# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Renew an American Passport in France

Americans living in France for an extended period of time will inevitably face the bureaucratic process of passport renewal. If you meet certain criteria based on the type of passport and original issue date, passport renewal can be done through the mail by sending the full application pack to the United States embassy. As of April 2002 expired passports or passports with less than a 10 year validity must be renewed within the United States.

Instructions

- 1
  Fill out form DS 82. The form can be filled out online and printed or printed blank and completed in blank ink. Sign and date the form.
- 2
  Complete the credit card authorization form or purchase a French blue mandat (money order) for fee payment. The fee for passport renewal is $110.
- 3
  Visit an embassy approved passport photographer and print two copies of the photograph.
- 4
  Mail all necessary paperwork, fees, photographs and a self-addressed, pre-paid Chronopost envelope in Chronopost tracking envelope to the United States Embassy in France. The Chronopost tracking envelope is available in all French post offices and ensures faster, more secure passport service.