Renew a passport in time for a flight in two weeks

  1. Check your passport for DS-82 mail-renewal eligibility
    10 min

    This step tells you whether you can renew by mail using Form DS-82 or must apply in person using Form DS-11. Most travellers who could mail-renew accidentally disqualify themselves by overlooking the 15-year issuance limit or by sending a damaged passport.

    Check your passport against these five criteria. Every one must be a yes for mail renewal:

    • Issued within 15 years. Your passport issue date must be less than 15 years ago from today. If it expired more than 15 years ago, you need DS-11 in person.
    • You were 16 or older at the time that passport was issued. If you were 15 or younger, you must use DS-11.
    • Passport is undamaged. Normal wear from use is fine. A torn page, water damage, a detached cover, or ink stains mean you need DS-11.
    • Passport is in your possession. If your passport was lost or stolen, you must use DS-11 and file Form DS-64 separately.
    • Your name is the same as the name on that passport, or you can provide a certified name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) that connects the old name to your current legal name.