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.
Which renewal method should I use?
| Method | Cost (book) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Online (MyTravelGov) | $130 | 4-6 weeks (no expedited) |
| By Mail (DS-82) | $130-$190 | 4-6 weeks (expedited available) |
| In Person (DS-11) | $165 | 4-6 weeks (expedited available) |
Photo requirements for passport renewal
Every passport renewal requires a new photo taken within the last 6 months. The requirements are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Printed photo (mail & in-person): 2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months, no glasses, neutral expression, photo-quality paper.
Digital photo (online renewal): JPEG format, 600-1200 pixels (square), 54KB to 10MB, sRGB color profile, same appearance requirements.
The fast way: Upload a selfie to our tool. We remove the background, crop to exact specs, and verify compliance — $1. You get both the digital file and a printable 4x6 sheet.
For the complete application checklist and official forms, visit travel.state.gov.
Option 1: Renew online via MyTravelGov
Online renewal is the most convenient option. Complete the application and upload a digital photo through MyTravelGov.
Eligibility: You must be 25+, passport valid or expired less than 5 years, issued within 15 years, you were 16+ when issued, no name changes, and passport is not damaged/lost/stolen.
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.
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 must mail in your current passport within 7 days.
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: Completed Form DS-82, your current passport, one 2x2 inch color photo (within 6 months), payment (check or money order), and name change document if applicable.
Option 3: Apply in person
Required when you’re ineligible for online or mail-in renewal: first-time applicant, passport lost/stolen, significantly damaged, expired more than 15 years ago, or under 16. In-person applicants pay an additional $35 execution fee.
Processing times
| Service | Processing | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 4-6 weeks | 6-10 weeks total |
| Expedited (+$60) | 2-3 weeks | 4-7 weeks total |
| Expedited + fast return (+$82.05) | 2-3 weeks | 3-5 weeks total |
| Urgent travel (appointment) | Same day-3 days | Same day-3 days |
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.
Common mistakes that delay renewal
- Using a photo older than 6 months
- Shadows on face or background
- Wearing glasses
- iPhone color profile error (Display P3 instead of sRGB for digital)
- Using DS-11 instead of DS-82 for renewal
- Forgetting to include current passport
Related guides
- US Passport Photo — All requirements explained
- Digital Passport Photo — MyTravelGov upload specs
- Book vs Card — Differences, costs & which to get
- Passport Photo Cost — Compare prices
- Photo Rejected? — How to fix common issues
- Take Photos at Home — Step-by-step DIY guide
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 for an extra $60. Online renewal 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, issued within the last 15 years, you were 16+ when issued, no name changes needed, and passport is not damaged/lost/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). There is no execution fee for renewals.
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).
Can I renew an expired passport?
You can renew by mail or online if your passport expired less than 5 years ago and was issued within the last 15 years. If expired more than 15 years ago, you must apply in person.
What is the difference between routine and expedited processing?
Routine takes 4-6 weeks and is included in the base fee. Expedited takes 2-3 weeks and costs an extra $60. 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.
Renewing Your Passport?
Every renewal needs a new photo. Create yours with automatic compliance checking -- works for online, mail-in, and in-person applications.
Create renewal photo -- $1$1 for digital + printable photo