Passport Renewal Instructions

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Passport Renewal Instructions

Follow this numbered checklist in order. Send every required document together in one overnight package.

Before You Start — Confirm Eligibility

Use Form DS-82 only when all of the following are true:

  • Your most recent passport was issued when you were age 16 or older.
  • Your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years.
  • Your most recent passport is undamaged and you can send the passport itself with the application.
  • Your most recent passport was issued in your current legal name, or you have certified documentation of your legal name change.

If you do not meet these requirements, use the New Passport instructions for Form DS-11.

  1. Send Your Most Recent U.S. Passport

You must submit the passport itself with the renewal application. A photocopy is not sufficient.

  1. Complete, Download, and Sign Form DS-82
  2. Type your information into the online Form DS-82.
  3. Download the completed barcode form and print it on single-sided pages.
  4. Confirm that the large barcode appears near the top of the application. This is different from the small barcodes along the bottom and side of the form.
  5. Make sure the information matches your most recent passport and your confirmed travel itinerary.
  6. Sign and date Form DS-82 with your original signature.
  7. Passport Photograph

Provide one recent color passport photograph that:

  • Measures 2 by 2 inches
  • Has a white or off-white background
  • Was taken within the last six months
  • Meets U.S. Department of State passport photograph requirements

Attach the photograph in the designated area on Form DS-82.

  1. Include Your Confirmed International Travel Itinerary
  2. Include a copy of your confirmed international travel itinerary.
  3. Your international departure date must be within 14 calendar days for urgent Passport Agency processing.
  4. If your travel date is outside this two-week window, the Passport Agency will not process the application through this urgent Courier path yet.
  5. Include Legal Name Change Documents When Applicable

If your legal name has changed since your most recent passport was issued, submit an original or certified legal name-change document, such as:

  • Marriage Certificate
  • Divorce Decree
  • Court-Ordered Name Change Document

If your current passport was issued within the last year and your name changed after issuance, call (833) 220-0002 before preparing the package because Form DS-5504 may be the correct form.

  1. Legal Passport Letter of Authorization (LOA)

Complete the Legal Passport Letter of Authorization (LOA) provided with your current order.

  • Write Legal Passport in the Courier company field.
  • Sign the LOA with your original signature in black or dark blue ink.
  • Include the original signed LOA with the application documents.
  1. Prepare the Government Payment

Prepare a check or money order for $216.87 payable to:

U.S. Department of State

The $216.87 includes the adult passport book application fee, expedited processing, and 1–3 day return delivery.

Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth in the memo area.

There is no Passport Acceptance Appointment and no separate $35 execution fee for an eligible Form DS-82 renewal.

  1. Select Your 48HourPassport Service

Urgent Service
2–3 Days + Return Shipping Time
Service Fee: $399
Credit Card Processing Fee: $21

Rush Service
7+ Days + Return Shipping Time
Service Fee: $349
Credit Card Processing Fee: $21

  1. Check Your Renewal Package

Place these documents together for overnight delivery:

  1. Your most recent U.S. passport — send the passport itself.
  2. Completed and signed Form DS-82 displaying the large barcode.
  3. One compliant 2-by-2-inch passport photograph attached to Form DS-82.
  4. Copy of your confirmed international travel itinerary.
  5. Check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State.
  6. Original or certified legal name-change document, when applicable.
  7. Original signed Legal Passport Letter of Authorization (LOA).
  8. FedEx Your Renewal Documents

Ship the complete renewal package via overnight FedEx to the Courier address provided with your current order.

  1. Courier Submission

Once your Courier Reservation is confirmed, the Courier hand-carries and submits the application directly to the U.S. Passport Agency.

Our Urgent Service is designed to achieve 2–3 day Passport Agency processing for qualified applications. Return shipping time is separate.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Do not send only a photocopy of your most recent passport. Send the passport itself.
  • Do not use Form DS-82 if your passport is significantly damaged.
  • Do not send an unsigned Form DS-82.
  • Do not send the package to an old Courier address. Use the address provided with your current order.
  • Do not assume 2–3 day agency processing includes FedEx or return delivery time.