30 steps across 8 sections

1. Eligibility to Use DS-82 (Renew by Mail)

You can submit your most recent U.S. passport
Your most recent passport is undamaged (no water damage, mutilation, or missing pages)
Your most recent passport was issued when you were age 16 or older
Your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years
Your passport was issued in your current name (or you can document a legal name change with a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

2. Form Errors

Unsigned form An unsigned DS-82 will not be processed — it is considered incomplete. This is one of the most common errors.
Using white-out or crossing out mistakes Do NOT use correction fluid. If you make an error, print a new form and start over.
Incorrect Social Security Number or date of birth Double-check all personal information before mailing.
Wrong form Using DS-11 instead of DS-82 (or vice versa). DS-82 is specifically for mail renewals.
Mismatched name If your name has changed since your last passport, you must include a certified name-change document. Failure to do so is a common cause of delays.

Photos that do not meet official State Department specifications (wrong size, wrong background color, glasses worn, face obscured, poor quality)
Photos that are too old — must be taken within the last 6 months
Stapling or taping the photo to the form (attach with a paper clip only)

Using UPS, FedEx, or DHL The mailing address for DS-82 is a PO Box, which cannot receive deliveries from private carriers. You must use USPS (United States Postal Service).
Not using a trackable delivery method Always use USPS Priority Mail or Certified Mail with tracking so you can confirm delivery.
Sending to the wrong address Verify the current mailing address on the State Department website before sending. Addresses differ based on which processing center handles your state.
Not including all required items The envelope must contain: completed DS-82, most recent passport, new passport photo, name change documents (if applicable), and payment (check or money order — not cash).

Sending cash (not accepted — use check or money order only)
Check made out to the wrong payee (must be payable to "U.S. Department of State")
Insufficient fee amount

Use the Passport Application Status System on the State Department website: travel.state.gov
You will need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number
Status updates include: Application Received, In Process, Approved, Mailed
Check every 7-10 days — the system does not update in real-time

Track your outbound mailing using the USPS tracking number from your shipping receipt
Your new passport will be mailed back via USPS (First Class Mail for routine, Priority Mail Express for expedited)
Your old passport (cancelled) is returned separately, usually 1-2 weeks after the new one

Routine processing 10-12 weeks (as of 2026)
Expedited processing 4-6 weeks (additional $60 fee)
If you have not received an update after the expected processing time, call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC): 1-877-487-2778