How to Renew a U.S. Passport in 2026: Fees, Processing Times and Online Renewal

Passport problems ruin more international trips than lost luggage. The fix is simple: know your expiration date, pick the right application method and apply early. This guide covers 2026 fees, processing times, online renewal and what to do if you need a passport in less than two weeks.

Processing times in 2026

Service	Processing time	Extra cost
Routine	About 4–6 weeks	—
Expedited	About 2–3 weeks	+$60
Urgent travel (in person at a passport agency)	Same day to a few days	Expedite fee applies

Processing times do not include mailing. Applications can take up to 2 weeks to reach the State Department and the passport up to 2 weeks to come back, so add time on both ends. Check the current times on travel.state.gov before you apply.

Passport fees (adults)

Application	Form	Fees
First passport book	DS-11 (in person)	$130 application + $35 acceptance = $165
Renewal, passport book	DS-82 (mail) or online	$130
Renewal, passport card only	DS-82	$30
Book + card renewal	DS-82	$160
Expedited service	Any	+$60
1–3 day return delivery (books)	Any	+$23.36

The passport card is cheaper but only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda — not for international flights. It is accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.

Which method should you use?

Renew online

The State Department’s online passport renewal is the easiest option if you qualify. Generally you must:

• Be renewing a regular 10-year adult passport that expires within the next year or expired less than 5 years ago.
• Not be changing your name, gender marker or other personal data.
• Live in the U.S. and have your current passport in hand.
• Not need to travel for at least 6 weeks — online renewals cannot be expedited.

Important: submitting an online renewal cancels your old passport, so you cannot use it while the new one is processed.

Renew by mail (DS-82)

Use form DS-82 if your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, is undamaged and is in your possession. You send the old passport, a new photo and a check.

Apply in person (DS-11)

Required for first passports, children under 16, passports issued more than 15 years ago, and lost, stolen or damaged passports. Apply at an acceptance facility such as many post offices, libraries and county clerk offices.

Need a passport in less than 14 days?

1. Make sure you have proof of international travel within 14 calendar days (or 28 days if you also need a foreign visa).
2. Book a free urgent travel appointment through the State Department’s online system or phone line.
3. Bring your completed form, citizenship evidence, ID, photo, fees and travel proof to the passport agency.
4. If you already applied and the trip is near, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 instead of applying again.

Beware of websites charging large “expediting” fees for things you can do yourself. Registered private expediters exist but are optional.

Passport photo rules (the #1 reason for delays)

• 2 x 2 inches, in color, taken within the last 6 months.
• Plain white or off-white background, neutral expression, both eyes open.
• No eyeglasses (unless a medical statement is included).
• No filters, shadows or heavy editing.

When should you renew?

Many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months beyond your arrival or departure, and airlines can refuse boarding if it isn’t. The Schengen Area requires at least 3 months beyond departure (see Europe entry requirements).

Months of validity left	What to do
More than 12	You’re fine for most trips
9–12	Renew routinely now, especially before peak season
6–9	Renew now; check your destination’s rules before booking
Less than 6	Renew immediately; consider expedited service

Also check blank pages: some countries require one or two empty visa pages.

Step-by-step renewal checklist

1. Check your expiration date and your destination’s validity rule.
2. Choose online, mail or in-person based on eligibility and timing.
3. Get a compliant photo.
4. Complete the form on travel.state.gov.
5. Pay the correct fees (two separate payments for DS-11: State Department and acceptance facility).
6. Pay for expedited service and fast return delivery if you travel within ~10 weeks.
7. Track the status online and sign up for email updates.

Bottom line: renew when you have 9 months or less left, use online renewal if you qualify, and add expedited service if your trip is less than 10 weeks away. Remember that a valid passport also works as a REAL ID alternative — see REAL ID rules for flying.

Fees and processing times as reported in 2026. Always confirm on travel.state.gov.