How Much Does a US Passport Renewal Cost in 2025?

US passports are valid for ten years. That sounds like a long time. But time flies, and before you know it, your passport is about to expire. Of course, this always seems to happen when planning a big trip.

If you don’t renew your passport, you won’t be able to leave or reenter the country. That’s why it’s important to keep track of the dates. But how much does it cost to renew your passport? Is it expensive? Stick around and find out.

How much US passport renewal costs in 2025: Full breakdown

Let’s get to what matters. How much does it cost to renew a passport? The answer depends on how you renew it and which service you choose.

Here are the basic fees:

Product	Application fee
Passport Book	$130
Passport Card	$30
Passport Book & Card	$160

So, which should you get—the book or the card? Well, that depends on your travel plans. You can find the best option for you in our US Passport vs Card: Which Should You Choose? blog post.

If you have an upcoming trip and need your passport quickly, you can request expedited service. Of course, that adds to the passport renewal cost. How much more? An additional $60 will get your passport ready in 2 to 3 weeks. For an extra $21.56, you can receive express delivery and have your passport in your hands within two to three days.

Is it worth paying the extra fee? That depends on how soon you need it.

How to get a US passport renewal (3 Easy Ways)

There are three ways to renew a US passport: mail, online, or in person. The cost varies slightly depending on the option you choose. But here’s the thing—you can’t just pick whichever option you want. Each option has specific requirements that you must meet.

Renewing your passport by mail

This has been the most common way to renew a passport for years. It’s simple and quick; you don’t have to wait in line.

You must complete the DS-82 form, gather the required documents, and mail everything in. To find the correct mailing address, check the official website.

However, not everyone can use this option. To renew your passport by mail, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You were 16 or older when your last passport was issued.
• Your previous passport must be in good condition (not damaged or waterlogged).
• You haven’t reported it as lost or stolen.
• It was issued within the past 15 years.
• It was issued in your current name, or you have official documents proving a name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate.
• If your current passport has limited validity (less than 10 years), you can only renew it by mail if:
• You had at least one previous passport valid for the full 10 years.
• It wasn’t limited due to losing too many passports.
• You haven’t had multiple damaged passports in the past.

Note: The mail option is only for regular passports, not diplomatic or special passports.

Renewing your passport online

The US State Department officially launched its online passport renewal service in September 2024. The system is open 24/7, so you can apply anytime, anywhere. Plus, you won’t need to print any forms or deal with paper.

You can even pay the passport renewal cost right through the online system. It’s super convenient!

However, not everyone qualifies. Here’s what you need to be eligible for online renewal:

• Your current (or most recent) passport must have been valid for 10 years.
• You must be at least 25 years old.
• Your passport will expire in less than a year or has expired in the last five years.
• You are not changing your personal information, such as your name, gender, birth date, or place of birth.
• You are not traveling within the next six weeks. (Only standard processing is available, not expedited.)
• You live in the US (This doesn’t apply if you live abroad or use an APO, FPO, or DPO address.)
• You have your passport with you, it’s in good condition, and you haven’t reported it lost or stolen.
• You can pay with a credit or debit card and upload a digital, passport-style photo.

Heads up: Once you apply, your old passport is canceled, and you can’t use it for travel anymore. So, make sure your timing works before you start the process.

Renewing your passport in person

If you don’t qualify for mail or online renewal, you’ll need to renew in person. It’s simple—just book an appointment at a passport acceptance office.

In some cases, however, you won’t be able to renew your US passport. You’ll have to apply for a new one, like when you applied for your first passport. This requires using Form DS-11 instead of DS-82.

You’ll need to apply in person with the DS-11 if:

• You lost your previous passport, or it was stolen.
• Your passport is seriously damaged.
• You changed your name but don’t have legal proof.
• Your last passport was issued before you turned 16.
• You’re trying to renew it more than 15 years after it expired.

To find the nearest passport office, use the official passport locator tool.

The processing time for a passport renewal is similar to that for a new passport application. Standard service usually takes four to six weeks.

With the expedited service, the processing time is cut in half—to 2-3 weeks—but remember that it comes with an extra fee.

Also, keep in mind that these timeframes don’t include mailing time. If you apply online, everything is done through the system, so there’s no shipping involved. However, if you’re renewing your passport by mail, you must factor in mailing delays.

It takes about two weeks for your application to reach the processing center. Add another two weeks for your new passport to arrive in your mailbox.

What documents do you need to renew your passport?

The required documents can vary depending on how you’re renewing (by mail, online, or in person). Generally, though, you’ll need the following:

1-Application form:

• Form DS-82 if renewing by mail.
• Form DS-11 if you’re renewing in person and are not eligible to use Form DS-82.

2-Your most recent passport:

• It must be in good condition. If it’s damaged, you’ll likely have to renew in person.

3-You will also need one recent passport-style photo:

• It must be in color with a white background. Do not use filters or wear glasses. Face forward with a neutral expression.

4-Payment for the passport renewal cost:

• By mail: Personal check or money order made to “US Department of State.”
• In-person: Many locations accept credit cards, cash, or checks.
• Online: If you qualify, you can make a digital payment during the application process.

5-Name change document (if needed):

• If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, you must submit a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Make sure all documents are either original or certified copies.

FAQs

Can I renew my passport if it expired more than 15 years ago?

No, that would be considered a new application. You will need to use Form DS-11.

Can I renew my passport even if I don’t plan any trips?

Yes, and that’s the best thing to do. This way, you can avoid last-minute stress if an unexpected trip arises.

Can I travel with an expired passport?

No, you won’t be able to board international flights or enter most countries. Some places even require that your passport be valid for at least six more months.

Can children renew their passports by mail?

No, children under 16 must renew in person accompanied by both parents or legal guardians.

Can I update my photo during renewal?

Yes, and actually, you must. Every passport renewal requires a new photo.

Summing up…

Renewing your US passport is a pretty straightforward process. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• You can renew by mail, online (if you qualify), or in person. To avoid delays, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen method.
• Renewal costs are $130 for the US passport book, $30 for the card, or $160 for both.
• You must complete the correct form, submit the proper documents, and include a current photo.

Standard processing takes four to six weeks after your application is received. If you’re applying by mail, add extra time for mailing—it can take up to four more weeks in total. Expedited service is faster, but it comes with an added cost.

One last tip: Don’t wait until your passport is about to expire. Renew it early so you’re ready to go whenever the opportunity to travel arises.