How to Renew Your Passport in 2026: Steps, Fees & Tips

2026-08-12 · How Do Everything

Passport renewal is surging in 2026. The U.S. State Department now processes well over 20 million passport applications every year, and with demand continuing to climb thanks to a boom in international travel, getting your paperwork right the first time has never been more important. A single error — the wrong photo, a missing signature, or an incorrect fee — can stall your application by weeks or even months. Here is everything you need to know to get your new passport in hand without the headache.

Are You Eligible to Renew? Check Before You Apply

Not every applicant qualifies for the simpler renewal process. You can renew by mail or online using Form DS-82 from the U.S. Department of State if all of the following apply to you:

• Your most recent passport is undamaged and in your possession (it has not been reported lost or stolen).
• It was issued when you were 16 or older.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• The name on the passport is still your legal name, or you have legal documentation of a name change.

If any condition above does not apply — for example, your passport is significantly damaged, was issued when you were a minor, or was issued more than 15 years ago — you must apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility. Children under 16 must always apply in person with both parents or guardians present.

Choose Your Renewal Method: Online, By Mail, or In Person

There are now three ways to renew, and picking the right one for your situation saves both time and money.

Option 1: Online Renewal (Fastest & Easiest for Eligible Adults)

Eligible adults who do not need expedited service can now renew entirely online. The only official, authorized portal is opr.travel.state.gov — beware of third-party websites that claim to offer online renewal, as they may be fraudulent and can put your personal data at risk. No one else is permitted to sign and submit your online application for you.

To qualify for online renewal you must be 25 or older, physically located in the United States at the time of application, and your passport must be expiring within one year or have expired fewer than five years ago. You also should not have international travel scheduled within the next six weeks, since the online path is designed for routine — not urgent — processing.

The process involves creating an account, entering your passport details, uploading a compliant digital photo (2×2 inches, plain white background), reviewing everything for accuracy, and paying by credit or debit card.

Option 2: Renew By Mail

Mail renewal is the most common route. Complete Form DS-82 — available on the State Department's website — and assemble a packet that includes your most recent passport, a compliant passport photo stapled to the application, and the correct fee paid by personal check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State. Never send cash. Mail your package to the National Passport Processing Center address listed on the DS-82 instructions, and always use a trackable postal service to protect your documents.

One detail that trips people up: you must staple your photo to the application using four staples vertically in the corners, as close to the outer edges of the photo as possible, and never bend the photo. Your old passport will be returned to you in a separate mailing, which can take up to two weeks after your new passport arrives.

Option 3: In-Person at a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility

In-person renewal is required when you do not meet eligibility for the mail or online options, or when you have a travel emergency. If you are traveling in fewer than three weeks, make an appointment at a regional passport agency immediately. You can call the State Department's National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 for assistance.

What Documents Do You Need?

• Your most recent U.S. passport (must be submitted with the application for mail renewals).
• A completed Form DS-82 (for mail or in-person renewal).
• One compliant passport photo — more on this below.
• Correct fee payment (check or money order for mail; card for online).
• Legal name-change documents (if your name has changed since your last passport was issued — a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is required).

Passport Photo Requirements: The #1 Cause of Rejections

A non-compliant photo is the single most common reason passport applications are rejected or delayed. The requirements are strict: the photo must be 2×2 inches, taken in color within the last six months, against a plain white or off-white background. Your face must be centered, clearly visible, and forward-facing with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Glasses, hats, filters, and heavy shadows are not accepted.

Starting January 1, 2026, the State Department rejects any passport photo that has been digitally altered by AI tools — including the photo-editing apps many people routinely use to brighten or touch up images. When in doubt, use a professional passport photo service at a pharmacy, post office, or AAA location, or follow the State Department's official photo tool to check compliance before you submit.

2026 Passport Renewal Fees at a Glance

• Passport book (adult renewal): $130
• Passport card only: $30 (note: the passport card cannot be used for international air travel — it is valid only for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean)
• Both book and card: $160
• Expedited processing add-on: $60 (brings the book total to $190)
• 1–2 day return delivery (optional): approximately $22.05
• Passport photo (if needed): $0–$17 depending on where you get it

Most applicants end up spending between $145 and $215 once photos and shipping are factored in. Importantly, renewals by mail or online do not require the $35 in-person "execution fee" that first-time applicants pay — a meaningful saving.

How Long Will It Take?

Routine processing currently takes approximately 6–8 weeks door-to-door once mailing time is added to the 4–6 weeks of government processing. If you pay the $60 expedite fee, that window shortens to roughly 4–5 weeks total. Adding the optional 1–2 day priority return shipping can shave additional days off the back end once your passport is approved.

Timing matters too: the State Department sees its heaviest application volume from late winter through summer. Applying between October and December typically yields the fastest turnaround. Whatever season you apply, plan well ahead — most travel experts recommend renewing at least six months before your passport expires, partly because many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Passport by Mail

1. Confirm eligibility. Check that your current passport meets the DS-82 criteria (issued at 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged, in your possession).
2. Download and complete Form DS-82. Fill it out online at the State Department's official website, then print and sign it in black ink. Never use an e-signature — only a live ink signature is accepted. Do not type over or white out any errors; neatly strike through mistakes, write the correct information next to them, and initial the change.
3. Get a compliant passport photo. Ensure it meets all State Department specifications: 2×2 inches, white background, taken within the last six months, no AI edits.
4. Staple the photo to your form. Use four staples in the corners; do not fold or bend the photo.
5. Prepare your payment. Write a personal check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." Include the expedite fee check separately if applicable.
6. Assemble your packet. Include your completed DS-82, your current passport, your photo, payment, and any supporting documents (name-change certificate, etc.). Use an envelope large enough to hold the application flat — do not fold it.
7. Mail with tracking. Use USPS Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express (which come with free flat-rate envelopes that fit the application) and keep your tracking number.
8. Monitor your application. Use the State Department's status tracking tool or call 877-487-2778 to check on progress.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Non-compliant photo. This is the number-one reason for delays and rejections. AI-edited photos are now automatically flagged.
• Missing or inconsistent signature. The State Department compares your signature against previous documents. E-signatures are never accepted.
• Sending cash. Cash cannot be processed and will cause your application to be returned.
• Incomplete personal information. Missing Social Security numbers, incorrect dates of birth, or typographical errors in your name can all trigger delays.
• Wrong processing tier. If you need your passport in under six weeks, choose expedited service — routine processing will not arrive in time.
• Waiting too long. Applying only a few weeks before travel, especially in peak season, is a gamble. Start the process at least six months ahead when possible.
• Using unofficial websites. Third-party sites that charge extra fees to "renew your passport online" are not authorized by the government. Always go directly to travel.state.gov.

For the most up-to-date requirements and to begin your application, visit the U.S. Department of State's official passport portal. Policies and processing times can shift throughout the year, so checking there immediately before you submit is always a smart final step.