International travel
How to renew your US passport in 2026: steps, costs, and processing times
By the TSA Wait Times team · Updated · Published June 2026
US passport renewals by mail take 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks with expedited processing in 2026. If your trip is within 14 days, you can apply in person at a regional passport agency for same-day or next-day service. Here are the exact steps and current fees.
Processing times and fees (2026)
Routine service — 6-8 weeks
Fee: $130 for adults. The $100 execution fee is not charged for renewals by mail.
Expedited service (by mail) — 2-3 weeks
Additional $60 fee on top of routine fee ($190 total).
Urgent — same day or next day
Appointment at a regional passport agency — for trips within 14 days. No additional fee beyond expedited. Must have proof of travel (flight itinerary).
Passport card renewal — $30
Valid only for land/sea border crossings and domestic/Caribbean cruises. Not valid for international flights.
Fees subject to change — verify at travel.state.gov before applying.
Can you renew by mail? Eligibility check
You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if all of the following apply:
- Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older
- Your passport was issued within the last 15 years
- Your passport is undamaged — torn, water-damaged, or amended passports cannot be renewed by mail
- Your name has not changed, OR you have a legal name change document (court order or marriage certificate)
- Your passport is in your possession
If any condition fails, you must apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility (post office, library, courthouse, etc.).
Step-by-step: renewing by mail
1
Fill out Form DS-82
Download from travel.state.gov or print at home. For mail renewals you sign the form at home before mailing — unlike in-person applications, you do not need to sign in front of an agent.
2
Get a passport photo
Passport photos must be:
- 2×2 inches, taken within the past 6 months
- White or off-white background
- Full face, no glasses (since 2018 rules), neutral expression
- Available at CVS, Walgreens, FedEx, or use the Passport Photo app and print at a photo kiosk
3
Write the check
Payable to U.S. Department of State. Include a separate check for $60 if expediting. Personal checks, bank checks, and money orders accepted. No cash.
4
Mail your package
Include:
- Completed DS-82
- Your current passport (original) — it will be returned
- One passport photo
- Payment (one or two checks)
- Legal name change documents, if applicable (court order or marriage certificate)
- Prepaid return envelope (optional but recommended for tracking)
Ship via USPS Priority Mail or USPS Express — both are trackable. Do not send by regular First Class.
5
Track your application
Go to travel.state.gov/passportstatus and enter your last name and date of birth. Status updates typically appear within a few days of receipt.
Step-by-step: first-time passport or in-person renewal
1
Fill out Form DS-11
Print from travel.state.gov. Do not sign it before your appointment — you must sign in front of the agent.
2
Gather documents
- US citizenship proof: original birth certificate with raised seal, naturalization certificate, or prior passport
- Government photo ID:driver's license or state ID
- Photocopy of front and back of your ID
- One passport photo
- Payment by check or money order — most offices do not accept credit cards; call ahead to confirm
3
Find an acceptance facility
Post offices, libraries, and courthouses accept passport applications. Use the State Department locator at iafdb.travel.state.gov to find one near you.
4
Attend your appointment
The agent verifies your documents, takes your application (you sign in front of them), and mails it to the State Department. Processing begins after mailing.
Urgent processing: regional passport agencies
If your international trip is within 14 days (or 28 days for countries requiring a visa with the passport), you can book an appointment at a regional passport agency.
Locations
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Norwalk CT, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle, Washington DC.
Book at
travel.state.gov/passportappointment. Appointments are released 3 weeks in advance and go quickly — check early in the morning.
What to bring
- Completed DS-82 (renewal) or DS-11 (first-time / in-person) with all supporting documents
- Proof of travel: flight itinerary, hotel booking, or cruise booking
Turnaround is typically same day or next day for the expedited fee.
Passport validity rules
- Many countries require 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates — your passport must not expire within 6 months of your return date. Check the specific rule for your destination at travel.state.gov.
- If your passport expires in less than 9 months, renew it before your next international trip to avoid problems at the border.
Minor children passports
- Children under 16 cannot renew by mail — they must apply in person with Form DS-11.
- Both parents or legal guardians must appear together, OR the appearing parent must show evidence of sole authority or the other parent's notarized consent (Form DS-3053).
- Child passports are valid for 5 years (adult passports are 10 years). Child passport fee: $100.
Frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to renew a US passport in 2026?
Routine processing: 6-8 weeks. Expedited service: 2-3 weeks (add $60). Urgent in-person at a regional passport agency: same day or next day if your trip is within 14 days.
Can I travel with an expired passport to renew it?
No — you need a valid passport to board an international flight. If your passport expires before your trip, renew or get emergency service before traveling.
How much does it cost to renew a US passport?
$130 for routine adult passport renewal by mail. $190 if you add expedited service. Passport card renewal is $30 (for land/sea borders only, not international flights).
Do I have to mail my old passport with the renewal?
Yes — include your current passport with Form DS-82. The State Department returns it by mail (deactivated) along with your new passport, typically within 1-2 weeks of processing completion.
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