Find your old or about-to-expire passport. Replacing a passport that is already expired or about to expire from within the United States is a breeze. Since you've already gone through the steps to apply for the passport in person, you don't need to physically go anywhere to replace it once it's expired. Your old passport will be returned to you, but it will be voided with a stamp through the cover.
Fill out Form DS-82. In order to renew your passport via mail you must fill out Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. There are strict specifications for replacing passports with the DS-82, and you may only apply for a replacement using this form if certain requirements are met. You must be able to submit your old passport, your last passport must have been issued when you were at least 16 years old, your most recent passport book or card is 15 years old or newer, and your name has not changed. If one or more of these guidelines do not apply, then you cannot replace your passport by mail and must appear in person.
Submit with the photos and fee. To complete the replacement process from within the United States, you must also include one passport photo, which can be taken at local photo shops or supermarkets, and the passport fee, which will vary depending on whether you are an adult or a minor, and whether you're getting a passport book or passport card. The passport photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and 2 x 2-inch in size.
Visit the nearest consulate or embassy. If you're outside of the United States and you misplaced your passport or it was stolen from you, then you must visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate as soon as possible and report the loss to the local police. Sometimes appointments are required for passport services at embassies or consulates, but consulates do provide emergency travel services. Depending on which country you are in, the rules may vary so it's best to either go in person or visit the website for most up-to-date information.
