Mail your U.S. passport renewal application to the National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 640155, Irving, TX 75064-0155, using a trackable, large envelope without folding documents.
Do you mail in passport application?
Yes, you must mail in your U.S. passport renewal application (Form DS-82) if submitting by mail.
First-time applicants can’t just mail it in—they must apply in person at an acceptance facility like a post office, library, or county clerk’s office. Renewals usually go through the mail, unless you need that speedy expedited service. Skip FedEx or UPS; the State Department only accepts mail sent to U.S. Postal Service P.O. Boxes for standard processing.
Where do I send my passport renewal?
Send your U.S. passport renewal application to the National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 640155, Irving, TX 75064-0155.
Residents of California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas should use this address. A large, flat envelope works best—don’t forget to include a return mailing label. Track everything with USPS Certified Mail or a courier that gives you delivery confirmation. (Honestly, this is the best way to avoid lost applications.)
What 5 documents must you have with you to obtain a passport?
You need: a valid or expired undamaged U.S. passport, a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, a photocopy of the ID, and a passport photo.
Your photo ID can be a driver’s license, state ID, or military ID. Proof of citizenship? That’s usually a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. The photocopy must be a full front-and-back copy on 8.5x11" paper. First-timers must apply in person, where an agent verifies everything in front of them.
What is the fee for passport?
As of 2026, a new adult passport book costs $130 (application fee) plus a $35 execution fee, totaling $165.
Fees aren’t one-size-fits-all. A passport card runs $30, while a book-and-card combo is $160. Need it fast? Expedited processing adds $60, and overnight return is $19.73. All fees are nonrefundable and payable by check, money order, or credit card through the U.S. Department of State’s payment portal.
Do I have to send my old passport when renewing?
Yes, you must submit your most recent passport with your renewal application.
The old passport gets canceled (hole-punched) and mailed back separately from your new one. Keep it safe—it’s still valid proof of citizenship even after cancellation. The State Department needs it to prevent fraud and confirm your identity history.
Can I send my passport renewal in a regular envelope?
No; use a large envelope to mail your passport renewal.
A standard letter-size envelope can bend or damage your forms and photos. The State Department insists on a 9x12" or larger envelope. Never fold anything—keep the application, payment, and photos flat. For tracking and security, use USPS Priority Mail or Certified Mail.
Do I send my old passport when renewing?
Yes, bring or mail your old passport when renewing.
If renewing in person at an acceptance facility, you must show your old passport. Mailing it? Just include it with your renewal application. The old one gets canceled with a hole punch and returned with your new passport. Whatever you do, don’t staple or damage it during submission.
Can I get a passport without my Social Security card?
Yes, but you must provide your Social Security number or a sworn statement if you never received one.
U.S. passport applicants must share their Social Security number. No number? You’ll need to sign a statement confirming you never got one. The State Department checks this with the Social Security Administration to stop fraud in its tracks.
What paperwork do you need to get a passport?
You need: an original proof of citizenship, an acceptable photo ID, a photocopy of both documents, a completed Form DS-11, and a passport photo.
First-time applicants must submit Form DS-11 in person. Proof of citizenship? That’s usually a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Your photo ID can be a driver’s license or state ID. The photocopy must be a clear, full-page copy of both sides—no cutting corners here.
Can I use my Social Security card instead of birth certificate for passport?
A Social Security card cannot replace a birth certificate for a U.S. passport application.
The State Department wants an original or certified birth certificate as the primary proof of citizenship for new applications. A Social Security card, voter registration, or military papers won’t cut it as substitutes. Those can only serve as secondary IDs.
What is the current passport fee 2020?
As of 2020, the fee for a new adult passport book was $145 ($110 application + $35 execution fee); in 2026, it is $165.
Fees change over time, so always double-check. The $35 execution fee applies only to first-timers and in-person applicants. Expedited service and overnight delivery cost extra. Before you apply, peek at the State Department website for the latest rates.
How do I pay for my passport application fee?
Pay with a personal check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit/debit card made payable to “U.S. Department of State”.
Credit and debit cards work online or over the phone during processing. Personal checks must be pre-printed with your name and address. Money orders are easy to grab at post offices or banks. Never send cash through the mail—fees are nonrefundable, even if your application gets denied.
How do I pay for my US passport?
Pay using a check, money order, or credit/debit card made payable to “U.S. Department of State”.
Accepted payments include certified checks, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and money orders. Credit or debit cards work online too. Skip the cash—don’t mail it. Some passport acceptance facilities don’t even take cash or cards, so call ahead if you’re applying in person.
Do I send my old passport when renewing online?
No, you do not renew online; you mail your renewal application and old passport using a large envelope.
The State Department doesn’t offer full online renewal for everyone. To renew, fill out Form DS-82 and mail it with your old passport, a new photo, and payment to the National Passport Processing Center. Track your application with the 10-digit USPS tracking number—losing it isn’t an option.
How much is a US passport renewal cost?
As of 2026, a U.S. passport renewal costs $110 for a book, $30 for a card, or $140 for both.
Renewal fees don’t include the $35 execution fee—that’s only for first-timers. Expedited processing adds $60, and overnight return is $19.73. All payments go to the U.S. Department of State and are nonrefundable. Use Form DS-82 for renewals and follow the mailing instructions to the letter.
