According to the United States Department of State (DOS) , all people, regardless of age, must have their own, valid passport when traveling internationally. Passports are valid for a predetermined period of time and can be renewed by mail if the applicant is a U.S. citizen residing in the United States or Canada. Citizens renewing their passport in other countries should do so through the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate . Applicants cannot renew their passports and are required to obtain a passport in person if any of the following circumstances is true:
- This is the first time the applicant is applying for a passport;
- The applicant is a child under age 16 (minor), or the previous passport was issued prior to his/her 16th birthday;
- The applicant's current passport was lost, stolen , or damaged;
- The applicant's previous passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; or
- The applicant's name has changed since the passport was issued and there is no legal document formally proving the name change.
When renewing a passport, the applicant must submit the following:
- Form DS-82 (Application for U.S. Passport by Mail) - This form is used to request the renewal of a passport book, passport card , or both. It may be completed online and printed, downloaded from the DOS website and completed by hand, or obtained from a passport acceptance facility .
- Proof of Name Change (if applicable) - If the applicant's name has changed from the way it appears on his/her citizenship documents, proof of legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree , or a court order is required.
- Two Identical, Recent Photos of the Applicant - Photographs should be two inches by two inches in size, showing a full facial view of the applicant against a light background. These can be made at most photo shops by asking for passport photos .
- The Applicant's Most Recent Passport - The passport book and/or card must have been issued at age 16 or older, in his/her current name (or with proof of name change), undamaged, and issued within the past 15 years.
- All Passport Application Fees - Please verify the acceptable forms of payment, as well as the applicable fees.
These items should be placed in a padded envelope to avoid any damage, and mailed to the address indicated on the form. If a private delivery company is being used, a prepaid overnight return envelope may also be required. Please note that passports renewed by mail will only be mailed to U.S. and Canadian addresses.