Has it been 15 years or more since your passport was issued? You can’t renew it by mail. Once a passport is more than 15 years old, Form DS-82 no longer applies, and you’ll apply as if for the first time using Form DS-11. The process is still straightforward.
For the general renewal process, see our full guide to renewing a passport. For the specific mistakes that delay a DS-82 application, see DS-82 mistakes to watch out for.
Why you can’t renew a passport after 15 years
The rule is about when your most recent passport was issued, not how long it’s been expired. Form DS-82, the mail-in renewal form, only applies if your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years. Once it’s been more than 15 years since issuance, DS-82 no longer applies, regardless of how long the passport itself has been expired. You’ll need to start over with Form DS-11, filed in person at an acceptance facility or through a registered passport courier.
Documents you’ll need for a new passport application
When your passport is too old to renew, you’ll need:
- Proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate or your previous U.S. passport.
- Proof of identity, like a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID.
- A new passport photo that meets the official photo requirements.
- Form DS-11, which you must submit in person, either at an acceptance facility or with the help of a registered passport courier.
If you’re not sure whether your documents qualify, have them reviewed before you apply so you don’t lose time to a rejected submission.
How long does it take to get a new passport?
Standard DS-11 applications take about the same time as a standard renewal, roughly 4 to 6 weeks, which can be tight if you have a trip coming up. Expedited government processing brings that to 2 to 3 weeks for a $60 fee. If neither is fast enough, a registered courier service can process applications in as little as 3 business days by hand-carrying your application to a passport agency.
How we help you apply after 15 years
We help travelers get a new passport quickly, even when it’s been many years since their last one. Our team reviews your documents, helps you fill out Form DS-11 correctly, and submits your application through our expedited courier network. Because that means expedited processing, the government fees you pay include the $60 to expedite, on top of the application and execution fees. Our service fee is separate, on top of that, based on your timeline. See current pricing and turnaround.
Need it fast? We’re a registered courier service, and we help travelers whose passports are too old to renew apply for a new one quickly. You still pay all government fees. Our service fee is separate and on top of those. See current pricing.