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DS-82 Eligibility Checker

You can only use Form DS-82 (mail-in renewal) if all five of the following conditions are true. If any one condition is false, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.

All 5 conditions must be true to use DS-82

Read each condition carefully. “Most recent passport” means the last passport issued to you — even if expired.

1

You have your most recent U.S. passport to submit. You must physically enclose it in your renewal envelope. You cannot renew if your passport is lost, stolen, or you simply can’t find it.
2

You were 16 years of age or older when your most recent passport was issued. Passports issued before age 16 cannot be renewed by mail, regardless of how recently they were issued.
3

Your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago. If it has been 15 or more years since your last passport was issued, you must use DS-11 and appear in person.
4

Your passport is undamaged and in submittable condition. No water damage, no holes, no significant tears, no missing pages, no writing or stamps beyond official use. Damaged passports require DS-11.
5

Your name is the same as on your current passport, OR you have a legal name change document. If your name changed and you have a marriage certificate or court order showing the change, you can still use DS-82 — include the original or certified copy.

If any of the above conditions is false, stop here — you must use Form DS-11 and appear in person. DS-82 applications that fail eligibility will be returned and cause significant delays.

✅

All five conditions are true? Great — you can renew by mail.

Proceed to the steps below. The process is straightforward and takes about 30–60 minutes to prepare your renewal package.

Step-by-Step

How to Renew by Mail — DS-82 Instructions

These steps walk you through everything from downloading the form to dropping your envelope in the mail. Follow in order.

1

Download and Complete Form DS-82

Download the current version of Form DS-82 from travel.state.gov. You can also use the online form filler to generate a completed, printable version. Use your legal name as you want it to appear on your new passport.

Unlike DS-11, you do not need to sign DS-82 in front of an acceptance agent. You sign it yourself at home before mailing. Sign exactly as you want your name to appear, using your full legal signature.

Important: Always download the current version of DS-82 from travel.state.gov. Older versions of the form may be rejected. The form revision date appears in the bottom left corner.
2

Get a Compliant 2″×2″ Passport Photo

Obtain one color passport photo that meets all State Department requirements: exactly 2 inches by 2 inches, printed on photo paper, taken within the last 6 months, white or off-white background, no glasses, neutral expression, eyes open and looking at the camera.

Do not staple or tape the photo to the form. Write your name lightly in pencil on the back of the photo and attach it with a paper clip or place it inside the envelope as instructed on the form.

Photo services: CVS, Walgreens, USPS, UPS Store, and most pharmacies offer same-day compliant passport photos for $10–$18. See the full photo requirements guide for all specifications.
3

Prepare Your Payment
Payment for DS-82 renewals must be made by check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Credit cards are not accepted for mail-in renewals.

Write your full name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your SSN on the memo line of your check or money order. This links your payment to your application if the envelope is separated in transit.
- 💳
  Passport book (routine): $130.00 to U.S. Department of State
- 💳
  Passport card only (routine): $30.00 to U.S. Department of State
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  Book + card (routine): $160.00 to U.S. Department of State
- 💳
  Add expedited processing: +$60.00 (include in the same check or as a second check)
⚠️

No Credit Cards for Mail Renewals

Unlike in-person applications at regional passport agencies, mail-in DS-82 renewals require a check or money order. Applications received without proper payment will be rejected and returned.
4

Assemble Your Complete Renewal Package
Place these items together in a single envelope — everything must be included or your application will be returned:
- ✓
  Completed and signed Form DS-82
- ✓
  Your most recent U.S. passport (the old one will be cancelled and returned to you)
- ✓
  One 2″×2″ color passport photo
- ✓
  Check or money order for the correct amount made out to U.S. Department of State
- ✓
  Legal name change document (if your name changed) — original marriage certificate or certified copy of court order
- ✓
  Evidence of urgent travel (if requesting expedited processing) — copy of flight itinerary or international travel bookings
Use a padded or rigid envelope to protect your old passport during transit. Write “DO NOT BEND” on the outside. Use Priority Mail or a trackable shipping service so you have proof of delivery.
5

Mail to the Correct Processing Facility

Mail your application to a U.S. Department of State processing center. There are two main facilities; the State Department routes applications based on processing load, but you can address your envelope to the facility below:

U.S. Passport Mailing Addresses

Routine Processing

U.S. Department of State
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Expedited Processing

U.S. Department of State
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90107
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0107
Write “EXPEDITE” on outer envelope

ℹ️

Verify mailing addresses before sending

Processing center addresses can change. Always confirm the current mailing address at travel.state.gov before mailing, especially for expedited applications.
6

Track Your Application Status
After mailing, you can track your passport renewal status using two methods:
- 🌐
  Online: travel.state.gov → “Check Passport Application Status” using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of SSN. Status typically appears within 2–3 weeks of the processing center receiving your application.
- 📞
  Phone: 1-877-487-2778 (Mon–Fri 8am–10pm ET; Sat–Sun 10am–3pm ET). The automated system is available 24/7.
Your cancelled old passport will be mailed back to you separately, usually before your new passport arrives. The new passport is mailed via first-class mail by default. Upgrade to 1–2 day delivery for $19.53 by adding a prepaid Priority Mail Express envelope with your application.

Processing Times

How Long Will DS-82 Renewal Take?

Times are estimates from when the processing center receives your application. Add mailing time in both directions (3–5 business days each way). Verify current times at travel.state.gov.

Routine Processing

6–8 weeks

Standard processing. Does not include mailing time to the facility or return delivery. Budget 7–10 weeks total from the day you mail.

No additional fee

Expedited Processing

2–3 weeks

Add $60 to your payment and write “EXPEDITE” on the envelope. Budget 3–4 weeks total including mailing time.

+$60 expedite fee

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Add mailing time in both directions

Processing times shown above do not include the 3–5 business days for your package to reach the processing center by regular mail, or the 3–5 days for the completed passport to be mailed back. Using Priority Mail (2–3 days) and a prepaid return delivery envelope can reduce total wait time by about a week.

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Do Not Travel Until Your New Passport Arrives

Your old passport will be cancelled and physically returned to you with “CANCELLED” punched through it — it is no longer valid for travel. Do not book or plan international trips that depend on your renewed passport arriving by a specific date unless you are using expedited processing with significant lead time.

While You Wait

What to Do While Your Passport Is Processing

6–8 weeks is a long time. Here are practical steps to take while your renewal is in progress.

✈️

Don’t Book Non-Refundable Travel

Avoid booking non-refundable international flights until your new passport is in hand. Processing delays happen.

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Check Destination Visa Requirements

Use the State Department’s country information pages to check visa and entry requirements for your destination well in advance.

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Note Your Application Number

Keep your post office tracking number and the application locator number from your DS-82 receipt so you can check status efficiently.

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Upgrade to Expedited If Needed

If your travel timeline moves up, call 1-877-487-2778 within the first week of mailing to request an upgrade to expedited processing.

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Make Copies of Your Documents

Keep copies of your old passport data page and your DS-82 application in a safe place while they’re in transit.

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Enroll in STEP

Register future international trips in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety alerts and emergency support abroad.

2026 Fees

Complete 2026 DS-82 Fee Table

DS-82 fees are lower than DS-11 because there is no acceptance fee. Payment must be by check or money order only for mail renewals.

2026 U.S. Passport Renewal Fees — DS-82 by Mail

Fee Type	Who Pays	Amount	Notes
Passport Book Renewal (age 16+)	Adult renewal	$130.00	Standard book
Passport Card Renewal Only (age 16+)	Adult renewal	$30.00	Card only
Book + Card Renewal (age 16+)	Adult renewal	$160.00	Both documents
Acceptance Fee	N/A for DS-82	$0.00	No acceptance fee for mail
Expedite Fee (optional)	All applicants	$60.00	Add to State Dept. payment
1–2 Day Return Delivery (optional)	Applicant	$19.53	Prepaid USPS Express envelope
Total — Book, Routine Renewal	Adult age 16+	$130.00	Cheapest option
Total — Book, Expedited Renewal	Adult age 16+	$190.00	Faster option

* Fees verified January 2026. Always confirm current fees at travel.state.gov before submitting payment.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common DS-82 questions, including when to renew, what happens if you make a mistake, and what to do if your passport hasn’t arrived.