To renew your passport by mail, you must send an envelope containing a completed DS-82 Form (which be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State Website), your old passport and two passport photos conforming to all conditions specified on the Department of State website.
The passport fee (check the D.O.S. website for current fees) by check or money order.
If your name has changed, you should send your marriage certificate or a court order bearing official evidence of the name change.
If you need your passport within two weeks for travel or four weeks for a foreign visa, you can apply in person at a regional passport office. You can find a list of local addresses on the Department of State website. First, you must schedule an appointment using the automated appointment system number found on the D.O.S. website.
When you visit the regional office you must bring:
A completed DS-11 Form (which can be downloaded from the D.O.S. website).
Your old passport.
A photocopy of the photo page of your old U.S. passport.
Two passport photos (conforming to all conditions specified on the Department of State website).
The passport renewal fee (this can be paid with a credit or debit card at the office, as well as a check or postal order).
If your name has changed, you should bring your marriage certificate or a court order bearing official evidence of the name change.
As of December, 2010, the standard processing time for a mail-order passport renewal was four to six weeks. The (more expensive) expedited service took two to three weeks. Emergency passport renewal times varied but were often dependent on the urgency of the application.
