How to Renew a U.S. Passport at the Post Office

Co-authored by Crystal Bear

Last Updated: November 23, 2024 Approved

The United States Department of State issues passports to allow citizens to enter another country's borders and return. If you already have a passport, but it has expired or is about to expire, you can renew it in person at many United States Postal Service (USPS) locations. By doing so, you avoid the risk of your materials being lost in the mail and may be able to get your application in a little faster, too.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making Plans for an Appointment

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1
Find a post office branch that can process your application. Not every post office branch offers passport services, so your first step should be finding one that does.
- You can visit the Department of State website to find the nearest facility that offers passport services. There is a search page provided by the Bureau of Consular Affairs that will provide a list of nearby locations, based on your zip code or city. ^{[1]
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- In addition to providing a list of applicable locations, this site also contains information about the types of services offered (e.g. whether or not your photo can be taken on-site), dates and times that passport services are available, and a telephone number for each facility.
- Some public libraries, county clerk offices, and other government agencies also offer passport application services. ^{[2]
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  Research source} In some areas, these offices may provide the service instead of a post office.
- You can also call your local post office to see if they process passports at their location. If they do not have passport services, they will probably be able to tell you where the nearest facility is.
2
Find a place to get passport photos. When renewing your passport, you will also need get a new passport photo taken. ^{[3]
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- When searching for a post office branch at which to submit your passport on the Department of State website, you can check the box for "Photo On-site," to see only locations that provide this service. The "Photo Nearby" box will show you locations at which there is somewhere close to get your photo taken beforehand. ^{[4]
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- Passport photos can also often be obtained at photocopy and shipping stores, photography studios, and even some retail stores and pharmacies. ^{[5]
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3
Schedule an appointment. Call the nearest USPS location that offers passport services to make an appointment for your application.
- Some facilities accept walk-in customers, but it's a good idea to call ahead and check, even if you believe this is the case at your local post office. ^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Completing the Paperwork

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1
Choose the proper form. In most cases, you can use the standard DS-82 passport renewal form. ^{[7]
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- In order to apply with a standard DS-82 renewal form you must have your last passport book. It must have been issued less than 15 years ago, but after you turned 16 years old. ^{[8]
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- If your last passport was lost or stolen, you must report it as such immediately. You must submit forms DS-11, Application for a US Passport, and DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport, at your appointment. ^{[9]
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- If you are under 16 and need to renew your Passport, you must also use the DS-11 form, which is normally used for new applications. ^{[10]
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- Applicants under 16 who are applying without both parents present will also need to include a parental consent form, DS-3053: Statement of Consent. ^{[11]
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2
Obtain the forms. You can pick up the applicable form or forms at a USPS branch that offers passport services, or get them online.
- You can print a renewal form from the U.S. Department of State website. If you aren't sure which form you need, the Department of State website has a feature that helps you to choose the right form, based on information you provide about yourself. ^{[12]
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3
Fill out your application. You can enter information directly into the form online, or fill it out by hand. Use black ink only. ^{[13]
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- If you are printing out your forms, print them on single-sided pages.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Submitting your Application

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1
Get passport photos taken. If you aren't getting your passport photos taken at the post office when you file your application, get them taken in advance so you can bring them to your appointment.
- These photos should be 2 by 2 inches (5.1 by 5.1 cm), in color, with a white background. Your face should cover about 80 percent of the photo's surface, and it should be taken within the last 6 months. ^{[14]
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- Failure to provide an appropriate photo may delay your passport application.
2
Gather your documentation. Bring a copy of of your DS-82 form, your old passport, and any other documents you may need.
- If you are over 16 and have an undamaged passport that is less than 15 years old, no other documents should be required. ^{[15]
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- If you have lost your old passport or are under 16 (i.e. you need to file a DS-11), you'll need to bring proof of citizenship (i.e. a certificate of live birth or of naturalization) and another piece of identification. ^{[16]
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- Acceptable choices for your second piece of identification include a formerly issued US passport, driver's license (not temporary or learner's license), military identification, or federal, state, or municipal government employee identification card. ^{[17]
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- For a person under 16, you'll also need documentation of parents' identities, and a consent form from any parent not present at the appointment. ^{[18]
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- If either parent has died, a death certificate must be provided as well. ^{[19]
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- If you are changing your name, bring either a marriage certificate or court order that shows the name change. ^{[20]
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Go to the post office where you have made your appointment. Make sure to be on time and to bring all your documents and a means of payment.
4
Pay the fee. As of February 2018, an adult renewal is $110. If you need you passport fast and wish to have it expedited, it will cost an extra $60.
- If you have to file a DS-11 rather than a DS-82, you will also have to pay a $35 acceptance fee.
- It's a good idea to pay using a check or money order so that payment can be tracked.
5
Wait for your passport to arrive. It should take approximately four to six weeks to receive your passport by mail. Expedited passports will usually take two to three weeks. ^{[21]
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- While you're waiting for your passport to arrive, you can track the status of your application online. ^{[22]
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Question

Is it possible to renew your passport during a government shutdown?

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Typically, yes, but it may take longer than usual. Passport offices usually continue to operate during shutdowns as long as they’re able to bring in enough revenue from passport application and renewal fees, but processing time will likely be impacted, so try to apply as far in advance as possible.

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Can I take my own passport photo?

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Yes, as long as you’re able to meet the basic requirements for the photo. You’ll need to take a color picture that shows your entire face, and your face (from your chin to the top of your head) needs to fill between 50 and 69% of the total height of the picture. Take the picture against a white or off-white background, and keep both eyes open and your expression neutral. Don’t wear glasses unless you can’t take them off for medical reasons, and don’t wear a hat, headdress, or other accessories unless it’s part of your regular religious attire. Once you have your picture, you’ll need to print it out on photo paper at passport size (2 inches by 2 inches).

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How long does it take to get my renewed passport back?

Community Answer

Normally, it will take 4-6 weeks. For an additional $60 (roughly), you can have it expedited to 2-3 weeks.

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Tips

If you are traveling within the next 14 days and need a passport before then, you will need to apply at a regional passport agency. Research the address and phone number of your regional office on the Department of State website, and then schedule an appointment. These regional governmental offices provide expedited passports for those who need them in a hurry. ^{[23]
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Passport renewal applications can also be sent by mail. However, if your old passport is badly damaged or you are under 16, you must renew in person. ^{[24]
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You can also apply for a passport card on the renewal form. Passport cards allow you to enter Canada and Mexico without a passport book. They do not work for travel to other countries. A passport card is $30 for adults.

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Warnings

Many private websites offer passport renewal services. This is not necessary since you can apply for a renewal at a post office or through the mail. It is dangerous to give your personal information to a third party, as it could be used for a passport scam.

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If you are behind on child support payments, you may not be granted a passport renewal. ^{[25]
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How to Renew a U.S. Passport at the Post Office

Steps

Making Plans for an Appointment

Completing the Paperwork

Submitting your Application

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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