The Takeaway
- Online renewal is fast and convenient—if you’re eligible.
- Mail-in renewal is reliable and works for most seniors.
- Renew at least 3 months before your trip—don’t wait!
- Routine service takes 6–8 weeks; expedited is faster (and pricier).
- Use only official government sites—scam sites are everywhere.
- Online renewal
- Mail-in renewal
If your passport is gathering dust—or worse, expired—and you’ve got your eye on an overseas trip, now’s the time to get serious about renewing. For seniors, the process doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does take time and a little planning.
There are two main ways to renew: online and by mail. Each has its advantages, and the best method for you depends on your eligibility, tech comfort level, and how fast you need that little blue book back in your hands.
Online Passport Renewal: Speedy, If You Qualify
The U.S. State Department now offers online passport renewal—but only to those who meet a specific checklist of requirements. If you’re eligible, it’s the easiest way to renew, no printer, postage, or post office visit required.
You’ll need to:
- Be at least 25 years old,
- Have a passport issued in the last 15 years,
- Have no name changes (unless you can upload legal proof),
- Still have your passport in hand, and
- Be able to upload a digital passport photo.
If you check all the boxes, you can renew online here.
Cost: $130 for routine service, $190 for expedited
Processing time: 6–8 weeks (routine), 2–3 weeks (expedited)
Payment: Credit or debit card only
Mail-In Passport Renewal: The Trusted Standard
For those who aren’t eligible for online renewal—or who simply prefer the old-school way—mail-in renewal is still safe, reliable, and widely used.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Form DS-82 (Passport Renewal Application)
- Your current passport (undamaged and issued within the last 15 years)
- A new passport photo (2” x 2”). By the way, they now accept photos taken with a phone camera.
- A check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of State”
You can download the form and get step-by-step instructions from the official mail-in renewal page.
Cost: Same as online—$130 for routine, $190 for expedited
Processing time: Also 6–8 weeks (routine) or 2–3 weeks (expedited)
Payment: Check or money order only
Tip: If you’re going to the post office to send your renewal, it doesn’t hurt to ask about passport photos—they often offer them on-site if yours is outdated or non-compliant.
Timing Matters—Renew Early!
Many travelers wait too long to renew, especially if their passport is still “technically” valid. But a lot of countries require your passport to be valid at least six months beyond the date you enter.
For peace of mind, it’s smart to start the renewal process at least 3 months before your departure. That gives you wiggle room if something goes wrong—like a rejected photo or a delay in processing.
And if you're in a real crunch (say, traveling in less than 2 weeks), you may need to make an appointment at a passport agency and show proof of travel. That’s a whole different process, and not one you want to fall into by procrastinating.
