Reviewed July 31, 2026

Renew an adult U.S. passport

Check eligibility before choosing online renewal, renewal by mail, or a new in-person application.

Direct answer

Eligible adults requesting routine service may renew online. Others who meet the DS-82 rules can renew by mail. If you do not qualify, apply in person with Form DS-11.

Check eligibility

Use the Department of State’s online eligibility tool or form guide. Online renewal has its own requirements, including citizenship or U.S. national status, age at issuance, passport validity history, possession of the passport, no changes to name or personal data unless supported by the permitted process, and routine service.

Online renewal

  1. Confirm every eligibility statement on the official online renewal site.
  2. Create or use the required account and enter the passport information.
  3. Upload a qualifying digital photo.
  4. Pay the fee electronically and submit.
  5. Do not travel internationally using the old passport after submitting; the Department of State cancels it during processing.

Renewal by mail

If eligible for Form DS-82 but not using online renewal, complete and sign the current form, include your most recent passport, one compliant photo, fee, and any required name-change document, and mail it to the address in the current instructions. Mailing addresses depend on service and location, so do not reuse an old address.

Official sources

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