What Is Form DS-82?
The passport renewal form DS-82, officially titled the US Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals, is the official mail-in renewal form issued by the US Department of State. It allows qualifying US citizens to renew an expiring or expired passport without visiting a passport office in person.
Unlike Form DS-11 — which requires an in-person visit to a passport acceptance facility — the DS-82 is a simple mail-in or online application. You complete the form, gather your documents, include payment, and mail everything directly to the State Department. No appointment, no lines, and no $35 acceptance fee.
Whether you are searching for the ds-82 form download, trying to understand passport renewal by mail, figuring out how to renew your passport after it expired, looking up the passport renewal fee 2026, or need help with an expired passport renewal — this complete passport renewal application guide covers the entire us passport renewal process from start to finish, including everything about the ds 82 passport form and how to fill out ds-82 step by step.
The DS-82 form is 6 pages total: 4 pages of detailed instructions and 2 pages for the actual application. The form was last updated in April 2025 and is valid through June 30, 2028. Always download the latest version to avoid automatic rejection.
📥 Download Form DS-82 from the Official State Department Website →
2026 Update — What Changed and Who Should Know
The State Department has expanded its online passport renewal system in 2026. Eligible adults can now complete the passport renewal application entirely online at mypassport.state.gov — uploading a digital photo, filling out the DS-82 electronically, and paying the fee without printing a single page. Processing fees have not changed in 2026 — a passport book renewal still costs $130 for routine service.
Documents You Need — Complete Checklist
Gather everything before you sit down to fill the form. A missing item is the most common reason applications get returned or delayed.
Identity and Travel Documents
- Your most recent US passport (original — it will be returned to you after processing)
- Certified legal name change documents if your name has changed since your last passport (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — original or certified copy)
Passport Photo
- One color passport photo, 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months
- Plain white or off-white background
- Face centered and front-facing, neutral expression, both eyes open
- No glasses, hats, filters, or head coverings (unless worn daily for religious reasons)
- Head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top
Payment
- Personal check or money order payable to US Department of State
- Write your full name and date of birth on the memo line
- Include the correct amount for routine or expedited service
- Never send cash — credit and debit cards are not accepted for mail-in applications
Am I Eligible to Use Form DS-82?
This is the most important question before you do anything else. You can use Form DS-82 only if every one of the following five conditions is true about your most recent passport.
Your Passport Was Issued When You Were 16 or Older
If your most recent passport was issued when you were under 16, you cannot use DS-82. You must apply in person using Form DS-11, even as an adult.
Your Passport Was Issued Within the Last 15 Years
If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, it is too old for mail-in renewal. You will need to visit a passport acceptance facility and apply with Form DS-11 instead.
Your Passport Is Undamaged
Normal wear and tear is acceptable — small scuffs or a slightly bent cover will not disqualify you. However, water damage, torn pages, missing pages, unofficial markings, or a damaged chip are considered significant damage and will require an in-person DS-11 application.
You Have Your Most Recent Passport in Your Possession
You must physically submit your old passport with the DS-82 application. It serves as proof of citizenship and identity. If your passport is lost or stolen, you cannot use DS-82 — file Form DS-64 to report it and then apply in person using DS-11.
Your Name Matches or You Have Legal Proof of a Name Change
If the name on your renewal is different from your most recent passport — due to marriage, divorce, or a court order — you can still use DS-82. Simply include certified legal documentation of the name change such as an original or certified marriage certificate or court order.
Who Cannot Use Form DS-82
- Your passport was issued when you were under 16 years old
- Your passport was issued more than 15 years ago
- Your passport is significantly damaged
- Your passport is lost or stolen
- You are a first-time passport applicant
- You are applying for a child under 16
- You are outside the US with no reliable mail service back to the US
DS-82 Passport Renewal Fee Breakdown (2026)
Fees are paid by check or money order only, made out to US Department of State. Mail-in DS-82 renewals do not include the $35 acceptance fee that is charged for DS-11 in-person applications. This is one of the key advantages of renewing by mail.
| Service | Passport Book | Passport Card | Book + Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine Processing (6–8 weeks) | $130 | $30 | $160 |
| Expedited Processing (2–3 weeks) | $190 | $90 | $220 |
| Priority Return Delivery (optional) | +$19.53 | +$19.53 | +$19.53 |
Always verify current fees at the official State Department fee page before mailing, as fees are subject to change.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Download the Latest Version of the Form
Download the current version directly from the State Department website. The accepted version is dated April 2025. Never use an older printed copy or a version from a third-party website. You can complete the form online and print it single-sided, or print it blank and complete it by hand in black ink.
Step 2 — Section A: Confirm Your Eligibility
At the top of the application, check each eligibility box. Read every statement carefully and only proceed if you can truthfully confirm all five. Submitting DS-82 when you are ineligible will cause your application to be returned unprocessed.
Step 3 — Section B: Your Personal Information
Fill in your full legal name exactly as you want it to appear on your new passport. Include your date of birth, place of birth, Social Security Number, email address, and phone number. Your SSN is required but is only used for tax compliance verification.
Step 4 — Section C: Your Most Recent Passport Information
Enter the passport number, issue date, and expiration date from your most recent passport — the one you are submitting. If renewing both a passport book and a passport card, fill in information for both.
Step 5 — Section D: Travel Plans
Indicate whether you have upcoming travel within 4 weeks or a foreign visa appointment within 12 weeks. This helps the State Department prioritize urgent applications. If you need your passport faster due to imminent travel, you may qualify for an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency.
Step 6 — Section E: Name Change Information
If your name has changed since your last passport, complete this section with both your old name and your new name. Attach certified legal documentation. If your name has changed multiple times, provide documentation for each change in chronological order.
Step 7 — Sign and Date the Form
Sign and date the application on page 2 in black ink after the entire form is complete. Do not sign before finishing. An unsigned application is automatically rejected. Do not use a digital or stamped signature.
Step 8 — Assemble Your Mailing Package
- Completed and signed Form DS-82 (single-sided pages only)
- Your most recent US passport (do not staple or punch holes in it)
- Passport photo stapled or paper-clipped to the form as directed
- Name change documents if applicable
- Payment — check or money order for the correct amount
- Prepaid Priority Mail Express envelope if you want tracked return delivery
Step 9 — Mail to the Correct State Department Address
The mailing address differs for routine and expedited service. Find the current address at travel.state.gov/send-form. Always send using a trackable carrier — USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS. Keep your tracking number and proof of delivery until your new passport arrives.
What Happens After You Submit?
State Department Receives and Logs Your Application
Once your package arrives, the State Department logs it and begins processing. Applications typically appear in the online tracking system 7 to 10 business days after receipt. If you sent it via a trackable carrier, you can confirm delivery first using the carrier tracking number.
Track Your Application Status Online
Check your status anytime at passportstatus.state.gov. You need your last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. Status updates show as In Process, Approved, or Mailed.
Receive Your New Passport
Your new passport is mailed to the address on your application. Your old passport is returned separately and typically arrives 2 to 4 weeks after your new one. Both come by US mail, so keep an eye on tracking notifications.
Processing Times in 2026
| Service Type | Processing Time | Total Cost (Book) |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 6–8 weeks | $130 |
| Expedited | 2–3 weeks | $190 |
| Urgent (in-person agency appointment) | 1–3 business days | $190 + appointment |
Processing time starts when the State Department receives your application, not when you mail it. Add 2 to 5 days each way for mailing. Check travel.state.gov for real-time estimates — times fluctuate during peak summer travel season.
Can You Renew Your Passport Online in 2026?
Yes — if you meet the eligibility criteria. The State Department online system at mypassport.state.gov allows qualifying adults to complete the DS-82 entirely online. You upload a digital photo, fill in the form electronically, and pay the $130 fee by card. No printing or mailing required. Online renewal is fully available nationwide as of 2026.
Also read our complete guide on another popular US immigration form: I-485 Form: How to Apply for a US Green Card — Complete 2026 Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DS-82
Can I use Form DS-82 if my passport expired more than 5 years ago?
Yes, as long as your passport was issued within the last 15 years. If your passport expired 8 years ago but was issued 12 years ago, you are still eligible to use DS-82.
What is the difference between Form DS-82 and Form DS-11?
DS-82 is for passport renewals by eligible adults done by mail or online with no in-person visit required. DS-11 is for first-time applicants, children under 16, and anyone who does not qualify for mail-in renewal. DS-11 requires an in-person visit and includes a $35 execution fee.
I got married and changed my name. Can I still use DS-82?
Yes. Include your original or certified marriage certificate with your DS-82 application and complete the name change section of the form. You can still renew by mail.
What if my passport has minor damage like coffee stains?
Minor wear and tear from normal use is acceptable. However, torn pages, chip damage, or unauthorized markings mean you need to apply in person using DS-11.
Can I renew my passport card using DS-82?
Yes. Form DS-82 covers both passport books and passport cards. A passport card renewal costs $30. Renewing both together with routine service costs $160.
How long does it take to get my passport after I mail DS-82?
Routine processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your application. Expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. Add mailing time on both ends. Your old passport is returned separately and arrives 2 to 4 weeks after your new one.
Official Links — Download DS-82 and Related Resources
- 📥 Download Form DS-82 — Official State Department PDF
- 🌐 Online Passport Renewal — Complete DS-82 online
- 💰 Passport Fees 2026 — Official fee schedule
- 📬 Where to Mail DS-82 — Correct mailing addresses
- ⏱️ Processing Times — Updated weekly by State Department
- 🔍 Track Your Application — Official passport status checker
- 📋 All Passport Forms — DS-11, DS-82, DS-64 and more
Disclaimer
ApplicationFormPortal.us is an independent directory platform and is not affiliated with the US Department of State or any government agency. The information in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or official advice. Passport fees, processing times, and eligibility rules are subject to change. Always verify current information at the official State Department website at travel.state.gov before filing your application.
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