Renewal by Mail (Form DS-82)

What Is Renewal by Mail?

Renewal by Mail is a passport renewal method offered by the U.S. Department of State, which allows qualified U.S. citizens to renew their passports without physically appearing at an acceptance facility or passport agency.

Applicants complete Form DS-82 – U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals and send it, along with their most recent passport, a new passport photo, and the required documentation, to the National Passport Processing Center.

This method eliminates the need for in-person verification, making it a faster and more convenient way to keep your travel documents up to date.

Once the form and supporting documents are mailed, applicants typically receive their new passport within 6 to 8 weeks, depending on current processing times. Expedited services may be available for those with urgent travel needs.

Who Qualifies for Renewal by Mail?

Not every applicant can renew a passport by mail — there are specific eligibility requirements set by the Department of State. To qualify, you must:

• Have a U.S. passport that is undamaged and can be submitted with your application,

• Have a passport that was issued within the last 15 years,

• Have been at least 16 years old when your last passport was issued,

• Have a passport that is in your current name, or be able to legally document a name change,

• Be residing in the United States at the time of application.

If your passport was lost, stolen, or issued more than 15 years ago, or if you were under 16 when it was issued, you must apply in person using Form DS-11 instead.

These criteria ensure the renewal-by-mail process remains secure and efficient while maintaining identity verification standards.

How to Complete the Renewal by Mail Process

The renewal process is straightforward, but accuracy is essential. Here’s how it works:

1. Complete Form DS-82 – Fill out the form online or by hand, following official instructions.

2. Prepare a new passport photo – It must meet current State Department requirements (2×2 inches, taken within the last six months, white background).

3. Include your most recent passport – It will be canceled and returned with your new passport.

4. Add payment and documentation – Follow the current fee and mailing guidelines from the U.S. Department of State.

5. Mail your application – Send it to the National Passport Processing Center address listed on Form DS-82.

Once submitted, applicants can track their renewal status through the official government website.

How USPassportApplicationOnline.com Helps Applicants

Although the renewal by mail process is handled directly by the U.S. Department of State, USPassportApplicationOnline.com helps applicants prepare their materials accurately and confidently.
The platform provides:

• Clear guidance on completing Form DS-82 correctly,

• Instructions on photo and mailing requirements,

• Checklists for supporting documents,

• Information on processing times and available renewal options.

By following the step-by-step explanations available on the site, applicants can reduce the risk of common errors — such as missing information, incorrect photo formats, or incomplete signatures.

USPassportApplicationOnline.com does not process applications but serves as an educational and informational resource, ensuring users understand every stage of the renewal process before mailing their documents.

Why Renewal by Mail Is the Most Convenient Option

For eligible applicants, Renewal by Mail remains the easiest and most efficient way to keep a passport valid. It avoids travel to passport offices, minimizes waiting times, and allows people to renew their documents from the comfort of home.

Because the process is straightforward and secure, it continues to be the most popular renewal method for millions of U.S. citizens.

As new technologies emerge — including Online Passport Renewal systems — the mail renewal option still offers a reliable and well-established process that suits travelers who prefer traditional methods.

Conclusion

Renewal by Mail (Form DS-82) is a proven, convenient, and secure way for eligible U.S. citizens to renew their passports without visiting a passport office.
Through USPassportApplicationOnline.com, applicants can learn how to meet the eligibility criteria, prepare their documents, and avoid common mistakes when mailing their applications.

By combining accuracy, clear instructions, and a simplified workflow, Renewal by Mail remains one of the most efficient ways to renew a U.S. passport — ensuring that travelers stay ready for their next international journey.