How to Get a Passport When you Have an Expired One

Every citizen of the United States is required to have a valid US passport upon arrival into the country, even from Mexico and Canada. Passports should be renewed 9 months before they expire. Some countries require a passport that has been valid for 6 months before the start date of your trip; some airlines will not allow you on board the aircraft if this requirement is not met. If your passport has already expired, you can get a renewed passport by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Expired passport Legal name-change documentation if applicable Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail Padded envelope Two passport photos Check or money order for applicable fees Regional Passport Agency appointment if applicable
Expired passport
Legal name-change documentation if applicable
Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail
Padded envelope
Two passport photos
Check or money order for applicable fees
Regional Passport Agency appointment if applicable

Step 1

Renew your passport by mail if all of the following criteria are met: Your expired passport is not damaged and can be submitted with your application; the passport was issued after you turned 16 years old; your expired passport was issued within the past 15 years; and your new passport will have the same name as your expired passport or if you can submit legal documentation of your name change. You must apply for your new passport in person if these criteria cannot be met.

Step 2

Renew your passport inside the United States by submitting Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. You can fill out the DS-82 form online and print it at home, or download a form at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html. You may only use black ink when filling out your form. You may also pick up Form DS-82 at a passport acceptance facility, passport office or your local post office.

Step 3

Send your form in a padded envelope along with your expired passport, two passport photos and a check or money order for applicable fees to the mailing address listed on the front of Form DS-82. A fee schedule can be found at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html. If your name is different than the name on your expired passport, you must provide a copy of your marriage certificate or name-change court documentation.

Step 4

Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of your envelope if you need your passport in less than 8 weeks. It is recommended that you overnight your forms and application to the passport agency. An additional fee of $60 is added on to rushed requests. You can add this amount to your check or money order.

Step 5

Make an appointment with the Regional Passport Agency if you need a renewed passport for international travel in fewer than 2 weeks or if you need a renewed passport in less than 4 weeks so that you can get a foreign visa. You can find your regional office at the National Passport Information Center online at http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/npic/npic_898.html.

Tips & Warnings

Because you are mailing personal documentation and identification, it is strongly suggested that you mail this package using a tracking number. To avoid damage from weather or handling, the US Department of State recommends using a secure, Tyvek envelope. Because rules and laws are updated and amended without notice, it is important to consult with the US Department of State website for new and updated information.

Because you are mailing personal documentation and identification, it is strongly suggested that you mail this package using a tracking number.

To avoid damage from weather or handling, the US Department of State recommends using a secure, Tyvek envelope.

Because rules and laws are updated and amended without notice, it is important to consult with the US Department of State website for new and updated information.

Resources

Article Written By Shannon Marks

Shannon Marks started her journalism career in 1994. She was a reporter at the "Beachcomber" in Rehoboth Beach, Del., and contributed to "Philadelphia Weekly." Marks also served as a research editor, reporter and contributing writer at lifestyle, travel and entertainment magazines in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Temple University.

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