How to renew a US passport, and when to start
A US passport for an adult is valid for 10 years, which is long enough to forget about. The trouble is that renewing takes weeks, and some countries will not let you in unless your passport has months left on it.
Checked against the official page in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm on travel.state.gov: renew your passport by mail before you act.
Get a reminder before it's too late. We'll email you ahead of the date, and you can add a phone call.
Create a free accountStart earlier than you think
The State Department says some foreign destinations require at least 6 months of validity beyond the dates of your trip, and that some airlines will not let you board if you do not meet it. So the real deadline is often 6 months before the expiration date, not the date itself.
Routine processing takes 4-6 weeks and expedited takes 2-3 weeks (page updated October 5, 2026). Mailing is not included: allow up to about 2 weeks for your application to reach them and up to about 2 weeks for the passport to reach you. They say demand is highest from late winter through summer and lower from October to December.
Can you renew by mail or online?
You can renew by mail (form DS-82) if all of these are true:
- You can send in your most recent passport, and it was never reported lost or stolen.
- It was issued within the last 15 years.
- It was issued when you were 16 or older and was valid for 10 years.
- It is in your current name, or you can document the change (for example a marriage certificate or divorce decree).
- It is not damaged beyond normal wear and tear.
What it costs
These are the figures on the State Department's renewal page when we checked. Fees change, so confirm before you pay.
- Passport book: $130. Passport card: $30. Book and card: $160.
- Expedited service: add $60.
- Faster delivery of the finished passport: add $26.87.
A good reminder schedule
Set the due date to the day your passport expires, then ask to be told well ahead. Our passport template emails you 9 months, 6 months, 3 months and 1 month before, and on the day. That keeps you clear of the 6-month rule and leaves room for the slowest season.
It Is Time is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Source: travel.state.gov: renew your passport by mail.