Form DS-82: A Complete Guide to Renewing Your U.S. Passport

What is Form DS-82?

Form DS-82 is the application used to renew a U.S. passport or card by mail. It is intended for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having an undamaged passport issued within the last 15 years.

If you do not qualify for renewal by mail, you may need to apply in person using Form DS-11.

Who is Eligible to Use Form DS-82?

You can use Form DS-82 to renew your passport by mail if:

• Your most recent passport is undamaged and was issued when you were 16 or older.
• Your passport was issued within the last 15 years.
• You have your old passport in your possession.
• Your passport was issued in your current name or you can provide legal documentation of a name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

If you do not meet these conditions, you must apply for a new passport in person at a passport acceptance facility or U.S. embassy/consulate if you are abroad. using Form DS-11.

Required Documents

When submitting Form DS-82, include the following:

• Your most recent U.S. passport (must be undamaged).
• A passport photo (measuring 2×2 inches, taken within the last six months).
• Payment for the renewal fee (check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of State”).
• Legal documents if you have changed your name (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

How to File Form DS-82

• Complete the form online or by hand
  • You can fill out Form DS-82 online and print it, or print a blank copy and complete it by hand.
• Prepare your application package
  • Gather your passport, photo, and payment.
  • If applicable, include your name change document (original or certified copy).
• Mail your application
  • Send your completed package via U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to the appropriate address based on the processing speed you choose:
    • Routine Processing:
      National Passport Processing Center
      P.O. Box 90155
      Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
    • Routine Processing: (If you live in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, or TX)
      National Passport Processing Center
      P.O. Box 640155
      Irving, TX 75064-0155
    • Expedited Processing:
      National Passport Processing Center
      P.O. Box 90955
      Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

Processing Times and Fees

If you need a passport urgently (within 14 days for travel), you must visit a passport agency in person with proof of travel.

Receiving Your New Passport

Separate Mailings

When you renew your passport using Form DS-82, your documents may arrive in multiple mailings.

• If you applied for a passport book or card, you will receive your new passport and your original citizenship evidence (if submitted) in separate envelopes.
• If you applied for both a passport book and a passport card, you may receive three separate mailings:
  • One with your returned citizenship evidence or original documents
  • One with your new passport book
  • One with your new passport card

Mailing Address & Change of Address

• If your mailing address changes before you receive your new passport, contact the National Passport Information Center at:
  • Phone: 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793)
  • Email: NPIC@state.gov
• If you are using someone else’s address to receive your passport, write their name in the “Mailing Address” section and include “In Care Of” in Item #8 on the form.