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Passports guide

Can I renew my passport online, or do I have to go in person?

Most adults never need to stand in line to renew. Whether you can renew online, by mail, or have to apply in person comes down to a few questions about your current passport. Here’s how to tell in two minutes.

By the Paperwork Hero editorial team · Checked against travel.state.gov · Updated Nov 2026 · 6 min read
The short answer

You can usually renew without going in person if your current passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name (or you can document the change). If any of those is a no, you’ll apply in person with Form DS-11.

Check your eligibility

You can renew online or by mail if…
✓ Your passport is undamaged and in your possession
✓ You were 16 or older when it was issued
✓ It was issued within the last 15 years
✓ It’s in your current name, or you can document the change
You must apply in person if…
✕ This is your first passport
✕ You’re under 16, or were when it was issued
✕ It’s lost, stolen or damaged
✕ It was issued more than 15 years ago

Your three ways to renew

1
Online, directly with the State Department
Eligible adults in the U.S. can renew entirely online at travel.state.gov for the same $130 fee. Online renewal is routine service only and can’t be expedited, and your current passport is canceled when you submit, so don’t use it if you travel within about 6 weeks.
2
By mail with Form DS-82
Fill out DS-82, attach a new 2x2 photo, your old passport and the fee, and mail it in. You can add expedited service for an extra fee.
3
With a guided service
A service like GovPlus turns the form into simple questions and checks it before you send it. You still pay government fees, plus a service fee.
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How long will it take?

The State Department currently lists 4–6 weeks for routine processing and 2–3 weeks for expedited ($60 extra). Mail can add up to 2 weeks each way, so routine can take about 10 weeks door to door. If you travel sooner than that, see our guide to expedited passport options.

The most common mistakes
  • A photo that doesn’t meet the requirements (glasses, shadows, wrong size)
  • Using DS-82 when you actually need DS-11
  • Paying the wrong fee or forgetting the expedite fee
  • Not including name change documents

Passport renewal FAQs

How much does it cost to renew a passport?

$130 for an adult passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both. Expedited service adds $60, and faster return shipping is extra.

Can I renew online if I’m traveling soon?

Not if your trip is within about 6 weeks. Online renewal is routine service only, and submitting cancels your current passport. Renew by mail with expedited service, or see our expedited options.

Do I get my old passport back?

If you renew by mail, yes. The State Department cancels it and mails it back, usually separately from your new passport.

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