You can renew by mail if your current passport is undamaged and can be submitted with your application, if it was issued when you were at least 16 years of age, within the last 15 years and you have not changed your name (or if you have, you can legally document it). All other applicants must visit an approved Passport Acceptance Facility.
The U.S. passport card is a wallet-size travel document that can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. It cannot be used for international air travel. It is less expensive than a passport book and can be acquired through the renewal process by current passport book holders.
To renew by mail, you must submit Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. This form can also be found and submitted online at the U.S. Department of State website (see Resources). The additional required documents must be mailed. They include a current passport, two passport photos and additional fees. Additionally, the application can be submitted in person.
Renewal fees for an Adult Passport Book and Card are $95 as of 2009. It is $75 for the Passport Book alone and $20 for the Passport Card, provided you have a current and valid passport.
All minors must apply in person. The Minor Passport Book and Card is $70 as of 2009. The Minor Passport Book is $60 and the Minor Passport Card is $10. All have an additional execution fee of $25.
