U.S. Passport Renewal: DS-82 Form Filling Out Guideline

There are several official forms related to U.S. passport services, and one of the most commonly used is Form DS-82—the Application for Passport Renewal by Mail. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for filling out Form DS-82, along with helpful information about eligibility, required documents, photo specifications, and submission methods.

American passport: How to fill out DS-82 Passport Renewal Form

What is The Form DS-82?
What is the Difference Between DS-11 and DS-82 Passport Forms?
Where Can You Get the DS-82 Passport Renewal Form?
How to Fill Out the DS-82 Passport Renewal Form: Step-by-Step Instructions & Checklist
Can Form DS-82 Be Handwritten?
How to print the DS-82 form?
Documents Required to Submit with Form DS-82 for Passport Renewal
U.S. Passport Photo Parameters
US Passport Photo Online Editor
Is It Possible to Submit Form DS-82 Online?
US passport renewal fees
Related Links

What is The Form DS-82?

Form DS-82, officially known as the "U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals," is used to renew a U.S. passport by mail or through the online renewal system. As of 2025, it remains one of the most commonly used forms for adult passport renewals. While online renewal eliminates the need to submit a printed DS-82, the form's requirements still apply—the information is collected electronically during the online process.

To be eligible to renew your passport using Form DS-82 (either by mail or online), you must meet all of the following conditions:

You currently possess a U.S. passport and can submit it (for mail renewals);
Your passport is undamaged, aside from normal wear and tear;
Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older;
Your passport was issued within the past 15 years;
Your passport was issued in your current name, or you can provide legal documentation of a name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

If you do not meet all of these criteria, you must apply in person using Form DS-11 instead.

What is the Difference Between DS-11 and DS-82 Passport Forms?

The key difference lies in the application method and eligibility requirements. The DS-11 form must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility, and it is used in the following situations:

You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time;
You are under the age of 16;
Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago;
Your previous passport was issued when you were under 16;
Your previous passport is lost, stolen, or significantly damaged;
You are changing key personal information (such as name or gender) and do not have supporting documentation.

On the other hand, Form DS-82 is used for adult passport renewals and can be submitted by mail or online, depending on eligibility. To use the DS-82, your most recent passport must be in your possession, undamaged, issued when you were 16 or older, and issued within the last 15 years.

Where Can You Get the DS-82 Passport Renewal Form?

You can download Form DS-82 directly from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Access the official PDF version of the form here. The form is available in a fillable format, allowing you to complete it online before printing it out for mailing. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and include all required documents when submitting your renewal application.

If you are renewing your passport online, you do not need to print or physically submit Form DS-82. Instead, all required information is collected digitally through the U.S. Department of State’s online passport renewal portal. This option is only available to eligible applicants who meet specific criteria. Be sure to review the online renewal requirements before proceeding.

Check out the complete online U.S. passport renewal guide for step-by-step instructions, eligibility requirements, and photo tips.

How to Fill Out the DS-82 Passport Renewal Form: Step-by-Step Instructions & Checklist

Form DS-82 includes detailed instructions on the first two pages to help you complete it correctly. However, it’s essential to double-check your application before submission to avoid delays or rejection. Follow this checklist to ensure everything is filled out accurately:

Use accurate and legible information: Enter all personal information exactly as it appears on your current passport or legal documents. Ensure spelling, dates, and document numbers are accurate.
Use a black ink pen if filling by hand: Handwritten forms must be completed in black ink only. Do not use blue or colored pens, and write in capital letters to ensure readability.
Include only U.S.-based information: Do not substitute foreign identifiers (e.g., a Canadian Social Insurance Number) in place of a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN).
If you have never been issued a Social Security Number: You must submit a signed and dated statement that reads:
“I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
Attach a compliant passport photo: Your photo must meet the official U.S. passport photo requirements—2x2 inches, white background, neutral expression, no digital alterations. You can get a compliant photo online through services like Visafoto.
Submit all required documents: Include your most recent passport, completed DS-82 form, the required renewal fee (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State”), and any legal documents such as name change evidence, if applicable.

Can Form DS-82 Be Handwritten?

Yes, Form DS-82 can be filled out by hand. If you choose to complete it manually, make sure to use a black ink pen and write clearly in uppercase block letters to ensure legibility. Avoid using cursive or colored pens, as this may lead to processing delays or rejection.

However, for best results and to minimize errors, it's recommended to use the official online Form Filler tool provided by the U.S. Department of State. This tool automatically formats your entries and helps reduce common mistakes.

How to Print the DS-82 Form?

Form DS-82 must be printed on standard white 8.5" x 11" (U.S. letter-size) paper—not A4. Each page should be printed on a separate sheet; double-sided printing is not accepted and may result in your application being rejected.

You can print the form in either black and white or color—both are acceptable. Make sure the text is clear and fully legible, with no smudging or fading. Avoid resizing or scaling the document when printing, as the form must maintain its original dimensions.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to use the official Form DS-82 PDF provided by the U.S. Department of State.

Documents Required to Submit with Form DS-82 for Passport Renewal

When renewing your U.S. passport using Form DS-82, you need to submit the following items:

Your most recent U.S. passport—the one you are renewing. It must be undamaged and meet the eligibility criteria for renewal.
One recent, color passport photo that meets official U.S. passport photo requirements (2x2 inches, white background, taken within the last six months).

In addition, don’t forget to include the appropriate fee payment (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State”) and, if applicable, legal documents supporting a name change (e.g., marriage certificate or court order).

U.S. Passport Photo Parameters

Here are the official requirements your passport photo must meet when submitted with Form DS-82:

The photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
The background must be plain white or off-white, with no patterns, textures, or shadows.
The required size is 2x2 inches (51 x 51 mm) for printed photos, or 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels for digital submissions.
Your face should occupy approximately 50–70% of the total photo height. The head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown.

Ensure you maintain a neutral expression, with both eyes open. Glasses are not permitted unless medically necessary, in which case a signed statement from a doctor is required.

Here is an example:

For detailed requirements, including size, background, file format, and examples, check out our comprehensive U.S. Passport Photo Guide

U.S. Passport Photo Online Editor

U.S. passport photos must meet strict government specifications to be accepted. To avoid rejections and delays, it’s best to use a reliable online passport photo editor that guarantees full compliance with official requirements—including size, background, head position, and face visibility.

Visafoto has been processing U.S. passport and visa photos since 2013. It's fast, accurate, and user-friendly. Simply upload a portrait or selfie taken in good lighting, while following the recommended passport photo dress code. Make sure to look directly at the camera and maintain a neutral expression. Visafoto will automatically adjust the background, crop the image to the correct size, and align your face according to U.S. passport standards—ensuring your photo is ready for acceptance by any U.S. embassy, consulate, or application portal.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.

Upload photo & Continue

Source

Result

Use a selfie taken under daylight, like this one:

You will get two files from Visafoto: a digital photo for electronic applications and a template ready for printing at the nearest pharmacy. Check this instructions to print a passport photo at Walgreens or CVS.

With Visafoto, you cut the cost of passport photos almost in half. While most drugstore and post office photo services charge $15 or more for two printed photos, Visafoto's fee is only $9 US dollars. You will get printable file with 4 separate photos that you can print at the nearest pharmacy store for about 50 cents.

Is It Possible to Submit Form DS-82 Online?

Yes, as of 2025, eligible U.S. citizens can renew their passports online using the information typically collected via Form DS-82. The online renewal system—launched as a pilot in 2022—is now officially available through the U.S. Department of State. You can begin your renewal process here.

To renew your passport online, follow these steps:

Create an account on the official passport renewal platform (MyTravelGov);
Activate your account via the confirmation email you receive;
Log in and start your online renewal application, following the on-screen instructions to complete your personal information, upload a digital passport photo, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.

Note that not all applicants are eligible for online renewal. You must meet specific criteria, including having a passport issued within the last 15 years, issued at age 16 or older, and issued in your current name (or having legal documentation of your name change). Your passport must also be undamaged and not lost or stolen.

U.S. Passport Photo Generator App

7ID App: U.S. Passport Photo Editing App

7ID App: Instant U.S. Passport Photo Maker

Need a passport photo fast? The 7ID App, powered by Visafoto, lets you take, edit, and format professional U.S. passport photos directly from your phone—no studio visit required.

Key features of the 7ID App include:

Automatic size and positioning: The app adjusts your photo to meet official U.S. passport standards, ensuring correct dimensions, head size, and eye level.
Custom background replacement: Easily switch to a white, light gray, or blue background as required by document regulations. For best results when using the free editor, take your photo against a solid-colored wall.
Print-ready download: Instantly download a high-resolution template suitable for printing at home or local stores like Walgreens and CVS.
Premium support and quality assurance: 24/7 support, a professional compliance check, and a free redo guarantee if your photo is ever rejected.

U.S. Passport Renewal Fees

As of 2025, the standard fees for renewing a U.S. passport are as follows:

$130 for a passport book (valid for international air, sea, and land travel);
$30 for a passport card (valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda);
$160 for both the passport book and card (if requested at the same time).

Optional services may add to the total cost:

Expedited processing: Additional $60, reducing processing time to approximately 5–7 weeks;
1-2 Day Delivery (for mailing the new passport book): Additional $19.53 if requested;
File search fee: $150 (only applies if you are unable to submit your previous passport).

Payments for mail-in renewals must be made via check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” Online renewals require payment by credit or debit card through the secure government portal.

For more details, check our article “How Much is a US Passport? The American Passport Fees Explained”.

DS-82 Passport Renewal FAQs

Where do I mail my completed DS-82 form?

The mailing address for Form DS-82 depends on the type of service you choose. For routine service, send your completed application to: National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. If you are requesting expedited service, mail your application to: National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90955, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955, and clearly mark the envelope "EXPEDITE." Be sure to include your completed and signed DS-82 form, your most recent passport, one compliant passport photo, the appropriate payment, and any necessary legal documents. If using a courier like FedEx or UPS, refer to the official website for the correct physical address.

How long does passport renewal take with Form DS-82 in 2025?

In 2025, passport renewals using Form DS-82 typically take 6 to 8 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service, which requires an additional fee. These timeframes do not include mailing time. If you opt for 1–2 day return delivery of your new passport, you can pay an extra fee for faster shipping. Keep in mind that processing times may vary during peak periods, so it’s best to check the latest updates on the U.S. Department of State’s official website.

Can I use Form DS-82 if my passport was issued more than 15 years ago?

No, you cannot use Form DS-82 if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago. This form is only valid if your previous passport was issued within the past 15 years, you were at least 16 years old at the time, and you meet all other eligibility criteria. If your passport is too old, you’ll need to apply in person using Form DS-11.

Can I track my DS-82 passport renewal status online?

Yes, you can track the status of your passport renewal application online through the U.S. Passport Status Tracker. To do this, you’ll need to provide your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Application status updates generally become available 7 to 10 days after your renewal is received.

Can I use Form DS-82 if I lost my old passport?

No, Form DS-82 cannot be used if your most recent passport has been lost, stolen, or significantly damaged. In that situation, you must apply in person using Form DS-11. Additionally, you’ll need to report your lost passport by submitting Form DS-64 along with your new application. This ensures that your lost passport is officially canceled and cannot be used fraudulently.

Last Update: June 2025