Renewing a US passport is usually far simpler than a first-time application, but a single mistake on the form or photo can add weeks to your wait. Here is exactly how the renewal process works in 2026, including a new photo rule that is catching people off guard.
Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible to Renew by Mail
Not everyone qualifies for the simpler mail-in or online renewal process using Form DS-82. You can typically renew this way if all of the following are true:
- Your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years.
- You were at least 16 years old when it was issued.
- You still have your most recent passport, and it is not damaged.
- It was issued under your current name, or you can document a legal name change.
If any of these do not apply, you will need to apply in person using Form DS-11 instead, which requires an appointment and additional fees.
Step 2: Choose Online or Mail-In Renewal
The State Department’s online renewal portal is now open to all eligible adults, not just a limited test group. Renewing online means uploading a digital photo and paying electronically, with no need to mail a check or physical documents — though you will still mail your old passport back separately afterward. If you prefer, the traditional mail-in route using a printed DS-82 form is still fully available.
Step 3: Get Your Photo Right — the New Rule That Trips People Up
Since January 1, 2026, the State Department automatically rejects any passport photo that has been digitally altered, including common phone-editing features that quietly smooth skin, brighten faces, or swap backgrounds. Popular photo apps that do this without clearly telling you are a leading cause of bounced applications this year.
To stay safe, your photo should be:
- 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months.
- A plain white or off-white background — no AI-generated or replaced backgrounds.
- Cropped and resized only — no beautification, filters, or retouching of any kind.
- A neutral expression, both eyes open, facing the camera directly.
You can check your own photo against these rules with our free Passport Photo Size Checker before you submit.
Step 4: Submit and Pay
Renewing adults using Form DS-82 do not pay the $35 execution fee that first-time applicants pay — that fee only applies to in-person Form DS-11 submissions. You will pay the standard renewal fee, plus an expedited fee if you choose faster processing. For the full fee breakdown, see our passport fees and processing times guide.
Step 5: Track Your Application
Processing time is counted from when the passport agency actually receives your application, not from when you mail it, so factor in shipping time on both ends. You can check current status using the official online tracker at travel.state.gov once your application has been submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my passport online?
Yes, eligible adults can now renew entirely online through the official State Department portal, as long as their previous passport was issued within the last 15 years and they were at least 16 at the time.
Why was my passport photo rejected?
As of January 2026, any digitally altered or AI-edited photo is automatically rejected. Many popular phone photo apps apply invisible edits like background smoothing, which can cause this even if you didn’t intend to alter the photo.
Do I need to visit a passport office to renew?
Not if you qualify for Form DS-82 renewal. Most eligible adults can renew entirely by mail or online without visiting a passport office in person.
How early should I start my renewal?
Most guidance recommends renewing 9 to 12 months before your passport expires, especially since many countries deny entry if your passport expires within 6 months of your travel dates.
Passport renewal is largely paperwork you can complete in minutes — the part that actually causes delays is almost always the photo. Get that right, choose the renewal method that fits your timeline, and you’ll avoid the most common hold-ups people run into in 2026.
