Form DS-82

Form DS-82: Renewing a Passport by Mail

Form DS-82 is the U.S. Department of State application for renewing a passport by mail. It exists because a previous passport already proves both identity and citizenship, so no in-person appearance is needed and no birth certificate has to be submitted.

The Five Conditions

You may use DS-82 only if your most recent passport meets all five:

• It is in your possession and can be submitted with the application
• It is undamaged beyond normal wear
• It was issued when you were 16 or older
• It was issued within the last 15 years
• It was issued in your current name, or you can document the name change

Fail any one and you file Form DS-11 in person instead.

What You Send

The completed and signed form, your most recent passport, one compliant photo, the fee, and a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or name change order if your name has changed. Photocopies of a name-change document are not accepted; it must be a certified copy, and it is returned to you.

Why No Birth Certificate

The passport you surrender is itself the citizenship evidence. This is the practical reason renewal is faster and cheaper than a first application — and the reason letting a passport pass the 15-year mark costs you the option.

Frequently Asked Questions

My passport expired years ago. Can I still renew?

Yes, provided it was issued within the last 15 years and you were 16 or over. Beyond that you must apply in person on DS-11.

Do I get my old passport back?

Usually, cancelled, and generally in a separate mailing from the new one.

Can I renew a passport card with DS-82?

Yes, under the same conditions, and you can renew a book and a card together on one form.

What if my name changed and I have no certified document?

Order a certified copy of the marriage certificate or court order first. Without it the application is filed as DS-11 in person.

Related Terms

Form DS-11, U.S. Passport, Passport Book, Passport Card, Name Change Certificate