $60.00—Expedited application processing at the State Department
• $19.53—1- to 2-day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department
• Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
• Ship your application to the State Department by Priority Mail Express. Cost varies by location.
• Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
• Children need evidence of citizenship.
• Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
• NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years. They are not "renewable": When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them. When making a passport appointment for a child, please choose "New Passport Only" or "New Passport with Photo Services."

Apply for a Minor's Passport

• Department of State Passport Website English | Español
• Ask Questions at the National Passport Information Center
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Plan Your Trip with the Traveler's Checklist
• Get Help in an Emergency Overseas

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.

Report Your Lost/Stolen Passport

A Complete Guide to the Six-Month Passport-Validity Rule

Most travelers know they need a passport to travel internationally, but few are aware that, in many instances, your passport must be valid longer than your stay. In fact, many countries require it to be valid for six months beyond your intended return date. If it expires before that, you may be denied boarding or entry upon arrival at your destination and have to go straight home. To be safe, verify that your passport is valid for at least six months after your intended return date — if the expiration date is uncomfortably close to the cutoff, make sure you renew it way ahead of time. Unfortunately, this is something airlines will rarely mention, even when you're booking, so consider yourself warned.

Below, we've done the heavy lifting and created a cheat sheet based on information from the US Department of State website to help you make sense of which countries require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip, whether it's one, three or six more months. Note that certain countries, marked with an asterisk, deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These lists are also only related to passport-validity dates — we're not getting into visa requirements, which vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Schengen Treaty Signers in Europe

Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Treaty and as a result, follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid three months beyond your three-month entry visa, or, for a total of six months regardless of how long your initial stay is. Note that while some Schengen members only require passports to be valid three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity and thus, the six-month time period.

Schengen Treaty signers include: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The remaining countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.

Non-Schengen Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Note that while the UK and Ireland are both EU member states, they are not part of the Schengen arrangement and do not require an additional six-month validity period beyond your stay, though it is recommended.

Albania*, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus*, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia*, Hong Kong**, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan*, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau**, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore , Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, East Timor, Turkmenistan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, West Bank/Gaza Strip and Yemen.

*Passport must be valid three months beyond scheduled departure date.

**Passport must be valid one month beyond the date of your intended stay.

Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

North America and the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, St. Barthelemy, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Panama*.

*Passport must be valid three months beyond arrival .

South America

Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.

South Pacific

French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand*, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

*Passport must be valid one month beyond planned departure .

Bottom Line

Some countries have a slight distinction in that they may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should make sure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.

If the country you're traveling to isn't listed above, note that it likely doesn't require anything other than your passport simply being valid throughout your intended stay — double-check with the US State Department website and if you're cutting it close, consider renewing it well in advance to avoid any issues during your trip. For renewal and other passport and visa services, TPG recommends using Allied Passport.

Have you experienced problems with the passport-validity rule? How did you solve your issue? Tell us about it, below.

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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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You Lost Your Passport. Now What?

Summer travel season is upon us. Do you know where your passport is?

By Seth Kugel

While just about every other document is accessible online, a lost passport is one of the last analog emergencies that can derail an international trip.

Here’s a guide to replacing a lost passport according to how fast you need it, how much money you have to spare and where you live. (The process for last-minute renewals of expired passports, by the way, is fairly similar.)

If you’ve got at least three weeks

You’ll be OK. On the State Department website, at travel.state.gov/passports , first report your passport lost and then follow the process for a replacement. On the website, you’ll find a list of 7,500 passport acceptance facilities — including post offices, public libraries and clerk of court offices — where you can make an appointment or, in most cases, come during scheduled walk-in hours. They’ll verify your documents and send them to the State Department, and you’ll get your passport in the mail.

Before the day of your appointment, check what you need to bring , a list that will include at least proof of U.S. citizenship, payment (acceptable forms vary by facility), the right forms (for lost passports, that’s the DS-11 and DS-46) and at most facilities, a properly taken photo .

The “routine” processing time to replace a passport takes six to eight weeks and costs $165; choose the “expedited” service, for an additional $60, to receive your passport in two to three weeks.

You might even get yours “faster than advertised,” said Matt Pierce, a managing director of passport services for the State Department, noting that the pandemic-era backlog was cleared up as of December.

Avoid delays by carefully following instructions, and consider spending an additional $19.53 for faster shipping.

When time is tighter

If your trip is less than three weeks away, you’ll need to take the extra step of going through one of 26 passport processing offices across the United States. If you’re doing it without an outside expediter, you must make an appointment online or over the phone, up to 14 days in advance of your trip.

There are no more walk-ins, an option before the pandemic, but the State Department has increased capacity to eliminate the need for them, Mr. Pierce said, and the offices give special priority to documented “ life-or-death emergencies ” of immediate family members. You’ll need to bring all of your documents, and proof you are traveling soon — like a plane or cruise reservation.

Things can get dicey if you need an appointment in the next day or two. In such cases you can call for an appointment, or contact your local member of Congress.

Laurie Lee, the chief executive of Chicago-based Swift Passport and Visa Services , an expediter, has seen cases where clients on the verge of missing a wedding or another once-in-a-lifetime event spend hours refreshing the site to find a last-minute appointment, and even end up booking flights across the country if they can find an opening. That, of course, costs both time and money.

At the passport office, the process will be similar, except that you’ll likely be able to pick up your passport later in the day. In most cases, said Mr. Pierce, you won’t have to return the next day, but it can happen. (You can also have your passport mailed to you, if you have time.)

Using an expediter

If you have at least three business days and are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for help, consider Swift or one of the other 200-plus agencies registered with the State Department as couriers, or expediters.

Expediters are especially helpful for people who live far from the nearest passport office and cannot or do not want to drive or fly there. But they can also benefit anyone having trouble getting a timely appointment, because they have reserved slots that allow them to bring a client application directly to certain passport offices. Swift, for example, can bring 10 applications a day to the Boston office, and five to the Chicago one. Depending on urgency, Swift’s assistance costs between $155 and $599.

To work with an expediter, you will still need to go to your local passport acceptance facility, like a post office, where workers verify and seal your documents in an envelope, which you then send (or hand-deliver) to the expediter. They’ll take care of the rest, and get your new passport back to you.

What can go wrong

If you’re traveling to a passport agency, leave plenty of time to get there. Screwing up something on the form can also lead to delays that cost you your trip.

“Common errors include signing in the wrong place, not putting the date on their application, having an incorrectly sized passport photo or not being framed correctly in the photo,” said Steve Diehl, chief corporate development officer of CIBTvisas , a large expediter.

Once you get it

When your passport arrives, make digital and paper copies. Change your number on trusted traveler programs like Global Entry, and remember that if your old passport had a visa in it for the country you’re headed to, you’ll also need to rush a replacement of that.

If you do find your old passport later, keep it as a souvenir: It is no longer valid.

If you lose it while abroad

First of all, try not to. Unless you are traveling in a country that strictly requires you to have your passport on your person at all times, stow it in a hotel safe and carry around a photocopy, plus your drivers license.

But if you do lose the passport or have it stolen, report it online to protect yourself from identity theft and then contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for an emergency appointment. You’ll need that paper or a digital copy of your passport, plus similar documents to what you would need for a replacement in the United States. You may receive either an actual replacement passport or an emergency version, usually good for one year.

In a real emergency, you can try a last ditch maneuver: Ask the airline to contact U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to seek permission for you to enter the country without a passport.

Preventative measures

Several expediters advised that many of their clients misplaced their passports during recent moves, so when you pack up your home, be sure to remember where your passport is packed.

Oh, and before you give up on that lost passport, check your home copier or scanner. “I can’t tell you how often people find it in their copy machine,” said Ms. Lee.

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

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How to Renew an Expired Passport

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

In our over 20 years helping readers with travel document issues, we get this question all the time:

Should I renew my expired passport or apply for a new one?

Once a passport is expired, it has outlived its usefulness. You cannot travel abroad nor apply for a travel visa with an expired passport. This means that if your passport's expiration date has passed and you need to travel internationally, you need to get it replaced immediately.

This leaves travelers with two options: apply for a passport renewal by mail or apply for a new passport . Each has its own procedure, fee, and timing to consider.

The best choice for you depends on 3 factors:

• How old you were when your last passport was issued?
• How much time has passed since the passport's expiration date?

If you can afford to wait, submit your renewal application, existing passport, and supporting documents through the mail. You do not need to visit a passport acceptance facility in person.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

When Can an Expired Passport Be Renewed?

You can apply to get your passport renewed by mail at any time as long as your passport meets all of the following criteria:

• The expired passport was issued not more than 15 years ago
• The expired passport was not damaged
• The expired passport is an adult passport that was issued when the holder was 16 years old or older

In other words, passports issued to applicants age 16 or older can be renewed by mail up to 5 years after the expiration date (as long as the passport is not significantly damaged ).

Can I Renew My Passport Early?

Yes! Even if your current passport is still valid, there are good reasons to renew early:

• Long passport application processing times may mean significant delays when you need to renew a passport. If you wait until your passport is expired, you will have to wait until you complete the entire renewal process to be able to travel internationally or even apply for a visa again.
• Other countries have different validity rules when it comes to passports. This means you could have a valid passport that still does not allow you to travel abroad to some destinations. For example, some countries require three or six months of passport validity for entry.

How Do I Replace an Expired Passport That Does Not Qualify for Renewal?

If your expired passport does not meet the criteria listed above, you need to follow the steps for applying for a new passport to get it replaced.

Note: You will also have to pay the $35 execution fee-even though you paid it when getting your first passport.

The Expired Passport Renewal Process

The passport renewal process has several steps. These vary depending upon the passport services you need and if you can provide proof of urgent travel plans.

If time is not a factor, you can get a passport with routine service by following out guide to renewing an expired passport by mail . You can also use this method to renew a passport card or a passport book through the State Department's expedited passport renewal process.

If you need to renew an expired passport fast , hire a registered passport courier service to help. This is the best, most reliable way to get a passport quickly without having to go through the hassle, time, and extra expenses that come with visiting a regional passport agency on your own. Not only that, these experts ensure your applications and supporting materials are in order so that you don't experience unnecessary passport processing delays .

Either way, if you have the opportunity to renew your passport instead of applying for a new one, do it . Passport renewals are easier and less complicated than restarting the entire application process from scratch.

Even if you do not have current plans to travel internationally, renew your passport while you are eligible to do so rather than waiting until your next trip abroad (when it might be too late).

NOTE: Don't throw away or destroy that expired passport! it is possible to use an expired passport as proof of citizenship when you apply for a new passport. So, if you don't intend to replace your expired passport now, you may want to hold on to it so that it is available when you are ready to get a new one.

Steps to Renew your Expired Passport

• Complete a passport renewal application " Form DS-82 : Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail."
• Print and sign the passport application form . This is different than a the new passport application process which requires you to sign your application and take an oath in front of a U.S. State Department official.
• Have a new passport photo taken . You can get acceptable passport photos taken at some post offices and retail locations. For more information, check out our complete guide to where to get a passport photo taken .

The payment rules are the same, too. You cannot pay online. You cannot use a credit card, debit card, or send cash. Instead, you must send a check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of State".

• Prepare your passport renewal documents for submission . Place your signed, completed application Form DS-82, your most recent passport photo, your undamaged passport, and payment for fees in an envelope.
• Include any additional required documents , if applicable. These include items like legal name change documents, a certificate of birth abroad, a marriage certificate, a naturalization document, etc.
• Mail the envelope to the appropriate address on the application form.

Once you have followed these steps, you must wait for your renewed passport book or passport card to arrive. Your supporting documents (including your expired, most recent passport) will be returned to you, as well. Passport applications, themselves, are not returned.

In some cases, these documents will be returned with your passport. Usually, though, they are mailed separately.

How Long Do I Have to Wait for my Expired Passport to be Renewed?

Whether you get a new passport or renew a passport you already have, processing a passport application takes between 6 to 8 weeks for standard service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service . These times are subject to change and can take even longer in times of high demand.

If you have a travel emergency and need to get a passport fast expedite a passport renewal , you can make an appointment at a regional agency.

If you don't have the time, ability, or desire to visit the processing center? Get a third party to go for you. You can authorize a relative, friend, family member, travel agent or an express passport courier to make the trip on your behalf.

Expired Passport Renewal FAQ

Is there still an official record of my expired passport?   Question: Hello--I'm applying for a new passport because my former one expired years ago. I can't find my old passport to use as identification, so ...

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How to renew your passport online.

For the first time since March 2023, online passport renewals are available.

How to Renew a Passport Online

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The Department of Transportation has announced a (second) beta release of its online passport renewal program, which means eligible U.S. citizens can renew their passports online.

Before you begin, know that the system will open for a limited midday eastern time window each day and will close once a certain number of renewals has been met. This will allow the DOT to monitor the system's efficiency in real time.

How to renew your passport online

In order to be eligible for an online passport renewal, the following must be true:

• You live in the U.S.
• Your most recent U.S. passport is in your possession and is not damaged.
• Your most recent U.S. passport was valid for 10 years.
• Your passport book or card was issued between 2009 and 2025, or more than nine years but less than 15 years from the date you submit your application.
• You currently use the same name, gender, date of birth and place of birth provided on your current U.S. passport.
• You can upload a digital passport photo.
• You are applying for a standard U.S. passport.
• You can pay for your passport renewal with a debit or credit card.

Also note that your current passport will no longer be valid (even if it has not yet expired) once you submit your application for renewal.

If you meet all of the above requirements, you can proceed to the U.S. Department of State website.

How to renew your passport by mail

If you have an expired or expiring passport in your possession that was issued when you were at least 16 years old and within the past 15 years, you can renew your passport by mail as long as it's relatively undamaged. You'll need to submit the following documentation:

• Form DS-82:  Complete the  DS-82  renewal application.
• Existing passport:  You will need to send your current U.S. passport, but if you're someone who likes to look back fondly at all of your passport stamps, don't worry – you should receive the original passport back with your new one.
• Passport photo:  Include a new photo that meets passport requirements (outlined in more detail in the FAQ section below).
• Check or money order:  Once you determine the applicable fees for your passport renewal, payment must be made with either a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State," on the front of which you'll print the full name and date of birth of the applicant. You cannot pay online or send cash at this time.

You can mail all your materials – including your old passport and any name change documents – in a large envelope through the U.S. Postal Service to one of the National Passport Processing Center's designated P.O. boxes; the address varies depending on what state you live in and whether you choose expedited or routine service. Note that if you use a delivery method other than USPS, your application will be returned to you without being processed.

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How to renew your passport in person

If your passport has been damaged, lost or stolen; was issued before you turned 16; or is more than 15 years old, you'll need to renew it in person with the following documentation:

• Form DS-11:  You can fill out the  DS-11  passport application online or by hand, but don't sign the form until an authorized agent instructs you to do so.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship:  This evidence can take the form of an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, among  certain other options . Aside from the physical proof, you must also bring a photocopy for the State Department to keep.
• Identification document:  Your government-issued photo ID can be a driver's license, a government employee or military ID, a valid foreign passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or another form of  ID deemed acceptable  by the State Department. Just as with the citizenship proof, you have to make a photocopy of your photo ID too.
• Passport photo:  See the FAQ section below for U.S. passport photo requirements.
• Form of payment:  When submitting your application at a passport acceptance facility (such as designated libraries, post offices or local government offices), you'll need to pay for the application fee with either a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." The acceptance facility will also charge a separate $35 fee that can be paid by money order or (at select locations) by check, cash or card.

Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. passports are valid for 10 years as long as they were issued when you were 16 years of age or older.

It's best to renew your passport several months before it expires, factoring in mailing times plus current processing times, which are six to eight weeks. Note that in many countries, visitors' passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you intend to return to the U.S. You can check the U.S. Department of State's website for information on policies by country.

No, but if you can't supply a birth certificate, you must be able to provide either a valid, undamaged passport; a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth; a Certificate of Naturalization; or a Certificate of Citizenship. If your state issued a birth abstract (a summary of your birth record), you can submit it as long as it meets the requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State.

If you cannot provide any of the above, you will need to submit secondary citizenship evidence such as a delayed birth certificate or a Letter of No Record, plus the DS-10 birth affidavit form and early public records like a baptism certificate or doctor's record of postnatal care. Consult the State Department website for other examples of early public records you can use.

Unless you make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility that is equipped to take passport photos, plan to provide a high-resolution photo taken in the last six months whether you complete the process online, by mail or in person.

Photo specs: The photo should be in color and measure 2 by 2 inches; use the State Department's photo tool to ensure it's the correct size. If you're taking the picture at home, stand in front of a plain white or off-white background that's well lit. You will need to have someone else snap the photo, as selfies are not permitted.

Clothing: Glasses are not permitted in photos, nor is any attire that resembles a uniform. It's best to wear plain, everyday clothing. Hats and head coverings aren't allowed in passport photos, unless you sign a statement verifying they are worn as part of a recognized religious practice or provide a written doctor's note confirming they're for a medical purpose.

Expression: Your head should be centered, in full view and facing forward. Pose with a neutral expression or natural smile (don't show your teeth) and ensure your eyes are open.

If you're confident you can follow the guidelines and want to take your photo at home, you can either print it yourself on matte or glossy photo paper or upload it to a passport photo printing service (offered by CVS, Target, Walmart and others). For online applications, you can simply upload the file.

Otherwise, a passport photo can be easily obtained for a fee from select post offices, shipping stores, passport acceptance facilities, and even big box stores and major drugstores (including the same ones that offer printing services).

Technically, you cannot "renew" a passport for a child younger than age 16. Instead, you must reapply using the same in-person process you went through to acquire their first passport. For a list of step-by-step instructions and required documentation for minors, see How to Get a U.S. Passport for Kids . If your child is at least 16 years of age, however, you can renew their passport using the methods detailed above.

If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, you'll need to provide documentation – such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order – that serves as proof of the name change. This requirement applies with whatever method you choose to renew your passport.

As of 2024, the renewal fee for an adult passport book is $130. The State Department's fee calculator provides additional information on passport fees.

Routine processing times for expired passport renewals currently range from six to eight weeks, beginning when the passport center or agency receives your application to renew your passport, according to the U.S. Department of State. Sometimes the process can take less time, but don't count on it.

If you're in a rush to renew your passport, you can pay for expedited service. There are a couple of options:

If you can wait two to three weeks: Expedite your passport by mail. Clearly write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope. Be sure to submit payment for the $60 expediting fee with your application; if you also want to request the fastest return shipping (which takes one or two days), you'll need to pay $19.53 on top of that.

If you need your passport in days: If you have a life-or-death emergency that requires your passport to be renewed in days or urgent international travel plans necessitating a passport within two weeks, you'll need to make an appointment with a regional passport agency.

Also an option is a service such as RushMyPassport , touting easy, expedited service in as little as one week (though these services can come with a hefty fee). If you're a member of AAA, you can take advantage of exclusive rates on expedited passport renewals through RushMyPassport.

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You Can Now Renew Your Passport Online — Here's How

The new passport renewal method launched this week.

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Renewing a passport is now as easy as a click away.  This week, the State Department, which manages the distribution of passports, announced a new beta test of an online passport renewal program allowing travelers to virtually complete the renewal process.

However, only travelers who currently live in the United States and have passports that were issued between 2009 and 2015 will be able to renew online. Passport holders looking to change their name or date of birth will also not be able to renew online.

Travelers also need to have the ability to upload their own photo. It's worth noting that once an online applications is submitted, a traveler's current passport will be immediately canceled, so those with international travel plans in the near future should not apply. The agency says they do not need travelers to mail their existing passport to them. 

Renewing a passport online will cost $130 and credit card is the only acceptable payment method. “We appreciate your patience while we test our system and prepare for a full launch of the updated online passport renewal system,” the State Department shares on the website about the launch.  The processing time for renewing online through routine service is 6-8 weeks, however mailing time is not included, therefore it could be slightly longer. The online test does not provide the option for expedited or urgent travel.

For travelers seeking an urgent renewal, they are advised to make an appointment with a passport center for processing. The State Department has also published a helpful digital guide with videos that explains the process.  For travelers without a passport and seeking one for the first time, the State Department has been hosting “Special Passport Acceptance Fairs” at various locations this summer to assist in the process. 

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You can get your passport renewed online again. Here's how it works

Jonathan Franklin

The cover of a U.S. Passport is displayed in Tigard, Ore., Dec. 11, 2021. Jenny Kane/AP hide caption

Paging all U.S. travelers (and introverts) — you may not need to make that trip in person to renew your passport after all.

The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday it is bringing back a trial service to renew your passport online, saying it will open the system for all online renewals soon.

As of now, the rollout for online passport renewals is restricted to certain times. Beginning during midday Eastern time, the State Department will accept a limited number of applications. Once the portal has reached its daily limit, it will close until the next day, according to the agency.

Canceled trips and no refunds: Passport delays are derailing travelers

In order to qualify for an online passport renewal, applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens and residents ages 25 and older who have already had an existing passport for 10 years; the passport must still be in the applicant’s possession (and not previously reported lost or stolen. It can, however, be expired.)
• Not be changing their name, gender, date of birth or place of birth for the new passport.
• Live in a U.S. state or territory.
• Be applying for a regular tourist passport.
• Be able to upload a recent digital photo.
• Be able to pay the renewal fee online with either a debit or credit card.

Delays in passport renewals are putting a damper in Americans' summer travel plans

The State Department says those who are not eligible to submit their application online — or who choose not to do so — can always submit their renewal application by mail or in person at a passport agency or center.

State Department officials added that the processing times for an online passport renewal are the same as for those who choose to renew their passport through the mail.

The U.S. State Department first rolled out its online renewal system back in 2021 through an executive order from President Biden. But after several pauses, the program was paused indefinitely in March 2023.

Last year, the State Department faced a backlog of passport renewals and many Americans experienced delays. The agency described it as an “unprecedented demand for passports.”

In 2023, the U.S. issued more than 24 million passports , a record jump from the 22 million it issued the year before.

You can renew U.S. passports online again

The State Department reopened its passport renewal portal just in time for a busy summer of travel.

The State Department on Wednesday reopened its online passport renewal portal , bringing back a trial service that had not been available for more than a year.

The service, available to a limited number of travelers who meet certain requirements, is part of a beta program intended to streamline the renewal process for Americans. For now the program is available only for routine renewals, not expedited services.

Every day beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern time, the State Department will accept a limited number of applications. It will gradually increase capacity daily. Once the portal has reached its daily threshold, it will close until the following afternoon, senior State Department officials said in a press briefing.

Applying online does not guarantee a faster processing time, but it does mean skipping some lag time of sending your application by mail .

To be eligible for the online system, travelers must be U.S. citizens and residents 25 and older who have already had a passport with 10-year validity, among other requirements. Here are a few big examples:

• Applicants can’t request a change to their name, gender, date of birth or place of birth in the application.
• They aren’t traveling internationally for at least eight weeks from the day they submitted their application.
• They’re applying only for a regular passport, and they possess their current passport (it can’t be lost, stolen, damaged or mutilated).
• They can pay with a credit card or debit card, or an ACH (automated clearing house) payment, and are able to upload a digital passport photo in the JPEG file format.
• Their recent passport was issued between nine and 15 years before the application date (it can be expired).

The full requirements are available on the State Department website . Those who do not qualify for the online renewal process can still apply by mail.

This is the second round of public testing of the online renewal system, which was first announced in 2021 through an executive order and was paused in March 2023. According to the State Department website, more than 500,000 customers applied during that initiative. Since last spring, the government has continued working on the system in private, carrying out closed testing to improve the portal.

Officials said this next round of public testing should last a couple months, but they would not specify how many applications will be accepted each day. The gradual nature of the release is designed to track user feedback and address issues in a manageable fashion.

Since the application backlog that began snowballing in 2020, the State Department says it has addressed issues and wrangled processing times back to pre-pandemic levels . The agency did see an uptick in wait times last summer after seeing a record number of applications.

Officials say they have “substantially staffed up” and “implemented a number of efficiencies” that have brought processing times down, and they expect to have “no trouble meeting demand” as summer travel ramps up. Routine application services should now take six to eight weeks, and expedited services two to three weeks. Processing times are made public on the State Department website .

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Our favorite destinations: Take our destination quiz to choose your own adventure. Then read about 12 dream destinations at the top of our wish list — without the crowds.

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National parks: Explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Trace a route along the southern coast of Puerto Rico . See how jamón gets made in the heartland of Spanish pork .

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Do you need to correct or update your U.S. passport due to a name change, data error, or printing error? Pick the topic below to learn how.

Change Your Name

The process to change your name on your passport varies depending on your situation. Expand the boxes below to find the process that applies to you.

Less than one year after BOTH my passport was issued and my name was legally changed

Submit the following by mail:

• Form DS-5504  (find mailing instructions on the form)
• Your most recent U.S. passport
• An original or certified document which shows that you changed your name less than one year after we issued your most recent U.S. passport. Examples include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
• One  passport photo

You will not have to submit any passport fees unless you want expedited service which costs an extra $60. 

More than one year after either my passport was issued or my name was legally changed

You may be eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82 or apply in person using Form DS-11.

Can I renew by mail?

You can renew by mail using  Form DS-82  if your most recent passport:

• Is submitted with your application
• Is undamaged (other than normal wear and tear )
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older
• Was issued within the last 15 years
• Was issued in your current name (or you can show your name change)

If you are eligible to renew, submit the following by mail:

• Your original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• One color  passport photo
• Fees , which are different depending on your age
• Send Form DS-82 and supporting documents using USPS. UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other companies cannot deliver to the PO Box addresses listed on Form DS-82.

How do I apply in person if I cannot renew by mail?

If you are not eligible to renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82,  apply in person  and submit the following:

• Your evidence of U.S. citizenship and photocopy of that evidence
• Valid ID and photocopy of that ID
• Fees , which are different depending on your age

Please note : If your name has changed because you are married  and  you show us an ID issued in your new name, you do not need to submit proof of your name change. You must include the details of the marriage on the second page of Form DS-11.

Already using a different name but cannot show the change

If you cannot show the change with a court order, divorce decree, or marriage certificate, apply in person and submit:

• Your evidence of U.S. citizenship
• Valid ID issued in the name you are currently using and photocopy of that ID

What should I do if my name is different than what is on my citizenship evidence, or I cannot show my new name through marriage or on a court order?

You may need to fill out  Form DS-60: Affidavit Regarding a Change of Name  if:

• The name you are using is different than the name on your evidence of U.S. citizenship, or
• Your new name is not shown on a court order or through marriage.

This form must be completed by two people who have known you by both names. You must also submit three certified or original public records that show you have used the new name for five years or more.

Correct a Data or Printing Error

You can correct your passport if there is a data or printing error. A data error may include an issue with your name, gender, or place of birth. A printing error may include data is missing on the biographical page, discoloration, or crooked printing. We will correct the error at no charge if the passport is still valid.

• Your current passport
• One color photo
• Evidence of the error (e.g. your U.S. birth certificate showing the correct spelling of your last name).
• You will not have to submit any fees.
• If you are reporting the error within one year of us issuing your incorrect passport, the new passport will be valid for 10 years.
• If you are reporting the error after one year, the new passport will be valid until the expiration date of your original, incorrect passport. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i self-select my gender marker.

Please see our Selecting Your Gender Marker  page for information.

I have a passport, but I’ve changed addresses. Do I need to update my passport?

No. You don’t need to update your current passport with your new address.

Call  1-877-487-2778  or  1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) if you have an application in process and you are waiting for a passport. 

My passport photo is really bad. Can I change it?

If your photo looks bad because of our printing error, you can use Form DS-5504 to reapply at no cost to you.

If your photo is printed correctly and you dislike your photo, you may use Form DS-82 (if eligible) to reapply. You must pay the normal fees.

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

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