Make sure you are eligible to renew your passport by mail. In order to meet the renewal requirements, the previously issued passport must be in your possession, undamaged and in your current name. If the passport was issued under a previous name, you must be able to document that name change with a marriage certificate, court decree or other official document. Only passports that were issued when the applicant was age 16 or older can be renewed.
If your passport does not meet these requirements, you must apply as a first-time applicant in person at a passport acceptance facility. Use the link in the Resources section to locate a passport acceptance facility close to you.
Fill out form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail, which is the renewal form. You can download and print the form on the U.S. Department of State website or pick up a hard copy at a passport acceptance facility or regional passport agency. You may type your responses into the online version of Form DS-82 and then print the form. If you choose to fill out the form by hand, use black ink and print legibly. Sign the form on the first page.
Purchase two passport-size photographs that are compliant with the U.S. Department of State photograph guidelines. Photographs must be in color and measure 2 by 2 inches. Your head and shoulders must be the focus of the picture and should be set against a white background. Dress in the attire you normally travel in. If you regularly wear a hairpiece, glasses or hearing aide, make sure these objects are visible in the photo. If you have the proper photographic equipment, you can take the photographs yourself. Otherwise, purchase them at a local pharmacy or photo shop that sells passport-size photographs. AAA members can obtain photos at their local agency.
Calculate the renewal fee required to process your application. Passport renewal fees fluctuate, and will also depend on whether you are renewing a passport card, passport book or both. Use the link listed in the Resources section to find an up-to-date listing of fees and methods of payment. Passport renewal applications that arrive at the agency without the appropriate fees will be returned to the sender.
Mail your previously issued passport, the renewal form, the passport photographs and the passport renewal fees to the National Passport Processing Center. If your passport displays a previous name, also send official documentation of your legal name change. The U.S. Department of State advises applicants to mail their application in a padded envelope using a traceable delivery service offered by the United States Postal Service, UPS or Fed Ex. Use a secure means of packaging, such as a Tyvek envelope. Send applications to the following address:
National Passport Processing Center
PO Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
