To renew a US passport by mail, you must submit your most recent passport, a completed Form DS-82, and a recent passport photo that meets official specifications. Proof of name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, is required if your name has changed since your last passport was issued. Include the correct renewal fee and use a secure mailing method to ensure your documents arrive safely.
What Documents are Necessary for a US Passport Renewal by Mail?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DS-82 Form (U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals) | The DS-82 Form, also known as the U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals, is essential for renewing a U.S. passport by mail and must be completed accurately with current personal details. Along with the DS-82, applicants need to submit their most recent passport, a new passport photo, and the applicable renewal fee to ensure a smooth processing of the passport renewal. |
| 2 | Most Recent U.S. Passport Book or Card | The most recent U.S. passport book or card must be submitted as proof of citizenship and identity when renewing a U.S. passport by mail. This document verifies your eligibility for renewal and should be undamaged, issued within the last 15 years, and reflect your current name. |
| 3 | One Passport Photo (Recent, Color, 2x2 inches) | A recent, color passport photo sized exactly 2x2 inches is required for a US passport renewal by mail to meet government specifications. This photo must clearly show your full face, taken within the last six months against a plain white or off-white background. |
| 4 | Name Change Document (if applicable: marriage certificate, court order, etc.) | For US passport renewal by mail, applicants must include a certified name change document such as a marriage certificate or court order if their current name differs from the one on the previous passport. This legal proof ensures the passport reflects the updated identity, complying with the U.S. Department of State requirements. |
| 5 | Fee Payment (Check or Money Order) | To renew a US passport by mail, the fee payment must be made using a check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of State." Personal checks, cashier's checks, and money orders should have the correct fee amount and include the applicant's full name and date of birth for proper processing. |
| 6 | Return Envelope (if expedited service or requested) | For expedited US passport renewal by mail, a prepaid and properly addressed return envelope with tracking is required to ensure secure and timely delivery of the renewed passport. Including a USPS Priority Mail Express label or a similar trackable carrier service facilitates faster processing and return. |
| 7 | Proof of Travel (optional, required for urgent processing) | Proof of travel is optional for standard US passport renewal by mail but required for urgent processing with expedited services. This documentation can include airline tickets or travel itineraries confirming imminent travel dates. |
Introduction to US Passport Renewal by Mail
Renewing a US passport by mail offers a convenient option for eligible applicants. This process simplifies maintaining valid travel documentation without visiting a passport office in person.
- Eligibility Requirements - Applicants must have their most recent passport issued within the last 15 years and be over 16 years old at the time of that issuance.
- Required Documents - A completed DS-82 form, your current passport, one recent passport photo, and the appropriate renewal fee are necessary for submission.
- Mailing Process - Documents should be mailed securely to the designated National Passport Processing Center as instructed on the application form.
Eligibility Criteria for Passport Renewal
To renew a US passport by mail, applicants must have their most recent passport in their possession. The previous passport should be undamaged and issued when the applicant was 16 years or older.
Applicants must ensure their last passport was issued within the last 15 years and in their current name or provide legal documentation of any name change. The passport must have been issued in the United States or by the Department of State abroad to qualify for mail renewal.
Determining If You Qualify for Mail Renewal
To qualify for a US passport renewal by mail, your most recent passport must be undamaged and issued when you were 16 or older. It should have been issued within the last 15 years and in your current name or you can provide legal documentation of a name change. Meeting these requirements allows you to complete the renewal process without appearing in person.
Essential Passport Renewal Forms
What documents are necessary for a US passport renewal by mail? The essential passport renewal forms include the completed DS-82 form, which must be filled out accurately to avoid delays. You also need to submit your most recent passport along with a new passport photo that meets government specifications.
Completing Form DS-82: Step-by-Step
To renew your US passport by mail, completing Form DS-82 correctly is essential. This form requires your current passport, a recent color photograph, and payment for the renewal fee. Providing accurate personal information and following instructions on Form DS-82 helps ensure a smooth passport renewal process.
Required Supporting Documents Checklist
| Document | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Completed DS-82 Form | Application for a U.S. Passport Renewal by Mail | Official request to renew your passport without an in-person visit |
| Most Recent U.S. Passport | Old passport that is undamaged and issued within the last 15 years | Proof of prior U.S. citizenship and identity verification |
| Passport Photo | One recent 2x2 inch color photo meeting U.S. passport photo requirements | Visual identification for the new passport |
| Name Change Documents (if applicable) | Certified marriage certificate, court order, or other legal name change evidence | Verification of any legal name changes since the last passport issuance |
| Payment | Check or money order for the passport renewal fee payable to the U.S. Department of State | Fee processing for passport issuance |
Acceptable Passport Photo Guidelines
Renewing a US passport by mail requires following strict passport photo guidelines to avoid delays. Your photo must meet specific criteria to ensure acceptance.
- Recent Photo - Your passport photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
- Size and Dimensions - The photo should be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with a clear, full-face view centered in the frame.
- Background and Quality - The background must be plain white or off-white, with no shadows or obstructions, and the image should be in color and high resolution.
Payment Methods and Fee Structure
Renewing a US passport by mail requires submitting specific documents, including the completed Form DS-82, your most recent passport, and a new passport photo. It is essential to understand the payment methods accepted and the applicable fee structure for a smooth renewal process.
The payment for passport renewal by mail can be made via check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of State." The standard renewal fee for an adult passport book is $130, while expedited services incur an additional $60 fee. Fees must be included with the application package to avoid processing delays.
Mailing Instructions and Delivery Options
To renew a US passport by mail, include your completed Form DS-82, current passport, and two recent color photos. Use a secure envelope and ensure all documents are correctly signed and dated before mailing.
Choose USPS Priority Mail or a courier service with tracking and delivery confirmation for reliable processing. Provide a return address and select an expedited delivery option if faster return of your new passport is needed.
What Documents are Necessary for a US Passport Renewal by Mail? Infographic
