Quick answer
Short answer
You can generally renew by mail if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and matches your current name or you have legal proof of the change. Otherwise you apply in person as a new applicant.
All four conditions, not most of them
Renewal eligibility is all-or-nothing. Fail one condition and you are in the in-person track.
Why it matters for timing
In-person applications require appointments and originals, which changes your planning window significantly. Knowing which track you are on is the first real decision in the process.
Check renewal eligibility
Answer a few questions and see which passport route still fits your travel date.
Keep reading
XpressPass is a private passport assistance service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of State or any other government agency. Government passport fees are separate from XpressPass service fees. Passport issuance decisions are made solely by the U.S. government.