Best Ways to Renew Passport in 2025 in US

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Best Ways to Renew Passport in 2025 in US
By Zet Cariaga
Published on May 15, 2025
Edited by Guy Lelouch

If your passport is about to expire or has already expired, you’re probably wondering: What’s the fastest and easiest way to renew it in 2025? Good news, renewing your U.S. passport is now more convenient than ever, with new online options, streamlined mail-in processes, and expert help available. Let’s break down your best options, step by step, so you can get back to planning your next adventure.

Need more details on the process? Check out this step-by-step guide on how to renew your passport for everything you need to know, from required documents to processing times. Whether you choose to renew by mail or online, staying informed can help you avoid common delays and ensure a smooth experience.

Renew passport

Why Renew Your Passport Early?

  • Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
  • Passport processing times can vary, especially during busy travel seasons.
  • Renewing early means less stress and no last-minute surprises before your trip.

Did you know? As of 2024, there are nearly 170 million valid U.S. passports in circulation, with about 45% to 50% of Americans holding a passport. With travel on the rise, it’s smart to check your expiration date now!

Who Can Renew a U.S. Passport?

You can renew your passport if:

  • Your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older.
  • It was issued within the last 15 years.
  • It’s undamaged and in your possession.
  • It was issued in your current name, or you can provide legal proof of a name change.

If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements (for example, it’s lost, stolen, or issued before you turned 16), you’ll need to apply for a new passport in person.

Why Choose GOV+ for Passport Renewal?

Complete your application in just minutes with GOV+ — the easiest and most secure way to get or renew your U.S. passport.

Rated 4.8⭐ by over 10,852 happy customers, GOV+ takes the guesswork out of passport applications. Whether you need a passport renewal, new passport, or to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, we handle the complex steps for you — fast, easy, and error-free.

How It Works:

  1. Fill out your personalized form – GOV+ prepares your documents to avoid mistakes and delays.
  2. Receive your custom mail-in kit – Everything you need, delivered to your door.
  3. Track your progress – Stay updated every step until your passport arrives.

Error-Free Applications: 1M+ applications completed
Up-to-Date Compliance: Always aligned with the latest government rules
Expert Support: Instant help when you need it

Why GOV+?

  • Avoid mistakes that cause costly delays
  • Save hours of time
  • Fast-track your passport in as little as 2 weeks
  • Stay secure with industry-leading privacy protections

Government Fees Apply:

  • Passport Book (Adult): $165
  • Passport Book (Minor): $135
  • Passport Card (Adult): $65
  • Passport Card (Minor): $50

Note: GOV+ is a private service — filing on your own is free, but comes with risks of errors and delays.

Trusted by Major Media Outlets:

Forbes | USA Today | Business Insider | Entrepreneur | Yahoo Finance

Renew passport

Other Ways to Renew Your Passport in US (2025)

1. Renew Online

The U.S. State Department’s online renewal system is now open to millions of eligible Americans. If you qualify, you can skip the paperwork and post office entirely!

Who’s Eligible for Online Renewal?

  • Age 25 or older.
  • Live in the U.S. (states or territories).
  • Your last passport was valid for 10 years, issued within the last 15 years.
  • Your passport is expiring within a year or expired less than 5 years ago.
  • You’re not changing your name, gender, date, or place of birth.
  • Your passport is undamaged and in your possession.

How Online Renewal Works:

  1. Create a MyTravelGov account (uses login.gov).
  2. Fill out the online application-takes about 40 minutes, but often less if you have your info ready.
  3. Upload a digital passport photo.
  4. Pay online (credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer).
  5. Track your status online.

Processing Time:

Routine: 4–6 weeks
Expedited: 2–3 weeks (for an extra $60 fee)

Tip: You can’t travel internationally for about 8 weeks after submitting your online renewal, as your old passport will be canceled right away.

2. Renew by Mail 

Who’s Eligible for Mail Renewal?

  • Your last passport was issued when you were 16 or older.
  • It was issued within the last 15 years.
  • It’s undamaged and in your possession.
  • It was issued in your current name, or you can provide legal proof of a name change

How Mail Renewal Works:

  1. Fill out Form DS-82 (available online or at many post offices).
  2. Get a new passport photo (taken in the last 6 months).
  3. Gather required documents:
    • Your most recent passport.
    • Name change documents (if needed).
    • Payment (personal check or money order to “U.S. Department of State”).
  4. Mail your application to the National Passport Processing Center.

Processing Time:

Routine: 4–6 weeks
Expedited: 2–3 weeks (add $60)

Tip: Use USPS tracking to follow your application’s progress. You can check your status online after about 2 weeks.

3. Renew In Person

You’ll need to apply in person if:

  • Your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • It was issued before you were 16 or more than 15 years ago.
  • You need to change your name, gender, date, or place of birth and can’t provide legal documents.
  • You’re applying for a child’s passport.

How In-Person Renewal Works:

  1. Fill out Form DS-11.
  2. Gather supporting documents (proof of citizenship, ID, passport photo).
  3. Make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility or agency.
  4. Pay the application fee.

Processing Time:

Routine: 4–6 weeks
Expedited: 2–3 weeks (add $60)

Renew passport

Quick Tips for a Smooth Passport Renewal

Zet Cariaga
About the author
Zet Cariaga is a researcher and administrative assistant at GovPlus. Zet has been passionate about solving government application issues for over four years, always helping make life easier for GOV+ customers.
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