If you already have a U.S. Passport Book, you may be able to apply for your U.S. Passport Book by mail – without going through the hassle of applying in person. Also, if you are a previous U.S. Passport Book holder and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a U.S. Passport Card as a renewal by mail.

For purposes of this article, any reference to "U.S. Passport" means the U.S. Passport Book (as opposed to the U.S. Passport Card).

Next, we’ll explore the requirements to renew your U.S. Passport by mail.

You can renew by mail if your current U.S. Passport meets all of the following requirements:

If you do not meet all of the above requirements, you must apply in person to renew your U.S. Passport.

Next, we’ll go over the steps in submitting Form DS-82 – the form you need to fill out to renew your U.S. Passport.

Step 1: Complete and print Form DS-82

Make sure that all of the information is entered and completed correctly. You can fill in your information on the computer or print out the form and write in pen. However, if you use a pen, make sure to write legibly.

Step 2: Sign and date the Form DS-82.

Step 3: Submit Form DS-82 and all additional documents.

Additional documents include:

For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the U.S. Department of State’s website at: www.travel.state.gov/passport

Next, we’ll go over how to renew your U.S. Passport by mail.

If you meet all the requirements listed on the previous page, you can renew your U.S. Passport by mail. You can renew your U.S. Passport from inside or outside the United States. However, each process is slightly different.

To Renew Your U.S. Passport From Inside the United States:

To renew your U.S. Passport by mail, you must submit Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. To locate Form DS-82 and the most recent step-by-step instructions go to www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82

Next, we’ll go over approximately how long it takes the government to process your U.S. Passport renewal and explain how you can expedite the process.

You may choose to elect routine service or expedited service in renewing your U.S. Passport. However, the U.S. Department of State charges an additional fee for expedited service. According to the U.S. Department of State, the time that it takes for U.S. Passport renewals to be processed is as follows:

Passport processing is considered complete when the passport is ready to be picked up by the applicant or when it is put in the mail to the applicant.

NOTE: Customers who apply for a renewal by mail must clearly mark "Expedite" on the outside of the mailing envelope, for the Expedited Passport Processing times to accurately apply. Please go the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date processing times. You can find this information at: www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/processing. Once you apply for your renewal, you may check the status of you applications online at: www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/status.

Next, we’ll go over the requirements for submitting your U.S. Passport photographs.

You must submit two (2) photographs in order to renew your U.S. Passport by mail.

Your two (2) photographs must meet all of the following requirements:

For Guidance on How to Take Quality Photographs for U.S. Passports go to: www.travel.state.gov/passport/guide

Finally, we’ll wrap us this article with a few things to keep in mind.

Renewing your U.S. Passport is fairly straightforward if you follow the steps and meet all the requirements. If you do not meet all the requirements, you’ll have to renew your U.S. Passport in person. As of this writing, you cannot renew your passport via the internet.

To renew your U.S. Passport in person you’ll follow many of the same steps as applying for your U.S. Passport the first time. Please read "How to Apply for Your First U.S. Passport" for further details.