A standard United States passport is only valid for a 10-year period. To continue traveling abroad after that, you must apply for a passport renewal. You can renew your passport if it was issued within the last 15 years, is still in your possession and is undamaged. The passport renewal application form is called Form DS-82 and is available online and at local passport agencies.

Online

Open the passport renewal section of the U.S. Department of State website in your browser (see Resources).

Click on the blue link called “Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.” Review the renewal criteria presented on the following page to make sure you qualify to renew your passport.

Click on the button that corresponds to how you wish to fill out the application. If you want to print a blank form to complete by hand, click on the “Print a Blank Form DS-82” button. You will be directed to a PDF of the renewal application that you may print or save to your computer.

Choose the “Complete Form DS-82 Online” button if you want to type your answers into the website’s application tool and print a completed renewal application. Enter your personal information as it is requested and print your form when prompted.

In Person

Locate the nearest passport acceptance agency in your area by using the locator tool on the Department of State website (see Resources). Enter your zip code into the appropriate field to search for local facilities.

Gather the contact information for the facility you wish to visit. Click on the facility name to view detailed contact information such as hours of operation and the address.

Visit the facility to receive the appropriate paperwork for your passport renewal application. The facility’s clerks will be able to provide you with the passport application.

Tip

  • Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to renew your passport before traveling.

About the Author

Marissa Willman is a Palm Springs-based travel journalist and content writer. She has been writing professionally since 2007 for such publications as Viator.com, VisitPalmSprings.com and Palm Springs Life. Willman is also the local guide for the Palm Springs section of travel website 10Best.com. Willman holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from California State University, Fullerton.

Photo Credits

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