Who can renew a U.S. passport online
Online renewal is for eligible U.S. citizens. You must be at least 25, and the passport must have been valid for 10 years, be expiring within one year or have expired less than five years ago.
You cannot change personal information, and the passport must be in your possession, undamaged and not reported lost or stolen. You must be in a U.S. state or territory and have no international travel for at least six weeks. The old passport is canceled after submission.
2026 passport renewal fees and timing
A passport book costs $130, a card $30, or both $160. Online applicants can pay by credit or debit card. Optional 1–3 day return delivery for a passport book costs $23.36.
Routine processing is currently 4–6 weeks, but that excludes mailing. Delivery to the agency and return delivery can each take up to two additional weeks, so four weeks is not a door-to-door promise.
| Method | Timing or condition | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Online renewal | Routine only; no travel for at least six weeks | Age 25+, unchanged details and qualifying passport |
| DS-82 by mail | Routine 4–6 weeks; $60 expedite for 2–3 weeks | Eligible renewals that do not fit online rules |
| Passport agency | Generally proof of travel within 14 days | Urgent travel |
| DS-11 in person | $35 execution fee also applies | First passport, children or ineligible renewals |
Online, mail or a passport agency
Online renewal cannot be expedited. If travel is less than six weeks away, DS-82 mail renewal may offer expedited processing for an extra $60; the current estimate is 2–3 weeks, excluding mailing.
Travel within 14 days may qualify for a passport-agency appointment with proof of travel. Children, first-time applicants and people whose old passport does not qualify generally need DS-11 in person.
What to prepare
- Your most recent passport and its issue and expiration dates.
- A recent digital photo that meets State Department lighting, background and image rules.
- Social Security number, U.S. mailing address, emergency contact and payment card.
- The destination's passport-validity rules, which may require three to six months beyond travel.
Avoid passport renewal scams
The State Department says opr.travel.state.gov is the only authorized online renewal portal. A website containing “passport” or “gov” in its name is not official unless the domain ends in .gov.
Third-party sites may charge for free forms or appointments and collect highly sensitive identity data without authority to submit the application. Start at travel.state.gov every time.
A practical timeline
- Check the expiration date and destination rules, then count backward from departure.
- If eligible and not traveling soon, prepare the digital photo and apply through the official portal.
- If online renewal does not fit, compare routine and expedited DS-82 mail service.
- For travel within 14 days, seek an agency appointment only through the State Department.
- Save the confirmation and application number, track status and leave room for mailing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a green card holder renew a U.S. passport online?
No. U.S. passports are for eligible U.S. citizens or nationals; permanent residents renew passports through their country of citizenship.
Can online passport renewal be expedited?
No. Online applicants must have no international travel for at least six weeks.
Can I use the old passport after submitting?
No. The State Department cancels the passport being renewed after submission.
Can I pay online with a credit card?
Yes. The official online renewal process accepts credit and debit cards.
Sources and verification
Three checks before submitting
- At least six weeks before travel：Online renewal may work if every other eligibility requirement is met; the old passport will be canceled.
- Less than six weeks：Online renewal cannot be expedited, so evaluate expedited mail service or a passport-agency appointment.
- Use only .gov：The authorized portal is opr.travel.state.gov; do not give documents or payment details to look-alike renewal sites.
The biggest renewal mistake is underestimating total delivery time. Count backward from departure first, then choose online, expedited mail or an agency appointment.