US citizens qualify for a passport renewal if their passport is in good condition, issued when they were 16 or older, and is less than 5 years expired. The process to renew your passport depends on how fast you need your passport. If you need your passport fast, passport renewals can be issued as quickly as 7-days with a private expediting company.

How to Renew Your Adult U.S. Passport

Most of the time, adults can renew their passports by mail, even if it’s already expired. The routine processing time is 8-11 weeks, though expedited options are available. You’re eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82 as long as all of the following conditions apply:

  • Your current passport has not been lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • Your current passport was issued after your 16th birthday.
  • Your current passport was issued no more than 15 years ago.
  • Your current passport was issued in your current legal name, or you have legal proof of your name change.

If that sounds like you, you are eligible to begin the Passport Renewal process.

If you aren’t eligible to renew your passport, you will need to follow the New Passport process.

Required Documents for a Passport Renewal

The required documents for a passport renewal are simple and easy to gather. Save, print, and create copies of the following documents for your passport renewal.

  • DS-82 Applicationhow to renew your passport
  • Passport Photo
  • Expired or Expiring U.S. Passport
  • Government Fees
  • Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
  • Travel Itinerary (applicable if expediting)

Passport Renewal for Children Under Age 16

Children under the age of 16 are not eligible to renew their passports. A child passport is a passport issued to an applicant age 15 or younger and is only valid for 5 years. A child’s passport cannot be renewed. It is considered a new passport each time a minor age 15 or younger needs a passport. The applicant must appear in person at a post office or passport office, and with both parents. If only one parent is available, he or she must bring a notarized parental consent form signed by the other parent. In addition to the child’s proof of citizenship, parents must bring proof of their own identity and proof of their relationship to the child.

After you appear in person, the application can be sent directly to the Department of State or to an expediting company like RushMyPassport for faster processing. Gather the required documents here.

Passport Renewal for Teenagers Aged 16-17

Like younger kids, teenagers aged 16 and 17 must appear in person at a post office or passport office with a parent present to apply for passport renewal. If the teenager doesn’t have a state-issued ID yet, the parent’s ID can be used instead. Written parental consent may be required at the passport office if it isn’t implied on the application.

How to Renew Your Passport Quickly

The standard processing time for a passport renewal is 8-11 weeks from the day you apply, though it can vary depending on how busy the passport office is. However, if you need to get it more quickly there are a few ways to do so:

  • Pay an additional $60 expedite fee when you submit your application. The State Department also recommends that you pay for overnight shipping both to and from the passport agency. This will cut the processing time down to about 5-8 weeks.
  • Make an appointment at the nearest passport agency if you’re leaving in 14 days (or 4 weeks if you need a visa).
  • Use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport for faster, more personalized service and no need to make an appointment or wait in line.

RushMyPassport makes ordering a passport easy, fast and convenient. Contact us to renew your passport quickly and painlessly!