How to Renew a US Passport (2026 Guide)
Three ways to renew: online through MyTravelGov, by mail with Form DS-82, or in person at a passport acceptance facility. Here's how to choose and what you need.
Quick answer
Most adults can renew online or by mail for $130 (passport book) in 4-6 weeks. You'll need a new photo taken within 6 months. Start 6-9 months before your trip — processing times don't include mailing.
Which renewal method should I use?
| Online | By Mail | In Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (book) | $130 | $130-$190 | $165 |
| Processing time | 4-6 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Expedited option | No | Yes (+$60) | Yes (+$60) |
| Photo type | Digital upload | Printed 2x2" | Printed 2x2" |
| Payment | Credit/debit card | Check or card | Varies by facility |
| Best for | No-rush renewals | Need expedited option | First-time or ineligible for mail |
Option 1: Renew online via MyTravelGov
Online renewal is the most convenient option — no printing, no mailing, no visiting an office. You'll complete the application and upload a digital photo through the MyTravelGov portal.
Eligibility requirements
- ✓ You are 25 years or older
- ✓ Your passport is valid or expired less than 5 years ago
- ✓ Your passport was issued within the last 15 years
- ✓ You were 16 or older when your current passport was issued
- ✓ No name or sex marker changes needed
- ✓ Your passport is not damaged, lost, or stolen
Steps to renew online
Go to MyTravelGov
Visit mytravel.state.gov and sign in with Login.gov (or create an account).
Complete the application
Fill in your personal information, travel plans, and emergency contact.
Upload your digital photo
JPEG format, 600-1200 pixels square, sRGB color profile, under 10MB. See digital photo requirements.
Pay the fee
$130 for a passport book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both. Credit or debit card only.
Mail your current passport
Even for online renewal, you'll need to mail in your current passport within 7 days of submitting the application.
No expedited option online
Online renewal only offers routine processing (4-6 weeks). If you need your passport faster, use the mail-in method with expedited service ($60 extra for 2-3 week processing).
Option 2: Renew by mail (Form DS-82)
Mail-in renewal using Form DS-82 offers the same eligibility as online but with the option for expedited processing.
What to include in your envelope
- 1. Completed Form DS-82
- 2. Your current passport
- 3. One 2x2 inch color photo (taken within 6 months)
- 4. Payment: check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State"
- 5. Name change document (if applicable — marriage certificate, court order)
Mail-in costs
- Routine book renewal $130
- Expedited book renewal $190 ($130 + $60)
- Expedited return shipping +$22.05
- Max total (book, expedited, fast shipping) $212.05
Option 3: Apply in person
In-person application is required when you're ineligible for online or mail-in renewal. You'll use Form DS-11 and visit a passport acceptance facility.
When in-person is required
- • First-time passport applicant
- • Passport was lost or stolen
- • Passport is significantly damaged
- • Passport expired more than 15 years ago
- • You are under 16
In-person applicants pay an additional $35 execution fee on top of the standard fees. Find your nearest acceptance facility at iafdb.travel.state.gov — these include post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices across 7,000+ locations.
Processing times
Processing times listed by the State Department do not include mailing time. Add 2-4 weeks total for mail transit each direction.
| Service | Processing | Total time | Extra cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine | 4-6 weeks | 6-10 weeks | Included |
| Expedited | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 weeks | +$60 |
| Expedited + fast return | 2-3 weeks | 3-5 weeks | +$82.05 |
| Urgent travel | Same day-3 days | Same day-3 days | Appointment required |
Plan ahead
The State Department recommends starting your renewal 6-9 months before travel. Even with expedited service, the total time including mailing can be 4-7 weeks. You cannot travel internationally without a valid passport.
Photo requirements for passport renewal
Every passport renewal requires a new photo taken within the last 6 months, even if your current passport photo still looks like you. The photo requirements are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Printed photo (mail & in-person)
- ✓ 2x2 inches (51x51mm)
- ✓ White or off-white background
- ✓ Taken within 6 months
- ✓ No glasses
- ✓ Neutral expression
- ✓ Photo-quality paper
Digital photo (online renewal)
- ✓ JPEG format only
- ✓ 600-1200 pixels (square)
- ✓ 54KB to 10MB file size
- ✓ sRGB color profile
- ✓ Same appearance requirements
- ✓ No filters or AI alterations
Need a renewal photo?
Our tool creates compliant photos for both digital upload and printing. AI background removal, automatic cropping, and compliance checking — all for $1.
Create renewal photo — $1Works for online, mail-in, and in-person renewals
Common mistakes that delay renewal
Photo issues are the number one cause of passport delays. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:
Photo problems
- • Using a photo older than 6 months
- • Shadows on face or background
- • Wearing glasses
- • Wrong background color
- • Blurry or low-resolution image
- • iPhone color profile error (digital)
Application errors
- • Using DS-11 instead of DS-82 for renewal
- • Missing signature on form
- • Wrong payment method
- • Forgetting to include current passport
- • Applying online when ineligible
- • Not leaving enough time before travel
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to renew a passport in 2026?
Routine processing takes 4-6 weeks plus mailing time (total 6-10 weeks). Expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks plus mailing time (total 4-7 weeks) for an extra $60. Online renewal through MyTravelGov takes 4-6 weeks but does not offer expedited service.
Can I renew my passport online?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements: you must be 25 or older, your passport must be valid or expired less than 5 years, it was issued within the last 15 years, you were 16+ when it was issued, no name or sex marker changes needed, and your passport is not damaged, lost, or stolen.
How much does it cost to renew a passport?
A passport book renewal costs $130 (routine) or $190 (expedited, +$60). A passport card renewal costs $30 or $90 (expedited). You can also add expedited return shipping for $22.05. There is no execution fee for renewals — that only applies to first-time applications.
Do I need a new photo for passport renewal?
Yes. Every passport renewal requires a new 2x2 inch photo taken within the last 6 months. For online renewal, you need a digital photo (JPEG, 600-1200 pixels, square format). For mail-in renewal, you need a printed photo on photo-quality paper.
Can I renew an expired passport?
You can renew by mail (DS-82) or online if your passport expired less than 5 years ago and was issued within the last 15 years. If your passport expired more than 15 years ago, you must apply in person as a new applicant using Form DS-11.
What is the difference between routine and expedited processing?
Routine processing takes 4-6 weeks and is included in the base fee. Expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks and costs an extra $60. You can also add expedited return shipping ($22.05) for 1-2 day delivery after processing. Note: online renewal does not offer expedited service.
Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?
No. You must submit your current passport with your renewal application. It will not be returned until you receive your new passport. If you have urgent travel, consider applying at a passport agency for expedited or emergency service.
Related guides
Renewing Your Passport?
Every renewal needs a new photo. Create yours with AI compliance checking — works for online, mail-in, and in-person applications.
Get Started
Select country and document type
Only $1 - Free preview before payment
$1 for digital + printable photo