Planning to travel outside the United States? You’ll need a valid U.S. passport or Renewal 2025 . Whether it’s your first time applying or you’re renewing an old one, this guide will walk you through the steps, requirements, and important things to know when applying for a U.S. passport or renewal.
This article covers both new applications and renewals. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to do, what to bring, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
A U.S. passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling internationally by air. Even babies and children must have their own passports for air travel. For land or sea travel to certain nearby countries, a passport card may be enough, but for most international trips, a passport book is necessary.
There are two main types of passports:
The passport book is the most common form. It can be used for all international travel, whether by air, land, or sea. This is the best option if you plan to visit other countries or travel overseas regularly.
The passport card is less expensive but has limitations. It is only valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international air travel.
If you are applying for your first U.S. passport, you must apply in person. Here’s how the process works.
You will need the following items:
Make sure all documents are originals or certified copies. Photocopies of citizenship documents are not accepted.
Form DS-11 can be filled out online and printed or completed by hand. You must bring a physical copy when you apply. Do not sign the form until you are in front of a passport official.
Visit an authorized passport acceptance facility to submit your application. These include many post offices, clerks of court, and some libraries. Some locations require an appointment, so check in advance.
When you visit, bring your documents, completed form, and payment. A passport acceptance agent will review your application and witness your signature.
The application fees vary depending on what you’re applying for. As of 2025, the fees are:
Payments can usually be made by check or money order. Some locations may accept debit or credit cards for execution fees.
If you already have a passport and it meets the renewal requirements, you can renew it by mail.
You can renew if:
Form DS-82 is the renewal application. You can download it, print it, and fill it out. Be sure the information is complete and accurate.
Include the following in your envelope:
Do not staple or attach the photo to the form.
Mail the completed application to the address listed on the form. The address depends on whether you are using standard or expedited service. Be sure to use a trackable delivery method.
The standard processing time is currently 6 to 8 weeks. However, times can vary depending on the season and demand.
If you need your passport faster, you can pay an additional $60 for expedited processing. With this option, you may receive your passport in 2 to 3 weeks.
If you have an emergency and need a passport within 72 hours, such as for a life-or-death situation, you must call the National Passport Information Center to make an urgent appointment.
Here are some common errors that cause delays in passport processing:
To avoid these issues, double-check everything before submitting your application.
No. Passports issued to children under 16 cannot be renewed. You must apply in person using the same process as a first-time applicant.
It’s best to renew your passport 6 to 9 months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry.
You must report a lost or stolen passport using Form DS-64. You will also need to apply for a replacement using Form DS-11, which must be done in person.
As of 2025, online passport renewal is not fully available to the general public. Most people still need to apply in person or by mail, depending on eligibility.
If you are traveling by air, yes. For land or sea travel, you can use a passport card or other approved documents, but a passport book is recommended.
Getting a U.S. passport may seem like a lot of steps, but with the right preparation, it’s a smooth process. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing an expired one, make sure to gather all necessary documents, use the correct form, and plan ahead to allow enough time for processing.
Having a valid passport opens the door to international travel and new experiences. Start your application today so you’re ready when your next trip comes along.
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