🛂 Updated May 2026

US Passport Applications, Renewal & Expedited Processing

Complete guides for every passport situation — new applications (DS-11), renewal by mail (DS-82), child passports, lost passport replacement, and emergency same-day processing. Updated May 2026 from official State Department sources.

New passport → Renew → Expedite → Child passport →

What do you need?

Current processing times

How long does a US passport take in 2026?

Processing times fluctuate seasonally. The figures below reflect estimates from the US State Department. Always verify at travel.state.gov before applying.

Routine 6–8 weeks

Standard processing for non-urgent applications. Includes mailing time. Apply at least 8–10 weeks before travel.

Expedited (paid) 2–3 weeks

Add $60 to your application fee. Expedited applications are prioritized. Allow 2–3 weeks plus mailing time.

Regional agency 1–5 days

In-person appointment at a regional passport agency for travel within 14 days. Appointment required — walk-ins not accepted.

Life or death emergency Same day

For documented life-or-death emergencies of a US citizen abroad. Contact the nearest embassy or regional agency directly.

⚠️ Mailing time adds 1–2 weeks. Add 1–2 weeks to all estimates for return mailing of your completed passport. Consider requesting expedited shipping ($19.53) when submitting your application. Your cancelled old passport is returned separately and typically arrives 4–6 weeks after your new passport.

Document checklists

Exactly what you need — by passport type

Missing even one document is the most common reason passport applications are delayed or rejected. Use the correct checklist for your situation.

New US passport — Form DS-11

Use Form DS-11 for your first passport, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, or if your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility — DS-11 cannot be submitted by mail.

Citizenship & identity documents

  • ✓Proof of US citizenship — certified birth certificate issued by your state's vital records office (hospital copies not accepted), OR previous US passport, OR Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
  • ✓Government-issued photo ID — valid driver license, state ID, or military ID. Must be current. Expired IDs are generally not accepted.
  • ✓Photocopy of your ID — front and back of your photo ID on a single sheet of paper. Black and white accepted.

Form, photo & fees

  • ✓Completed Form DS-11 — do NOT sign until instructed by the acceptance agent. Available at travel.state.gov or at the acceptance facility.
  • ✓One passport photo — 2×2 inches (51×51mm), color, white or off-white background, taken within 6 months, full face front view. No glasses.
  • ✓Fees — $130 application + $35 execution fee (adult passport book). Passport card: $30 + $35 execution. Check travel.state.gov for current amounts.
📍 Where to apply: Find your nearest acceptance facility at travel.state.gov/passport/acceptance. Post offices, libraries, and courthouses are common locations. Some require appointments. Your acceptance agent will review documents, witness your signature, and submit on your behalf.

Passport renewal by mail — Form DS-82

You may renew by mail using DS-82 if your most recent passport was issued when you were age 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, is in your current legal name (or you have legal documentation of a name change), and is not significantly damaged. You may sign DS-82 yourself — no acceptance agent required.

Required items to mail

  • ✓Completed & signed Form DS-82 — sign yourself. Available at travel.state.gov. Do not submit DS-82 online or at an acceptance facility — mail only.
  • ✓Your most recent US passport — include the original. It will be returned to you cancelled within 4–6 weeks after your new passport arrives.
  • ✓One passport photo — same requirements as DS-11 (2×2 inch, color, white background, taken within 6 months).

Fees & optional items

  • ✓Renewal fee — $130 for adult passport book. Personal check or money order payable to "US Department of State." Do not send cash.
  • ✓Name change documents (if applicable) — certified marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed since your last passport was issued.
  • ✓Expedite fee (optional) — add $60 and write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of your envelope. Add a prepaid return envelope for expedited return shipping ($19.53 for 1-2 day delivery).
⚠️ Mail to the correct address. The mailing address is printed on Form DS-82. Do not send to embassies, consulates, or State Department headquarters. Use USPS Priority Mail with tracking — keep your tracking number until your passport arrives.

Child passport (under age 16) — Form DS-11

Children under 16 must always apply in person using Form DS-11. Both parents or legal guardians must either appear together with the child, or the absent parent must provide a notarized consent form. Child passports are valid for 5 years.

Child's documents

  • ✓Certified birth certificate showing child's name and both parents' names (hospital copies not accepted)
  • ✓Completed Form DS-11 for the child — do not sign until at the acceptance facility
  • ✓One passport photo for the child — 2×2 inch, color, white background. Eyes open and facing forward. No hats.
  • ✓Child passport fees — $100 application + $35 execution fee. Check travel.state.gov for current amounts.

Parental consent documents

  • ✓Both parents present: Both parents bring valid photo ID. The child must appear in person.
  • ✓One parent present: The appearing parent brings their photo ID. The absent parent must provide a completed and notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) — available at travel.state.gov.
  • ✓Sole custody: Provide court documentation of sole custody, a death certificate of the other parent, or other legal evidence that the other parent's consent is not required.
👶 Child passports expire in 5 years, not 10. Plan for renewal before your child's passport expires. Minors cannot renew by mail — every renewal requires an in-person application with Form DS-11 and parental presence.

Lost or stolen passport replacement

Report your lost or stolen passport immediately at travel.state.gov to prevent identity theft. You must then apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11. If you have urgent travel, contact a regional passport agency for an emergency appointment.

Required for replacement application

  • ✓Form DS-64 — Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport. Complete online at travel.state.gov and print.
  • ✓Form DS-11 — complete a new passport application as if applying for the first time.
  • ✓Proof of US citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previously issued passport copy if available)
  • ✓Valid government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of it

Photo, fees & urgent travel

  • ✓One passport photo (2×2 inch, color, white background, taken within 6 months)
  • ✓Full passport application fees — same as new application ($130 + $35 execution)
  • ✓For travel within 14 days: Contact a regional passport agency to request an urgent appointment. Bring proof of imminent travel (flight itinerary or booking confirmation).
🔐 Report immediately. Reporting your passport lost or stolen at travel.state.gov invalidates it instantly. If your passport is later found, it cannot be used — you must use your new one. Message a specialist if you have urgent travel →

Name change — Form DS-5504 or DS-82

If your legal name has changed since your last passport was issued, you must update your passport before international travel. The form you use depends on when your passport was issued.

Passport issued within 1 year — Form DS-5504 (free)

  • ✓Completed Form DS-5504 — no fee for name corrections within 1 year of issue
  • ✓Your current passport (will be returned cancelled)
  • ✓Name change documentation — certified marriage certificate or court order showing your new legal name
  • ✓One new passport photo (2×2 inch, same requirements)

Passport issued over 1 year ago — Form DS-82

  • ✓Completed and signed Form DS-82
  • ✓Your most recent passport
  • ✓Name change documentation — certified marriage certificate or court order
  • ✓One passport photo
  • ✓Full renewal fee ($130 for adult book)
✏️ Important: Both DS-5504 and DS-82 name change applications are submitted by mail. Do not visit an acceptance facility for a name change — mail to the address printed on the form.

Passport book vs card

Which do you need?

Many people get both — the book for international air travel and the card as a convenient everyday ID for land and sea crossings.

📗 Passport book

Valid for all international travel · Adults valid 10 years · Children valid 5 years

  • Required for all international air travel
  • Valid for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda
  • 52 pages (standard) or 28 pages (with option to add pages)
  • Required when traveling to countries that require a visa stamp
  • Adult fee: $130 (new) · $130 (renewal)

💳 Passport card

Wallet-sized · Adults valid 10 years · Children valid 5 years

  • Valid for land and sea crossings between US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda
  • Cannot be used for international air travel
  • Wallet-sized — fits in a standard card slot
  • Accepted as a REAL ID-compliant federal ID for domestic use
  • Adult fee: $30 (new) · $30 (renewal)

US passport — what you need to know in 2026

The 6-month passport validity rule

Many countries require that your US passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of return. If your passport expires within 6 months of travel, you will be denied boarding by airlines and refused entry at your destination — even if the passport itself is technically valid.

As a general rule, renew your passport if it expires within 9 months. This gives you 6 months of buffer plus 2–3 months for processing. If your passport expires within 6 months and you have travel planned, apply for expedited processing or book a regional passport agency appointment immediately.

Passport photos — the most common rejection cause

Incorrect passport photos are the single most common reason applications are delayed. The State Department's requirements are strict:

  • Size: exactly 2×2 inches (51×51mm)
  • Taken within the last 6 months
  • Color photo on plain white or off-white background — no patterns or shadows
  • Full face, front-facing, neutral expression or natural smile
  • Eyes open, clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
  • No glasses (since November 2016, glasses are not permitted in any passport photos)
  • Head coverings only for documented religious reasons — must not obscure the face
  • Head must be centered and take up 50–70% of the photo frame

Passport photos are available at many post offices, pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), and UPS stores. If you take your own digital photo, it must be at least 600×600 pixels and meet all the requirements above.

What happens if your application is incomplete?

The National Passport Information Center will return your application with a letter explaining what is missing. This resets your processing time — you must resubmit the entire application from scratch, including a new passport photo. The most common causes of rejection are: missing or incorrect passport photo, unsigned form (DS-11 must be signed at the acceptance facility, not before), incorrect fee amount, and documents sent without proper certified copies (photocopies of birth certificates are not accepted).

Expedited passport processing — how to request it

To request expedited processing by mail: add the $60 expedite fee to your application payment, write "EXPEDITE" clearly on the outside of your mailing envelope, and include a prepaid return envelope if you want your passport returned via priority shipping. Expedited processing reduces processing time to 2–3 weeks (not counting mailing time).

For travel within 14 days, expedited mail processing will not be fast enough. You must schedule an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency. There are 26 regional agencies across the US. Appointments are required and can be booked at travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778.

If you have a life-or-death emergency involving a US citizen abroad, contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Emergency passport services are available 24 hours a day for genuine emergencies.

Can I get a passport with a criminal record?

In most cases yes. A criminal record alone does not disqualify you from a US passport. However, the following situations will result in denial or revocation: unpaid child support of $2,500 or more, significant federal tax debt (under the FAST Act), currently incarcerated for certain felonies, being subject to certain court orders restricting travel, or federal drug trafficking convictions with international elements. If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact a specialist on WhatsApp →

Sources: U.S. Department of State — travel.state.gov · State Department Processing Times · Updated

Need passport help?

Our specialists help with new applications, renewals, expedited requests, child passports, and complex situations. Free WhatsApp consultation.

Free initial consultation

Passport fees (2026)

  • New book (adult) $165
  • Renewal (adult) $130
  • Child passport $135
  • Passport card (new) $65
  • Expedite add-on +$60
  • Priority return shipping +$19.53

Always verify at travel.state.gov before applying.

Quick eligibility check

  • First passport DS-11
  • Last passport under 15 yrs DS-82
  • Last passport over 15 yrs DS-11
  • Last passport issued under 16 DS-11
  • Name change within 1 yr DS-5504
  • Lost / stolen DS-11 + DS-64

Common questions

US passport — frequently asked questions

Answers sourced from official US State Department records. Have a situation not covered? Ask a specialist on WhatsApp →

As of , routine processing takes 6–8 weeks. Expedited processing (add $60) takes 2–3 weeks. For travel within 14 days, you must book an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency. Add 1–2 weeks for mailing in all cases. Always verify current times at travel.state.gov before applying — times fluctuate seasonally.
Form DS-11 is for new applicants and those who do not qualify for mail renewal. It must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility — you cannot mail DS-11. Form DS-82 is for mail renewal. You qualify for DS-82 if your last passport was issued at age 16+, within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and is in your current legal name. If you don't meet all four criteria, use DS-11.
The State Department has been piloting an online renewal system. Availability has been limited and eligibility requirements are similar to DS-82. Check travel.state.gov for the current status of online renewal. If unavailable or you are ineligible, use the DS-82 mail renewal process.
Apply in person using Form DS-11. Both parents must appear together, or the absent parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent). Required documents: child's certified birth certificate, proof of parents' US citizenship, parent photo ID, one passport photo, and applicable fees ($100 application + $35 execution). Child passports are valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed by mail.
Report it immediately at travel.state.gov to invalidate the passport. Apply for a replacement using Form DS-11 and Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport) in person at an acceptance facility. If you have travel within 14 days, contact a regional passport agency for an emergency appointment. Bring your flight itinerary as proof of imminent travel.
Photos must be 2×2 inches, color, taken within 6 months, on a plain white or off-white background. Full face, front-facing, neutral expression, eyes open. No glasses (since 2016). Head coverings only for religious reasons. Head must be centered and fill 50–70% of the photo frame. Available at post offices, CVS, Walgreens, and UPS stores. An incorrect photo is the most common cause of application delays.
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned return, renew before traveling. Airlines may deny boarding and countries will refuse entry — even if your passport is technically valid. Renew at least 8–10 weeks before travel using routine processing, or sooner with expedited processing.
In most cases yes. A criminal record alone does not disqualify you. However, passport denial or revocation may occur for: unpaid child support of $2,500 or more, significant federal tax debt under the FAST Act, current incarceration for certain felonies, or court orders restricting international travel. If you are unsure, speak with a specialist on WhatsApp before applying.