Form DS-82 Passport Renewal Instructions – U.S. passport renewal by mail using Form DS-82 remains one of the simplest and most convenient options for eligible American adults. Whether your passport is expiring soon or has already expired, this official mail-in process lets you renew without visiting a passport acceptance facility. This comprehensive guide provides clear, up-to-date Form DS-82 passport renewal instructions based on the latest information from the U.S. Department of State (as of February 2026). Follow these steps to avoid delays and get your new passport quickly.
What Is Form DS-82 and When Should You Use It?
Form DS-82 is the official U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. You use it to renew your passport by mail instead of applying in person with Form DS-11.
You can also use Form DS-82 if you only have a passport card and want your first passport book (or vice versa). It is not for first-time applicants, minors under 16, or passports that are damaged, lost, stolen, or more than 15 years old.
Key benefits of renewing with DS-82:
- No appointment or acceptance facility visit required
- No $35 execution fee
- Faster and simpler than in-person applications
- Available for both routine and expedited service
Who Is Eligible to Renew a Passport with Form DS-82?
You qualify for Form DS-82 passport renewal by mail if all of these conditions are met:
- Your most recent passport (book or card) is in your possession and can be submitted with the application
- It is undamaged (normal wear and tear is acceptable)
- It was issued when you were age 16 or older
- It was issued within the last 15 years
- It was issued in your current legal name (or you can provide a certified name-change document)
- It has never been reported lost or stolen
You cannot use Form DS-82 if:
- Your passport was issued before age 16
- It is older than 15 years
- It is damaged beyond normal wear
- You are applying for a child under 16 (use Form DS-11 in person)
Limited-validity passports have extra rules—check the official eligibility details before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Form DS-82 Passport Renewal Instructions
Follow these exact steps for a successful renewal:
- Confirm your eligibility (see section above).
- Complete Form DS-82 online using the official Form Filler tool at pptform.state.gov. Fill it out on a desktop or laptop, review every section carefully, and print it single-sided on white paper.
- Sign and date the printed form.
- Gather all required items (detailed below).
- Write “EXPEDITE” in bold letters on the envelope if you choose the faster service.
- Mail everything together using USPS (or Canada Post if applying from Canada). Do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL.
- Track your application after 2 weeks via passportstatus.state.gov or by enrolling in email updates.
Pro tip: For frequent travelers, select the “large book” option at no extra charge for more visa pages.
Required Documents and Items for DS-82 Renewal
Submit the following in one package:
- Your most recent U.S. passport (the one you are renewing — it will be canceled and returned to you)
- Completed and signed Form DS-82
- One recent passport photo (2×2 inches, color, on a white background; staple it to the form as instructed)
- Certified name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) if your name has changed
- Payment (personal check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State”)
Photo requirements: Take the photo at a post office, pharmacy, or professional service. Do not bend or staple through the face.
Multiple family applications can be mailed together with one combined check.
Passport Renewal Fees for Form DS-82 in 2026
Current fees for adult passport renewal by mail (no acceptance facility fee applies):
| Document | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Passport Book only | $130 |
| Passport Card only | $30 |
| Passport Book + Card | $160 |
Additional optional fees:
- Expedited service: +$60 (2–3 weeks processing)
- 1–3 day delivery (passport book only): +$22.05
Payment rules: Use a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order in U.S. dollars. Write your full name and date of birth on the payment. From Canada, the check must be drawn on a U.S. bank with a 9-digit routing number.
Current U.S. Passport Processing Times (2026)
Processing begins the day the National Passport Processing Center receives your application:
- Routine service: 4–6 weeks
- Expedited service: 2–3 weeks
Add mailing time: Allow up to 2 weeks each way for your package to reach the center and for your new passport to return. Plan accordingly for travel.
For urgent travel within 14 days, schedule an appointment at a passport agency instead of mailing.
How to Mail Your DS-82 Application – Addresses and Tips?
Use the correct PO Box based on your service and location:
Routine service:
- Residents of CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, or TX → National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 640155, Irving, TX 75064-0155
- All other U.S. states or Canada → National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
Expedited service (write “EXPEDITE” on envelope):
- National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90955, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
Important mailing notes:
- Use USPS Priority Mail or First-Class with tracking
- Do not use private carriers (they cannot deliver to PO Boxes)
- Keep copies of everything you send
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Form DS-82
- Forgetting to sign and date the form
- Submitting the wrong fee amount or no payment
- Using a damaged or expired photo
- Mailing without your current passport
- Using non-USPS delivery services
- Applying when you don’t meet eligibility rules
If the State Department returns your application, simply correct the issue and resubmit with their letter.
Alternatives to Form DS-82: Online Renewal or In-Person
- Online renewal (via opr.travel.state.gov) is faster and easier if you qualify — no mailing of your old passport is required, but stricter eligibility applies (age 25+, no name/sex changes, etc.).
- In-person with Form DS-11 is required if you do not meet DS-82 criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DS-82 Passport Renewal
Can I renew a child’s passport with DS-82?
No — children under 16 must apply in person using Form DS-11.
What if my passport is damaged?
You cannot use DS-82. Apply in person with Form DS-11.
How long will it take to get my new passport back?
Expect 6–10 weeks total for routine service (including mailing).
Can I expedite my DS-82 renewal?
Yes — add $60 and write “EXPEDITE” on the envelope.
Final Tips for a Smooth U.S. Passport Renewal
- Start early — passports are valid for 10 years for adults
- Renew before your trip if possible
- Double-check the official State Department website for any last-minute updates
- Keep a photocopy of your current passport pages
By following this Form DS-82 passport renewal instructions guide, most eligible U.S. citizens receive their new passport without issues. For the latest details or to fill out the form, visit the official U.S. Department of State passport website at travel.state.gov.
Safe travels! If your situation doesn’t fit these instructions, use the State Department’s form wizard to confirm the right process for you.