How to Expedite Passport Renewal

Who can renew a passport by mail?

You can apply for a passport renewal by mail if...

• your present passport is not damaged;


• you received the passport within the past 15 years;


• you were age 16 or older when it was issued;


• you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

Who should expedite their passport renewal?

You should expedite your passport renewal if you have...

• Less than 14 days until departure date and do not need to obtain a travel visa; or


• Less that 28 days until departure date and do need to obtain a travel visa

What application should be used to renew a passport?

You need to download and complete Form DS-82, Application for Passport by Mail. The instructions are included on the application.

What other items are required to apply for a renewal?

• Current, undamaged passport


• One recent passport photos


• Evidence of name change such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.

You can renew a passport in about half the normal processing time by requesting expedited service. There is an additional fee of $60 for this service. This is beyond the normal passport renewal fee.

Place the completed, signed Form DS-82, current passport, photos and payment in a padded envelope. Write the word "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope. Mail the envelope and its contents to the address below by overnight express.

National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

The processing time to expedite a passport renewal application by mail is 2 to 3 weeks. This can sometimes take longer depending on the demand at the time you make your application.

You are encouraged to use a secure means of packaging such as a Tyvek envelope and send the package using a traceable delivery method.

If you have less than two weeks before your departure date, you can try submitting the application for renewal at a regional passport agency. There are currently 24 such agencies throughout the United States. Regional agencies attend American citizens with urgent travel needs such as emergency medical care or a death in the family. Requests for expedited processing to travel for other purposes are evaluated based on the volume of applications at the time.

The first step is to make an appointment by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778. This is an automated appointment service that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During peak travel seasons you may have to make numerous attempts before getting through.

You should schedule an appointment at the agency that serves your state. Once your appointment has been scheduled, you need to arrive no more than 15 minutes early with the completed Form DS-82, your current passport, photo and payment. If your application and documents are in order, you should be able to pick up your renewed passport the same day.

A third method for expediting an American passport renewal is to have a professional passport and visa expediting service submit the application for you. This is a necessary alternative if you have less than two weeks before your departure date and are unable to travel to a regional passport agency yourself.

When you apply through a registered passport expediting service, you authorize the expediter to represent you before the regional passport agency. The expediter will deliver your application and accompanying documents to the agency. When the application has been processed, the expediter will pick up your renewed passport and mail it to you.

Besides doing the legwork for you, these experienced professional are great at answering any question you might have about the application process. This is especially helpful when you are pressed for time.