---
title: "How to renew a US passport by mail"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: U.S. Department of State, \"Renew Your Passport by Mail\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: how-to
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Renew Your Passport by Mail"
    publisher: U.S. Department of State
    url: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# How to renew a US passport by mail

## Summary
Adults can renew by mail with Form DS-82 if their last passport was issued within 15 years, at age 16 or older, was valid for 10 years, is undamaged, and was never reported lost or stolen. Book fee $130, card $30, both $160; expedited service adds $60. Eligible routine applicants may renew online.

> **General information. Follow the official source for full instructions.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: You can renew by mail if you can send your most recent passport, it was issued in the last 15 years, at age 16 or older, valid for 10 years, never reported lost or stolen, undamaged, and in your current name (or you have a name-change document).
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: If you do not meet those requirements, including lost/stolen passports or ones issued over 15 years ago, you must apply in person.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: Passports for children under 16 cannot be renewed; a new application is required.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: Mail renewals use Form DS-82, printed single-sided, with one photo stapled on.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: DS-82 application fees: passport book $130, passport card $30, both $160, paid by check or money order to the U.S. Department of State.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
  note: Fees as checked 2026-10-14; may change.
- id: F6
  claim: Expedited service (2–3 weeks) costs an extra $60; 1–3 day return shipping costs an extra $26.87.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F7
  claim: Eligible applicants seeking routine service can renew online instead.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary
  where: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
  access: open, no account