The 3 Essential Documents You Need to Renew Your U.S. Passport After 65

Planning an international getaway should be exciting, not stressful. If you recently discovered your passport is expiring and you are over 65, you might be wondering if the renewal rules have changed. Fortunately, the process is simple. Here is exactly what you need to prepare.

Understanding the Adult Renewal Process

First, it is helpful to know that the United States Department of State does not have a separate passport renewal process specifically for senior citizens. The rules for an adult renewing a passport are the same whether you are 35 or 85.

If you already have a 10-year passport that is expiring soon, or one that expired less than five years ago, you can generally renew by mail. To complete this mail-in renewal process successfully and avoid frustrating delays, you must gather three specific documents to send to the passport processing center.

Document 1: Your Most Recent U.S. Passport

The most critical document you must provide is your current or recently expired U.S. passport book or card. The State Department requires you to mail in your old passport so they can cancel it and verify your identity and citizenship.

To use your old passport for a mail-in renewal, it must meet a few basic conditions. It must be undamaged, other than normal wear and tear. It must have been issued to you when you were 16 years of age or older. Finally, it must have been issued within the last 15 years. If your passport is significantly water-damaged, torn, or was issued more than 15 years ago, you cannot use the standard renewal process and will need to apply in person.

Do not worry about losing your travel history. The State Department will mail your old, canceled passport back to you, though it often arrives in a separate envelope a few weeks after your new passport.

Document 2: A Completed Form DS-82

The second document you need is the official passport renewal application, known as Form DS-82. You can find this form on the official U.S. Department of State travel website (travel.state.gov).

You have two options for completing Form DS-82. You can use the online form filler tool, which asks you questions and generates a printable document with a barcode, or you can print a blank PDF copy and fill it out by hand. If you choose to fill it out by hand, you must use black ink and write legibly.

Make sure to double-check your social security number and your current mailing address. Most importantly, you must sign and date the bottom of page one. An unsigned application is the leading cause of delayed passport renewals.

Document 3: A New, Compliant Passport Photo

The third essential document is a brand new passport photo. You cannot reuse the photo from your old passport, and the State Department has incredibly strict guidelines regarding how this photo must look.

The photo must be printed in color on matte or glossy photo-quality paper and measure exactly 2 by 2 inches. The background must be plain white or off-white, free of any shadows or patterns. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open.

A crucial rule to remember, which often catches people off guard, is that you cannot wear eyeglasses in your passport photo. Even if you wear prescription glasses every day, you must take them off for the picture. If you wear hearing aids, however, you are permitted to leave those in. It is highly recommended to have your photo taken at a professional service desk, such as those found at CVS, Walgreens, or your local post office, to ensure it meets all government specifications.

Do Not Forget Your Payment

While not an informational document like the three listed above, you cannot renew your passport without including payment. You must include a personal check or a money order made payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”

Do not send cash. As of late 2023, the standard renewal fee for a passport book is $130. Be sure to print your full name and date of birth on the front of the check or money order to ensure the payment is properly applied to your application.

Mailing Your Documents Securely

Once you have your old passport, your signed Form DS-82, your new photo, and your check, you are ready to mail them.

You should use the United States Postal Service (USPS) to mail your renewal packet. The State Department recommends using a trackable delivery method, such as USPS Priority Mail. Do not use private shipping companies like FedEx or UPS if you are mailing your application to one of the State Department’s PO Box addresses, as those companies cannot deliver to USPS PO Boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my name has changed since my last passport? If your current legal name is different from the name printed on your old passport due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must include a certified copy of your legal name change document. This would be a fourth document you need to include in your envelope.

Do I need to send my birth certificate? No. If you are using the standard Form DS-82 renewal process by mail, your old passport serves as your proof of U.S. citizenship. You do not need to send your birth certificate.

How long will the renewal take? Processing times fluctuate throughout the year depending on demand. Generally, routine processing takes between 6 to 8 weeks from the day the State Department receives your application. If you have a trip planned sooner, you can pay an additional $60 for expedited processing, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.