Existing US passport holders (aged 25 and over; previous passport issued between 2007 and 2013 ) can now do their entire passport renewal online–provided they meet a few other conditions.
However, most renewals are still done by printing Form DS-82, filling it out, and mailing everything (including the supporting documents) using the United States Postal Service (USPS).
That’s where this guide, prepared by Passport Photo Online (a biometric photo app), comes in.
Passport renewal form DS-82–eligibility
To be eligible to do a passport renewal using form DS-82 rather than a new passport application, the applicant must have:
- their previous undamaged (beyond regular wear and tear) US passport in their possession.
- Received their previous passport at age 16 (sixteen) or older and within the last 15 (fifteen) years.
- A passport issued in their current name or be in possession of documents proving a legal name change (e.g., marriage certificate).
Failure to meet even one of the above criteria will require the applicant to submit a new passport application (form DS-11) rather than a US passport renewal.
Passport form DS-82–downloading the form
US citizens have two options for downloading and filling out the digital passport form. They can:
- Use the Department of State’s online form filler to fill out and print passport form DS 82 online. OR
- Download the fillable form in PDF format, print it out, and manually complete DS-82 using black ink.
Both options require the individual to print out the form and can only be used for submission in person at a US passport acceptance facility or via USPS. Be sure to print the form single-sided; forms printed in double-sided format are not accepted.
Have you mastered Form DS-82? Check out these related articles:
- US Passport Photos – Questions and Answers
- What Do You Need For a Passport?
- MyTravelGov Account: A Complete and Updated Guide
US passport renewal form DS-82–filling it out
With the form in hand or on your computer screen, we’re ready to start filling DS-82 out (online or using black ink only).
The first 4 (four) pages have detailed instructions on correctly filling out each section in the final 2 (two) pages of the 6-page form. It is worth reading through these instructions as a way of “double-checking your work” prior to submission.
Let’s get started.
As stated at the top of the form, applicants can use DS-82 to renew a US passport book and/or US passport card.
To fill out the form, begin with question 1. Name, and work your way through to question 20. Travel Plans. Be sure to pay attention to the examples in italics next to each question. For example, any dates on the form, such as 2. Date of Birth, 11. Name Change Information, and 20. Travel Plans require the answer to be written in numerical month/day/year format as indicated by the (mm/dd/yyyy) prompt next to each question.
Make sure to sign and date the bottom of the page (where indicated) in black ink only.
Similarly, if an applicant has no impending travel plans, the italic prompt at the side of question 20. Travel Plans indicates the respondent should write “none,” as displayed in the example below:
Important! Unlike form DS-11, which needs to be signed and dated in the presence of a passport acceptance officer, renewal of expired passport form DS-82 must be signed prior to mailing.
DS-82 passport renewal form requirements
Before mailing in your US passport renewal application, be sure to secure all of the required supporting documents. These include
- Your expired or soon-to-expire US passport book/card (or both).
- 1 (one) standard 2×2” US passport photo that meets all Department of State regulations.
- Name-change document such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or similar document issued by a US court of law (if applicable).
- A check or money order made out to “US Department of State” that covers the desired document and processing fees*:
- $130 for a US passport book;
- $30 for a US passport card;
- $160 for a US passport book and card;
- additional $60 expedited service fee (if applicable).
*All fees are valid as of 12/31/2022
Submitting passport renewal application form DS-82
Congratulations! You’re now ready to mail your passport renewal application to the appropriate National Passport Processing Center. Where to mail passport form DS-82 (and all supporting documents) depends on your state of residence and/or urgency of the renewal (expedited service vs. routine):
- Residents of California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York or Texas wishing to renew their US passports using routine service should mail their application packages to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
- Residents of all other states and Canada requiring routine service:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
- Residents requiring expedites service (from ANY state or Canada) must clearly write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope and mail all required documents including form DS-82 to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
Form DS-82 passport photos with Passport Photo Online
One of the required components of form DS-82 is a 2×2 inch passport photo that complies with all regulations. With all this time spent researching and filling out DS-82, wouldn’t it be a waste to have a passport renewal application rejected due to a faulty passport photo?
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With over 4,000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, you can rest assured we’ll get you compliant passport photos for any DS-82 application.
Form DS-82 for renewal of US passport: FAQ
Need more information about DS-82 renewals? Why not read through the following questions and answers?
Where can I get a DS 82 passport renewal form?
Form DS 82 can be found online on the Trave.State.Gov website. To find the form in .PDF format, click on the “Already Have a Passport” tab and scroll down to the section entitled “Fill out Form DS-82″.
What is a DS-82 passport form?
DS-82 is the form that must be filled out to apply for a US passport renewal. It is for existing US passport holders who meet specific conditions.
How to fill out a passport form DS 82?
Form DS-82 must be filled out in black ink only. Detailed filling instructions with example answers can also be found in the relevant section entitled, “US passport renewal form DS-82–filling it out“.
I was not 16 years old when I got my first US passport, can I use form DS 82?
No, you cannot. Unfortunately, one of the prerequisites for using form DS-82 is being 16 (sixteen) years of age or older at the time your previous passport was issued.
What do I need for a passport form DS 82?
Applicants must have previously owned a US passport that was issued (in their current name) when they were 16 (sixteen) years of age or older. Additionally, the passport cannot be damaged, nor can it be more than 15 (fifteen) years old.
How much does it cost to get a passport using form DS-82?
Passport renewals using form DS-82 cost $130 for routine processing (for one adult US passport book) plus the cost of postage.
How to download passport renewal form DS 82?
The form can be downloaded from the US State Department’s website (travel.state.gov).
Where to attach an old passport on DS 82 renewal form?
The old passport needs to be included in the same envelope as your DS 82 application and other supporting documents. It should not be physically attached to the form (via a paper clip, glue, or any other adhesive).
How to answer question 19 on passport renewal form DS-82?
Question 19 has to do with your emergency contact information. It’s best to provide the contact details for a close friend or relative who does not regularly travel with you.
How long does it take to get your passport back with form DS-82?
6 (six) to 9 (nine) weeks. This is the current processing time valid as of 27 December 2022.
How many passport photos do I need for form DS-82?
Only 1 (one) 2×2 inch US passport photo is required. The photo must adhere to all the requirements mandated by the US Department of State.
What should a passport DS 82 form look like filled out?
DS 82 should be filled out in black ink only. It should be filled out with all Uppercase (i.e., CAPITAL) letters. A compliant US passport photo should be attached to the completed application with 4 staples as indicated in the relevant section of the form.
What is a legal signature on passport form DS-82?
Your legal signature refers to the signature you have provided on previous government documents (e.g., your old US passport, state-issued driver’s license, etc.).
Where do you sign your name on passport application form DS-82?
Sign your name on the bottom of page 1 (of 2), directly under the blue box entitled, “YOU MUST SIGN AND DATE THE APPLICATION IN THE DESIGNATED AREA BELOW THEN COMPLETE PAGE 2″.
What to include with passport renewal form DS-82?
Your old passport document(s), 1 (one) US passport photo, a check or money order for the necessary fees, and name change documents (if applicable), must be included in addition to the completed DS-82 form.
How to change your address on your passport form DS-82?
Question 8 (mailing address) and question 18 (permanent address) can be used to provide separate residential and mailing addresses.
Do I have to have travel plans to renew my passport on form DS-82?
Imminent travel plans are not essential for form DS-82 eligibility. Individuals who do not have any upcoming travel plans can write, “NONE” in the relevant sections of the form (question 20).
How to change your name on US passport form DS-82?
Applicants with legal name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce, or similar court-appointed documents) can complete question 1 (name) using their new legal name(s). Additionally, they must answer question 11 (name change information) with the relevant details surrounding their legal name change.
Passport renewal application form DS-82 fees–what are they?
$30 for a US passport card, $130 for a US passport book, and $160 for both. An additional $60 must be paid for expedited processing (if applicable).
Can I apply for a US passport book and card using form DS-82?
Yes, you may. Simply check the relevant box (i.e., “Both”) at the top of page 1 of the application form.
United States passport form DS-82–summary
US citizens can renew their passports by filling out and printing form DS-82 (either by hand or using the online form filler). To complete the 20 questions on the form, applicants must use black ink and UPPERCASE letters.
Individuals should also pay special attention to the single 2×2-inch passport photo that must be included with each application–it is required to adhere to government guidelines and must be affixed to the application using 4 (four) staples (as indicated on the form).
Need a quality passport photo that is guaranteed to be accepted by the relevant authorities? Why not try Passport Photo Online? With over 1 million approved photos and our 100% compliance or double your money-back guarantee, you’ll have your new US passport in hand in no time. ✈️🌎
Simon Wojtyczka is a writer with experience living and working in 7 countries, each adding depth to his work. Holding a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, he has a profound grasp of language and its intricate ties to culture.