US Passport Renewal Guide 2026: Processing Times, Fees & Emergency Travel

US Passport Processing in 2026: What Has Changed

US passport processing has undergone several operational changes since 2024. The State Department eliminated the option to request expedited service at passport agencies without an appointment, expanded online renewal eligibility, and adjusted processing time estimates multiple times. As of August 2026, here are the official processing times published by the Bureau of Consular Affairs:

Note: These processing times begin when the application is received at a passport agency or processing center, not when you mail it. Mailing time adds 1-2 weeks on each end. The State Department recommends counting 2-3 extra weeks for total turnaround time.

DS-82: Renewing Your US Passport by Mail

If you meet all of the following criteria, you can renew your passport using Form DS-82 by mail without visiting a passport acceptance facility:

• You have your most recent passport in your possession (not lost or stolen)
• It was issued within the last 15 years
• You were age 16 or older when it was issued
• You are still using the same name (or can provide legal documentation of name change)
• Your passport is not damaged (normal wear is fine; water damage, torn pages, or unauthorized markings are not)

DS-82 Renewal Steps

1. Complete Form DS-82 online at travel.state.gov (fillable PDF) or by hand. Use black ink only. Do not sign until instructed — the form must be signed in the presence of a notary if someone else is paid to prepare it.
2. Provide your most recent passport — it will be returned separately after your new passport is issued
3. Include one passport photo (2x2 inches, white background, taken within the last 6 months). Do not staple or paperclip the photo to the form — use a photo holder or small envelope
4. Calculate your fee — $165 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $195 for both. Add $60 if expediting. Make check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State
5. Mail to the correct address — the address depends on whether you are expediting and which state you live in. Check travel.state.gov for the current mailing address

Online Renewal Pilot: The State Department's online renewal system (Form DS-82 online) has been expanded since 2025. As of 2026, online renewal is available to adults whose previous passport was issued between 5 and 15 years ago, who are not changing their name, and who are not expediting. Processing time is the same as mail-in. The online system is available at travel.state.gov/renewonline.

DS-11: First-Time Passport Applications

If you are applying for a US passport for the first time, or if you do not meet the DS-82 renewal criteria, you must apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility. This includes:

• First-time applicants of any age
• Minors under 16 (both parents must appear or provide written consent)
• Lost or stolen passport replacements (if you cannot provide the damaged passport)
• Passports issued more than 15 years ago
• Passports issued when you were under 16

DS-11 Application Steps

1. Complete Form DS-11 online at travel.state.gov (fillable PDF) but do NOT sign it — you must sign in the presence of the acceptance agent
2. Provide proof of US citizenship — certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. Your previous passport also counts if it meets the requirements
3. Provide proof of identity — valid driver's license, state ID, military ID, or previous US passport. Bring both original and photocopy
4. Bring one passport photo (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months)
5. Pay the fee — $165 (book) + $35 execution fee = $200 total. The execution fee is paid to the acceptance facility separately
6. Locate a passport acceptance facility — many post offices, public libraries, and county clerk offices accept passport applications. Schedule an appointment online (walk-ins are limited)
7. Bring both parents if the applicant is under 16 — or one parent with a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) from the non-applying parent

Urgent Travel: Same-Day Passport Appointments

If you are traveling within 8 calendar days (14 days if you need a foreign visa), you can schedule an appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies nationwide. These are regional processing centers, not acceptance facilities — they handle applications in person and can issue passports same-day.

How to Get an Urgent Travel Appointment

1. Call 1-877-487-2778 (TTY: 1-888-874-7793) to schedule an appointment. You cannot walk in without an appointment
2. Provide proof of international travel — flight itinerary, cruise ticket, or hotel reservation showing travel within 8 calendar days
3. Bring all DS-11 or DS-82 documents plus proof of travel. Processing is same-day, but you must arrive early and expect to spend 2-4 hours at the agency
4. Pay the $60 expedite fee on top of the standard application fee. Passport agencies accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders

Appointment availability: Same-day appointments are limited and fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons (April-June and November-December). Call at 8:00 AM local time when the appointment line opens. If no appointments are available in your region, ask about cancellations or check neighboring states.

Life-or-Death Emergency Passports

If you need to travel internationally within 72 hours due to a life-or-death emergency involving an immediate family member (parent, spouse, child, sibling), you can qualify for a same-day emergency passport. Requirements:

• Proof of the emergency — death certificate, statement from a hospital or attending physician, or police report
• Proof of relationship — birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption decree
• Proof of travel — flight itinerary showing departure within 72 hours

Call 1-877-487-2778 and explain the emergency. The agent will confirm your eligibility and schedule an appointment at the nearest passport agency. Arrive with all documents and be prepared to wait. The emergency fee is $60 (expedited) on top of the application fee.

Passport Fees (2026)

Payment methods: Checks and money orders are preferred for mail-in applications. Passport agencies accept credit/debit cards. Passport acceptance facilities (post offices) accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks.

Passport Photo Requirements

US passport photos must meet strict Department of State specifications. The single most common reason for application delays is photo rejection. Requirements:

• Size: 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm)
• Background: Plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows
• Head position: Full face, centered, both eyes open, looking directly at the camera
• Expression: Neutral, non-smiling (mouth closed) — no grinning, raised eyebrows, or squinting
• Attire: Normal street clothes. No uniforms, camouflage, or clothing that resembles a uniform. No hats or head coverings except for religious or medical reasons (with a signed statement)
• Glasses: Do NOT wear glasses in passport photos (this rule changed in 2024). If you cannot remove glasses for medical reasons, provide a signed statement
• Recency: Photo must be taken within the last 6 months

Where to get a compliant photo: CVS, Walgreens, and UPS stores offer passport photo services for $15-20. Many post offices also take photos. You can also take your own photo using a white wall and a smartphone, then print it at a photo kiosk — but most people find it easier to pay for professional service to avoid rejection.

Children's Passports: Additional Requirements

Minors under 16 face stricter rules than adults. Both parents (or legal guardians) must appear together at the acceptance facility. If one parent cannot attend, they must submit a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent). Specific requirements:

• Both parents' identification — valid driver's license, passport, or state ID
• Proof of parental relationship — certified birth certificate listing both parents, adoption decree, or court order establishing custody
• Passport validity for minors: 5 years (not 10 years like adults)
• Renewal: Minors cannot renew by mail — they must apply in person with Form DS-11 every time
• Age 16-17: One parent must appear with the minor, or the minor can apply alone with a notarized parental consent form

Important: If one parent has sole custody, provide the court order granting sole custody. If one parent is deceased, provide the death certificate. If one parent cannot be located, provide evidence of unsuccessful attempts to locate them (or a court order waiving the requirement).

Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to prevent identity theft. Reporting also invalidates the passport so it cannot be used by anyone who finds it.

Within the United States

1. Report online at travel.state.gov using Form DS-64 (Report of Lost or Stolen Passport) or call 1-877-487-2778
2. Apply for a replacement using Form DS-11 in person — you cannot renew by mail after a lost or stolen passport because the lost passport cannot be submitted with the application
3. Pay the standard fee plus the $35 execution fee. No additional penalty for losing a passport

Outside the United States

1. Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate immediately. Embassy staff will help you file a police report (if applicable) and apply for an emergency passport
2. Emergency passport: A limited-validity passport (usually valid for 1 year) is typically issued within 1-2 business days for emergency travel back to the US
3. Fee: $165 for a passport book (emergency passport) plus any local consular fees. Credit cards are accepted at most embassies
4. Upon return to the US: You must apply for a full-validity replacement passport using Form DS-11. The emergency passport cannot be renewed

Passport Book vs Passport Card

Most travelers should get the passport book. The passport card is a useful supplement for frequent land border crossers (driving to Canada or Mexico) or cruise passengers traveling within the Western Hemisphere. You can apply for both at the same time for $195.

Tips for Avoiding Processing Delays

• Apply early: If your passport expires within 12 months, renew it now. Do not wait until 2 months before travel
• Check your photo: The most common delay is photo rejection. Use a professional service or carefully follow the State Department's photo requirements
• Sign your application: DS-82 must be signed and dated. Unsigned applications are returned, adding weeks to the process
• Use the correct fee: Underpayment causes delays. Double-check the current fee schedule at travel.state.gov before mailing
• Track your application: Enroll in email updates at travel.state.gov after submitting. You can check status online within 2 weeks of submission
• Expedite only if necessary: Expedited service costs $60 extra and is not refundable if your travel date changes. Only pay for expedited if you actually need it
• Check your passport before booking: Some countries require 6 months of passport validity beyond your travel dates. If your passport expires within 6 months and you are traveling to a country with this rule, renew before booking flights