Have your existing passport ready to turn in. In order to prevent fraud, you must submit your existing passport when applying for a renewal. There are exceptions, but this is the general requirement.
Be prepared to fill out one or more renewal forms. If your passport is misplaced, you'll have to fill out two forms for a lost or stolen passport. The first is Form DS-64. You'll also need to complete Form DS-11. Turn in both forms together if it is lost, destroyed or stolen. For a simple passport renewal, fill out Form DS-82. Consult the link provided in the Resources section for the individual form that best suits your needs.
Save time by renewing your passport through the mail if you have your current passport. The passport needs to have been issued when you were 16 years of age or older. It also needs to have been issued within the past 15 years. Mail should be addressed to U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C., 20036,
Obtain a couple of 2-inch passport photographs if your appearance has changed since your existing passport photograph was taken. If more than 10 years have passed since your last passport photo was taken, you should have a new one taken even if you think your appearance is the same.
Be prepared with a marriage license or legal name-change papers if your name is now different than the name on your existing passport.
