Your Guide to Renewing Your Passport with Ease

Avoid pre-trip stress with a little prior planning. 

People holding passports, map for travel with luggage for the trip Adobe Stock

Traveling with confidence starts with an up-to-date passport. To ensure a smooth journey, it's crucial to renew your passport well before it expires. Renewing early helps you avoid unnecessary delays and additional fees. 

When Should I Renew My Passport

In the United States, adult passports are valid for 10 years, while those for minors under 16 are valid for five years. To ensure smooth travel, it's best to renew your passport at least six months before it expires. This is especially important if you plan to travel internationally, as many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Some countries might deny entry if your passport is set to expire within six months of your trip. For added precaution, the U.S. Department of State recommends renewing your passport about nine months before it expires.

How Long Does it Take to Renew?

Processing times for U.S. passports can vary depending on a range of factors. Here are the approximate processing times you can expect:

  • Routine: 6–8 weeks. This is the standard processing option and is suitable for most travel plans.
  • Expedited: 2–3 weeks. This option is available if you need your passport faster and includes an additional fee.
  • Urgent: Requires an appointment and proof of international travel within 14 days to use this service.
  • Emergency Service: Available for life-or-death emergencies and processing time is as quick as same-day service in critical situations.

Keep in mind that these times can be influenced by factors such as application volume, staffing, and unforeseen delays. It’s always wise to apply as early as possible to accommodate any potential issues. For added convenience, consider using AAA Travel’s RushMyPassport service. This service takes care of all the details, streamlining the process so you can focus on planning your trip. AAA Members also enjoy exclusive savings on expedited RushMyPassport services.

Passport Renewal Fees

For those in need of last-minute renewals, expedited service is available at an extra $60 on top of the standard fees: $110 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card or $140 for both. Please note, passport cards are not valid for international air travel. Prices and fees are subject to change, so verify current rates before applying.

How to Renew By Mail, In Person or Online

The simplest way to renew your passport is by mail, provided that:

  • You have your passport on hand and can include it with your application
  • It is in good condition (aside from typical wear and tear)
  • You obtained it when you were at least 16 years old
  • It was issued within the last 15 years
  • It was issued in your current name, or you can provide proof of your name change

If your passport does not meet these criteria, you’ll need to apply in person and follow the standard application process. If your passport was issued before you turned 16 or over 15 years ago, you’ll need to apply as if it were your first passport.

Required Documents

To apply by mail, you’ll need the following:

  • Your current passport
  • A completed Form DS-82
  • A certified copy of your legal name change document, if your current name doesn’t match your most recent passport (acceptable documents include marriage certificates, divorce decrees or court-ordered name-change documents.)
  • A valid passport photo, adhering to all current requirements, such as not wearing eyeglasses (effective as of November 1, 2016)
  • A money order; or personal, certified or cashier’s check for fees to the U.S. Department of State

Mail your application in a large envelope to avoid bending or folding your documents. Use a trackable delivery method, such as USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation. If you have chosen to expedite your passport processing, write “Expedite” on your envelope. The mailing address for passport renewals applications can be found on the State Department’s website.

Passport Photos

Travelers can conveniently get your U.S. Passport photos taken at most full-service AAA Branch locations. The service ensures your photos meet all required passport regulations.

AAA Member Passport Photo Fees:

  • AAA Classic Member: $8 per set of two
  • AAA Plus Member: First two sets are free to you and each of your minor children (age 15 and under)
  • AAA Premier Member: All sets are free to you and each of your minor children (age 15 and under)
  • Non Member: $12 per set of two

Contact your local AAA Branch location to confirm passport photo services and make an appointment. (Passport photo prices may at any be subject to change.) 

Renew in Person

There are several reasons that may require you to renew your passport in person. These include applying for your first U.S. passport, having a passport that was issued before you turned 16, or if your passport expired more than five years ago. If your previous passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, you’ll also need to renew in person. Additionally, if your name has changed since your passport was issued and you don't have legal documentation to support the change, or if you possess a non-standard passport, such as a limited-validity passport, an in-person renewal is required. To do so, you'll need to bring the following to a designated passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or a passport agency.

You’ll be needing:

  • Your current passport.
  • A completed Form DS-82
  • A valid passport photo
  • Proof of identity and citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
  • Any applicable fees for the renewal preferred form of payment

During your visit, a staff member will review your documents, verify your identity, and take your photo if necessary. This in-person step ensures that your application is complete and accurate, setting the stage for the issuance of your passport.

Renew Online

Renewing your passport online is currently only available on a limited basis. Here are the eligibility requirements if you decided to do so:

  • The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years
  • You are age 25 or older
  • The passport you are renewing was issued between 2009 and 2015 or over 9 years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application

The online process may also involve answering security questions and verifying your identity through various means. Ensuring that all required documents are correctly formatted and submitted will help streamline the online renewal process. The documentation you’ll be needing to provide to renew online:

  • A high-quality digital photo that meets specific passport photo requirements
  • A digital copy of your current passport You'll also have to provide personal
  • Credit or debit card for renewal fee payment 
Tracking the Status of Your Passport

Curious about the status of your passport renewal? Staying updated on your renewal is crucial for seamless travel arrangements. Here are three methods to track the progress of your application, each offering varying degrees of detail and convenience.

  • Online Tracking: Visit the State Department’s official website and use their online tracking tool. You'll need to enter details such as your application reference number, date of birth and personal information to access your status.
  • Customer Service: Call the State Department’s customer service hotline at 1-877-487-2778. Provide your application reference number and other identifying details to receive an update on the status of your renewal.
  • Email or Mail Updates: You can subscribe for email updates, or if you provided an email address, check for any status updates sent to you. Some agencies send notifications via email or postal mail to inform you about the progress of your application.
Lost or Stolen Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, whether it got misplaced during a recent move or you were a victim of theft, you should first report it to the State Department. After reporting the loss, you'll need to apply for a replacement passport and be prepared for standard fees to apply. Many travel insurance plans can cover the costs associated with replacing a lost or stolen passport, including emergency fees and expedited processing. Additionally, it may provide support for travel delays or cancellations resulting from the passport issue.

This article is intended to help you understand the key requirements for obtaining and renewing a U.S. passport. This information does not replace the specific information provided by governmental and other relevant authorities. While the Auto Club Group makes its best efforts to keep the information updated, policy changes and travel requirements may occur at any time and without notice. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information; neither The Auto Club Group, nor any of its employees or agents may under any circumstances be held responsible or liable in any way for any claim, loss, damage, cost, expense or liability whatsoever that may result from your access to, or reliance on, the information provided on this page. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all passport and entry requirements for international travel and that you have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from, or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary as they may vary based on your country of nationality and other factors. The final determination of entry into or transit through is the decision of the government and officials of the country to which you are traveling.


Keep reading in: