Passport Renewal Online

Online renewal (now in beta)

As of 2024+, the State Department offers online passport renewal at travel.state.gov. Eligible if:

• Your most recent passport was issued at age 25+, AND was valid 10 years (not 5).
• Issued within the last 15 years.
• You have not changed your name.
• You don\'t need a new passport for a trip in the next 8 weeks (online is slower).

If eligible, the whole process is online — even photo upload.

Standard mail-in (most common)

1. Download DS-82 form at travel.state.gov. Fill it out.
2. Get a 2x2" passport photo (apps below or pharmacy).
3. Mail in: form + old passport + photo + check ($130 in 2025).
4. $60 extra for expedited (3-5 weeks instead of 6-8).
5. Old passport returned separately to you.

Passport photo apps

• Passport Photo Online — $7-9. Take selfie at home, app crops to spec, mails or emails.
• Persofoto — similar, ~$10.
• iVisa Photos — $8.
• Walgreens / CVS / Costco / Walmart photo — $13-17 in person, takes 5 min.
• USPS — many post offices take photos for $15.

Photo requirements

• 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm).
• Color, glossy or matte.
• Plain white or off-white background.
• Recent (within 6 months).
• Full face, neutral expression OR natural smile.
• Eyes open, no glasses.
• No hats (religious head coverings OK with letter).
• Normal everyday clothing.

Common pitfalls

• Smiling too big with teeth showing — often rejected.
• Glasses (banned since 2016).
• Background too dark or shadowed.
• Photo too old (over 6 months).
• Old passport not enclosed (DS-82 requires it).
• Wrong fee — check current at travel.state.gov.