How to Get or Renew a U.S. Passport

You must apply in person at an authorized Passport Application Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency if any of the following apply to you:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport
• You are under age 16
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
• Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change

What you'll need to provide:

• A completed passport application (DS-11: Application For a U.S. Passport)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (see what can be used)
• Government-issued photo ID (see what can be used)
• One color passport photo (photo requirements)
• A form of payment for the passport fee (fee calculator)

Additional requirements for a child's passport:

• Proof of relationship to child (see what can be used)
• Both parents and the child must appear in person or submit a consent form signed by an absent parent (DS-3053: Statement of Consent for Issuing a Passport to a Child)

Your expired or soon-to-expire U.S. passport can be renewed by mail if it meets all the following requirements:

• It is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
• It was issued when you were age 16 or older
• It was issued within the last 15 years
• It is an original or certified copy

If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must renew in person at an authorized Passport Application Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency.

What you'll need to provide:

• A completed passport application (DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail)
• Your eligible passport book
• If your name has changed, submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order
• Pay the applicable fee
• Provide one color passport photo (photo requirements)
• Mail in the application

For more information, such as where to mail your passport renewal materials in each state, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

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