Frequently Asked Questions - Applying for a U.S. Passport
Here are some frequently asked questions about applying for your U.S. Passport. For more information, visit travel.state.gov
- You can renew by mail using FORM DS-82 if your most recent passport:
- Was issued when you were age 16 or older
- Was issued within the last 15 years
- HAS NOT been expired for more than 5 years
- If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must Apply in Person using FORM DS-11.
- No. You must mail in your renewal application yourself. We recommend using a trackable delivery method when mailing in your passport application.
- If you choose Routine Service: 6-8 Weeks
- If you choose Expedited Service: 2-3 Weeks
- Expedited at Agency: Must have international travel within 14 calendar days
*Mailing times are not included in processing times. Processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after we print it. Consider the total time it will take to receive your passport when you are booking travel.
- Any original documents submitted with the application will be mailed back separately from the newly issued passport. Please contact the U.S Department of State if you do not receive a second mailing within 10 business days of receiving the first.
- If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years.
- If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.
- A U.S. passport (or passport book) is valid for all forms of international travel anywhere in the world
- A U.S. passport card is only valid for sea or land crossings into the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. You cannot use a passport card for international travel by air.
