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How to Get or Renew a US Passport: The Full Process

Getting or renewing a US passport follows a fairly predictable process once you know which form and which fees apply to your situation.

  1. Check whether you qualify to renew by mail

    If your most recent passport was issued as an adult, is undamaged, was issued within the last 15 years, and was obtained under your current name (or you can document a legal name change), you can typically renew by mail using Form DS-82 instead of applying in person.

  2. Apply in person if it is your first passport

    First-time applicants, applicants under 16, and anyone who does not meet the mail-renewal criteria must apply in person using Form DS-11, typically at a passport acceptance facility like a post office or clerk's office, or at a passport agency for urgent travel.

  3. Gather proof of citizenship and identity

    You will generally need proof of US citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate or a previous passport), a valid photo ID, and a photocopy of that ID. First-time applicants also need a passport photo that meets specific size and background requirements.

  4. Pay the application fee and execution fee

    A first-time adult passport book carries an application fee plus a separate execution fee paid in person at the acceptance facility; renewals by mail typically pay only the application fee since no execution fee applies. Expedited service and faster return shipping are both optional add-on fees.

  5. Submit your application

    In-person applicants submit paperwork directly at the acceptance facility; mail renewals are sent to the address specified in the DS-82 instructions, along with your current passport, which is not usable for travel while your application is pending.

  6. Wait for routine or expedited processing

    Routine processing has commonly run somewhere in the range of several weeks in recent years, with expedited service cutting that time down considerably for an extra fee. Processing times fluctuate with demand, so always check the current estimate on travel.state.gov before planning travel around it.

  7. Track your application status online

    The State Department's online status tool lets you check where your application is in the process using your last name, date of birth, and other identifying details, rather than calling in for an update.

  8. Request an appointment if travel is urgent

    If you have imminent international travel and did not leave enough time for routine or even expedited mail processing, you can generally schedule an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency, usually by proving your travel date with a flight itinerary.

Passport books vs. passport cards

A standard passport book is required for international air travel, while a passport card is a cheaper, wallet-sized alternative valid only for land and sea travel between the US and neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico, and cannot be used for flying. Many travelers who cross land borders regularly get both.

Why fees and wait times are worth double-checking

Passport fees and processing-time estimates have both changed more than once in recent years and are updated periodically by the State Department. This guide describes the process and the categories of fees involved; always confirm the exact current dollar amounts and wait times on the official travel.state.gov site before applying, especially if travel is time-sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a US passport valid?

Adult passports are generally valid for 10 years, while passports issued to minors under 16 are generally valid for 5 years, reflecting how quickly a child's appearance changes.

Can I expedite a passport renewal done by mail?

Yes, expedited service is available for both in-person and mail applications for an additional fee, and it shortens the processing window, though it is still not instant.

What if my name changed since my last passport?

You can generally still use the mail-renewal form if you provide a certified copy of the legal document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order; without that documentation, you may need to apply in person instead.