Use the Internet to visit the U.S. State Department website to access and download a passport renewal application form. Print the application, and fill it out completely. If your passport is more than 15 years old, print and complete the first-time passport application form.
Gather the required documents to submit with your passport application, including one passport photo, your expired passport and the current passport fees in the form of credit card, check or money order. If you are reapplying for your passport, you need one passport photo, a birth certificate or other acceptable evidence of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and a copy of your photo ID and passport application fees. In either case, if your name has changed due to marital status, proof of your new name also must be included.
Mail your passport renewal application with the required documents to the National Passport Processing Center. If you are requesting expedited service for travel in less than two weeks time, the address differs slightly. Both addresses are listed on the passport renewal application form.
Make an appointment at the nearest regional passport agency or visit the nearest passport acceptance facility to submit your application in person. Bring your application and all the required documents with you. Select standard or expedited service, based on your travel schedule. It takes four to six weeks to receive your passport with standard service and two to three weeks with expedited service.
