How to Renew My Passport by Mail in the United States

Just like the citizens of other countries, citizens of the United States also need passports to be able to enter another country’s borders and return. If you are one of the United States citizens and you already have a passport but it has expired or it is about to expire, you may want to renew it. It is better for you to renew your passport at least 9 months before its due as it usually takes some time to process it. In addition, there is no way for you to travel to some countries unless the passport that you hold is valid for at least 6 months.

Renew My Passport by Mail in the United States

Talking about renewing your passport in the United States, there are a few ways to do it. One of them is by mail. Learn how to renew your passport by mail below.

Renewing Passport by Mail

Renewing your passport by mail in the United States can be done by following the following steps:

Step 1: Fill out the application

You can use Form DS-82 if:

    • You are able to submit your most recent passport
    • The passport is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear)
    • The passport was issued when you were 16 or older
    • The passport was issued within the last 15 years.
    • You have never reported your passport lost or stolen
    • The passport is in your current name. If it was not, you would have to submit a proof of a legal name change, such as an original or certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
    • The passport was not limited to less than the normal 10 year period of validity because you have lost more than one passport or you have had more than one damaged passport.

If you fail to meet these requirements, you will have to apply in person using Form DS-11. On the other hand, if you meet every single requirement mentioned above, you can fill out Form DS-82 now. There are three options to do it, including filling it out online by using the Form Filler tool, downloading the PDF version of the form and filling it out by hand, and going to your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency to pick up a copy of a form. The first option is recommended as it will not only save time but also will minimize errors caused by handwriting. It is better for you to consider the last two if you are experiencing technical issues with the first option.

Also Read: The Easiest States to Get a Green Card in the U.S.

Talking about the Form Filler, it will create the correct form for you. It has the ability to do it based on the data you enter. It is important for you to double check the information you entered for your date of birth and previous passport issuance data in case you failed to get the form you expected to receive.

If your Social Security Number or SSN has been issued, do not forget to provide one. If it has not been issued, make sure to sign and date a statement that says “I declare under penalty of perjury order under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”

Step 2: Get Passport Photo

You will be required to attach a photograph to the application. In order to avoid processing delays, you are advised to check out the photo requirements below:

    • The photo should have a high resolution and should not be blurry, grainy, or pixelated
    • The correct size of the photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Remember that the head must be between 1 to 1 3/8 inches or 25 – 35 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
    • The photo must be printed on matte or glossy quality paper
    • The photo must use a clear image of your face and must not gone through digital process
    • The photo must be without damage
    • The photo must be taken in last 6 months
    • The photo must be taken by someone else and not in the form of selfie
    • The background of the photo must be white or off-white without shadows, textures, or lines
    • If you wear sunglasses in your daily life, please take them off for a while for the photo

Step 3: Calculate Passport Fees

The passport application fees are as follows:

Product

 Form

Fee
Passport Book DS-82 $130
Passport Card DS-82 $30
Passport Book and Card DS-82 $160

Step 4: Prepare Most Recent Passport

As you want to renew your passport by mail, you should submit your most recent passport(s) with your application. The details are as follows:

    • Submit both your passport book and card if you want to renew both
    • Submit your passport book or your passport card if you want to renew just one of them
    • Submit your passport book to get a passport card if you have a passport book and never had a passport card
    • Submit your passport card to get a passport book if you have a passport card but never had a passport book

Step 5: Change Name in Documentation (Optional)

In case the name that you are currently using is not the same from the name written on your most recent passport, it is a must for you to provide a certified copy of the legal name change document, such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change document. Apparently, you will receive your name change document in a separate mailing from your new passport.

Step 6: Submit All Items

Once you have successfully completed the application and gathered supporting documents such as passport photo, passport fee, and your most recent passport, it is time for you to put everything in an envelope and submit them by mail to one of the following addresses:

  • If you want routine service and you live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155 Irving, TX 75064-0155
  • If you want routine service and you live in any other state other than California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, and Texas or in Canada:

National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

  • If you want expedited service:

National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

For this, make sure to write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the mailing envelope.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, it is relatively easy to renew your passport by mail in the United States. The process includes filling out the application, getting a passport photo, calculating passport fees, preparing the most recent passport, changing name in documentation (if necessary), and submitting everything in an envelope to one of the addresses that have been mentioned above.

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