Passport Renewal Instructions

Expedited Passport Renewal with 48HourPassport.com

If your U.S. passport is eligible for renewal, you may renew it using Form DS-82. Passport renewal applicants usually do not need to appear in person, which makes this one of the fastest passport situations to process.

Our expedited passport service helps ensure your renewal application is properly prepared and delivered to the U.S. Passport Agency as quickly as possible.

48 hours refers to agency processing time only and does not include shipping time.

Who Is Eligible for Passport Renewal

You may renew your passport if your previous passport:

  • was issued when you were age 16 or older
  • was issued within the last 15 years
  • is not damaged
  • was issued in your current legal name (or you have documentation for a name change)

If your passport does not meet these conditions, you must apply for a New Passport instead.

Overview of the Renewal Process

  1. Complete the passport renewal application
  2. Gather required supporting documents
  3. Prepare passport photos and fees
  4. Send your documents to our office
  5. Courier submission to the U.S. Passport Agency

Our Passport Specialists review your application and supporting materials before submission.

Step 1 — Complete Form DS-82

Passport renewal applicants must complete:

Form DS-82 – U.S. Passport Renewal Application

This form can be completed online through the U.S. Department of State website and printed.

Important notes:

  • sign the application before sending it
  • ensure all information matches your previous passport

Step 2 — Submit Your Most Recent Passport

Your previous passport must be included with your renewal application.

The passport will be returned to you along with your new passport once processing is complete.

Step 3 — Passport Photo

You must provide:

  • one passport photo
  • size 2 x 2 inches
  • taken within the last six months

Many pharmacies and shipping centers provide passport photo services.

Step 4 — Name Change Documents (If Applicable)

If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, you must provide certified documentation such as:

  • marriage certificate
  • divorce decree
  • court-ordered name change document

The document must show the legal change of name.

Step 5 — Send Documents to Our Office

Once your renewal application is complete, ship the following to our office:

  • completed DS-82 passport renewal form
  • your current passport
  • passport photo
  • required service documents

We recommend shipping with overnight delivery and tracking.

Step 6 — Courier Submission to the Passport Agency

Our courier delivers your renewal application directly to the U.S. Passport Agency.

Once accepted by the agency, passport processing can occur in as little as 48 hours.

Processing time does not include shipping time.

When You Cannot Renew a Passport

You must apply for a new passport (DS-11) instead of renewing if:

  • your passport was issued before age 16
  • your passport is lost or stolen
  • your passport is severely damaged
  • your passport was issued more than 15 years ago

In these situations you must appear at a Passport Acceptance Facility.

Helpful Passport Resources

You may also wish to review:

These pages provide additional guidance for other passport situations.

Need to Renew Your Passport Quickly?

If your passport has expired or will expire soon and you need it quickly, our Passport Specialists can guide you through the expedited renewal process.

Start Your Expedited Passport Renewal