A passport is required for all air travel overseas, both for entry into the foreign country and for re-entry into the U.S. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date you plan to enter a foreign country.
If you are traveling outside the USA, you need a passport.
Apply in Person
You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if at least one of the following is true:
You are applying for your first U.S. passport
You are under age 16
Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago
If none of the above statements apply to you, you may be eligible to Renew by Mail using Form DS-82.
Step 1 - Complete form DS-11:
Step 2 - Collect the documents you need:
Citizenship evidence
Identification
Proof of relationship (for children under 16)
Step 3 - Get your photo
You need one 2" by 2" color passport photo. See Passport Photos for requirements and photo examples. (You can get this from your local Walgreens.)
Step 4 - Calculate your fees
Passport fees depend on a number of factors. See Passport Fees (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/fees.html) to find your fees and methods of payment.
Step 5 - Submit to a Passport Acceptance Facility
Find your Acceptance Facility here: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
Renew Your Passport by Mail
You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 (https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds82.pdf) if your most recent passport meets all five of these requirements:
Is submitted with your application
Is undamaged (other than normal "wear and tear")
Was issued when you were age 16 or older
Was issued within the last 15 years
Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
Step 1 - Complete from DS-82
Step 2 - Submit your most recent US passport
You must submit your most recent passport with your application
Step 3 - Get your photo
You need one 2" by 2" color passport photo. See Passport Photos for requirements and photo examples. (You can get this from your local Walgreens.)
Step 4 - Calculate your fees
Passport fees depend on a number of factors. See Passport Fees (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/fees.html) to find your fees and methods of payment.
Step 5 - Mail Completed Application
Inside the United States: Mail your completed application, including your most recent passport, name change document (if applicable), photo, and fees, to one of the addresses below. Please see Processing Times for more details on service options. If you live in the United States, you must use the United States Postal Service (USPS) to mail your renewal application and supporting documents. If you live in Canada, you should use Canada Post. Please do not use other delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Only USPS or Canada Post can deliver to the PO Box addresses listed on Form DS-82. If you use UPS, FedEx, DHL, or another company to send your application, it will be returned to you.
Routine Service (If you live in CA, FL, IL, MN, NY, or TX): National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 640155 Irving, TX 75064-0155
Routine Service (If you live in any other state or Canada): National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 90155 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
Expedited Service (Additional fee applies. For any state or Canada): Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope. National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 90955 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
When mailing your passport application from the United States, please use: An envelope large enough to fit the application without folding Mailing by the United States Postal Service (USPS) A trackable delivery method. The method used must be able to deliver to a P.O. Box address.
For more answers go to How to Apply for a Passport.