Have two, 2-inch square passport photos taken of yourself that meet the guidelines outlined by the Bureau of Consular Affairs (see Resources). Ensure the photo is not overexposed, dark, over-sized, low-quality, shadowed, off-center, out-of-focus or old. Visit a passport photo booth at a Walgreens, CVS or other retailer to have suitable pictures taken for you.
Print form DS-82 from the Bureau of Consular Affair's Web site or pick up a copy from your local passport facility.
Fill in your contact information on the two-page form using a black pen. Refer to your previous passport to verify accuracy of the information.
Review to the "Passport Fees" chart to determine the appropriate renewal fees (see Resources). Fill out a check or money order accordingly.
Staple one 2- by 2-inch passport photo to the form to the right of Items 10 and 11. Follow the guidelines on the field for staple positioning.
Enclose the form in a padded envelope with your most recent U.S. passport, extra passport photo and passport fee payment. Provide proof of name change, such as marriage certificate or court order, if the name on your previous passport is different than the name you currently use.
Mail the envelope to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
Expedite the processing by including an extra expedited processing fee in the package, as listed on the "Passport Fees" chart. Write "Expedite" in bold letters on the envelope, and mail it to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
