The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

New Application for a U.S. Passport

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.

Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.

You'll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

Renewal of a U.S. Passport

You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading it from this site.

If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.

How to Apply for a Passport Renewal

Should You Apply for a Passport Renewal by Mail? YES, If you

1.  Already have a passport that is not damaged; and
2.  Received it within the past 15 years; and
3.  Were at least age 16 when it was issued; and
4.  Still have the same name as in passport (or you can legally document your name change)

NOTES:

• U.S. citizens residing abroad (except those living in Canada) should renew their passports at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
• U.S. citizens residing in Canada may mail DS-82, Application for Passport by Mail, renewal applications to the address indicated on the form. Payment must be in US$.
• Passports renewed by mail in the U.S. may only be mailed to U.S. and Canadian addresses.
• If you mutilate or alter your U.S. passport, you may invalidate it and risk possible prosecution under the law (Section 1543 of Title 22 of the U.S. Code).
• If your passport has been mutilated, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip and/or have two to four blank visa/stamp pages. Some airlines will not allow you to board if these requirements are not met.

If you can, then How Do You Renew Your Passport By Mail?

1. Complete Application For Passport By Mail, form DS-82

• Be sure to sign and date your application.

2. Attach to it:

• Your most recent passport
• Two identical passport photographs
• And, a $67 fee payable to the U.S. Department of State.
• If you need your passport urgently, you may request Expedited Service.

NOTE: Your previous passport will be returned to you with your new passport.

NOTE: If you travel extensively, you may request a larger, 48-page passport at no additional cost. To do so, please attach a signed request for a 48-page passport to your application.

3. If your name has changed since your passport was issued:

• Enclose a certified copy of the legal document specifying your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court order).
• No photocopies accepted.

NOTE: If your name has changed by other means, you must apply in person.

4. Mail in a padded envelope to:

National Passport Processing
P.O. Box 13349
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3349

5. If you use an overnight delivery service that does not deliver to a post office box, then send it to:

National Passport Processing
Attn: Department 13349
1617 Brett Road
New Castle, DE 19720

NOTE: Include a prepaid overnight return envelope. Please note that overnight service will not speed up processing time unless the $60 fee for expedited service is also included.

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