How to Renew an Expired Passport Quickly
If you need your passport within 2-4 weeks, use expedited renewal at your passport agency (US: add $60 and process in 7-10 days, or use a passport acceptance agent). If you need it in days, pay for rush service or visit a regional agency in person. Many countries offer similar expedited options—check your government's official passport website for current timelines and fees.
- Budget
- $210-215 total cost (expedited + photo + shipping) for US citizens
- Duration
- 7-10 days recommended for expedited service, 2-3 days for rush
- Best Time
- Apply 3 months before your planned travel date, earlier if traveling March-August
- Visa Required
- No, but you cannot travel without a valid passport
Step by step
Check if you can renew by mail or must apply in person
Most countries allow mail renewal if your passport wasn't damaged, lost, or stolen, and was issued when you were an adult. If your passport was issued before age 16 or has damage, you'll need to apply in person. Check your government's passport website for your specific situation—this is the fastest way to confirm what method applies to you.
Gather required documents
You'll need your expired passport, a completed application form (download from the official passport website), a new passport photo (4x6 inches, taken within the last 6 months), proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization papers), and valid ID. Some countries also require a photocopy of the ID page of your expired passport. Have everything ready before you submit—missing documents will delay processing.
Choose your processing speed and pay the fee
Standard renewal typically takes 4-6 weeks and costs the base fee. Expedited service costs an additional $60-100 and takes 7-10 days. Rush service (2-3 days) costs another $35-50 on top of expedited. For US passports, expedited cannot be done by mail—you must submit in person at a passport acceptance facility. Calculate backwards from your travel date to decide which service you need.
Submit your application
For mail renewal: Send everything to the address listed on your government's passport website via certified mail with tracking. For in-person renewal: Visit a passport acceptance agent, regional passport agency, or courthouse (varies by country). In-person submission is faster—your application is processed the same day rather than sitting in a mail queue.
Track your application online
Once submitted, you'll receive a tracking number or case number. Use it on the official government website to check status. Most passport agencies provide email or SMS updates. Do not contact the agency asking about status—they will not provide updates before the estimated completion date.
Collect your renewed passport
Expedited renewals are typically mailed to you when complete. If you paid for rush service and submitted in person, some agencies allow same-day or next-day pickup. Confirm pickup options when you submit. Do not schedule travel until you have your passport in hand.
Questions people ask
Can I renew my passport if it expired more than 5 years ago?
In the US, if your passport expired more than 5 years ago, you must apply for a new passport rather than renew—which means in-person submission and a longer wait (4-6 weeks standard, 7-10 expedited). This cannot be expedited past 10 days. Check your country's rules; some allow renewal up to 10 years after expiration.
Can I use my passport for travel while my renewal application is pending?
No. Once you submit your expired passport for renewal, you cannot use it for travel. The agency keeps it during processing. If you need to travel before your new passport arrives, you must apply for an emergency travel document instead, which is a separate, more expensive process.
What if I'm applying from outside my home country?
Contact your nearest embassy or consulate. They can accept passport renewal applications, but processing is often slower (2-4 weeks even for expedited). Some countries allow mail-in renewal to an embassy. Plan for the longest possible timeline if renewing abroad.
Do I need a new passport photo if the photo page isn't damaged?
Yes. All renewals require a new passport photo, even if your current one looks fine. The photo must be dated within 6 months of application. Do not reuse old passport photos.
How much faster is in-person submission than mailing?
In-person submission saves 5-7 days because your application is processed the same day instead of waiting in a mail queue. If you choose expedited processing and submit in person, expect 7-10 days total. If you mail an expedited application, add 3-5 days for mail transit on each end.
Can I expedite a passport renewal if I'm traveling in less than a week?
Not through normal expedited services. You need to apply for an emergency travel document (or emergency passport) instead, which requires in-person application and costs more ($150-200). Call your passport agency to confirm they have same-day or next-day availability before you apply.
- Passport Photo
- 15
- Rush Service Fee
- 35
- Total Expedited Us
- 212
- Standard Renewal Fee
- 130
- Expedited Service Fee
- 60
- Certified Mail Shipping
- 7
Packing
- Birth certificate or naturalization papers (original or certified copy)—the only proof of citizenship most agencies accept
- Valid government ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID) for the in-person submission requirement
- Passport photos on hand (4x6 inches, color, white background, taken in the last 6 months)—many pharmacies and post offices take them same-day
- Colored copy of your expired passport ID page—saves time at submission
- Completed application form printed and signed (do not sign in advance if mailing—some agencies require a specific signature format)