{"id":17255,"date":"2025-10-28T11:18:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T16:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepassportoffice.com\/blog\/?p=17255"},"modified":"2026-09-25T09:52:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T14:52:25","slug":"how-to-renew-a-passport-after-15-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepassportoffice.com\/blog\/how-to-renew-a-passport-after-15-years\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Renew a Passport After 15 Years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the general renewal process, see our full guide to renewing a passport<\/a>. For the specific mistakes that delay a DS-82 application, see DS-82 mistakes to watch out for<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why you can’t renew a passport after 15 years<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rule is about when your most recent passport was issued<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, filed in person at an acceptance facility or through a registered passport courier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Documents you’ll need for a new passport application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When your passport is too old to renew, you’ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n