Determine if you're eligible to renew your passport by mail. You can renew your passport by mail if your original passport is undamaged, was issued within the last 15 years and you were 16 or older when it was first issued. Your passport is also renewable by mail if your original passport was issued in your current name or you can legally show proof of your name change. If you meet this criteria, continue to step 2. If you don't meet this criteria you must renew your passport in person.
Complete a DS-82 form and print it out. These forms can be found on the U.S. Dept. of State's website. Those without Internet access can go to a local passport acceptance facility to get an application. In North Carolina, these facilities include local libraries, post offices, state and municipal government offices. The Bailey Post Office in Bailey, N.C. and the Mint Hill Station in Chapel Hill, N.C. are examples of two passport acceptance facilities located in North Carolina.
Sign and date your application. This section is on the first page of your application. Submitting your application without a signature could delay your application from being processed.
Mail your completed application and additional documentation to the address listed on the form. Applicants must send in their recent passport, two passport photos, any applicable fees and a marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed. It takes approximately four to six weeks to process applications with standard delivery. Those who choose to spend the extra money to expedite their application will receive it within two to three weeks.
Locate a passport acceptance facility in North Carolina. It would also be wise to find an acceptance facility that offers passport photographs on site. The U.S. Department of State website provides a great research tool to help individuals find acceptance facilities in their area, with additional search criteria to help customize their search results.
Complete and print the DS-11 form. Do not sign the application until you're instructed to do so by the acceptance agent. Bring the completed form with you to your appointment. This form can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
Show proof of U.S. citizenship. Applicants must show evidence of citizenship by showing one of the following: a certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth, a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship.
Present a form of identification. A naturalization certificate, valid driver's license, a current government ID or a current military ID are all acceptable forms of identification.
Provide two passport photographs and pay the applicable passport fees. Sign and date the application when instructed to do so by the acceptance agent.
