U.S. Passport Renewal: Who Qualifies and How to Renew
Renewing your U.S. passport is an essential part of keeping your travel plans on track. With A Briggs' passport renewal service, you can renew efficiently and without stress, with 100% application accuracy, so you travel worry-free.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
You can renew if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were 16 or older when it was issued, it's undamaged, in your possession, and in your current legal name (or you can document the change).
Passports more than 5 years expired, issued under age 16, significantly damaged, or lost/stolen require a new passport application instead of renewal.
Routine processing takes about 6-8 weeks including mailing; expedited takes about 2-3 weeks, with emergency arrangements possible for travel within 24 hours.
Who needs to renew their U.S. passport?
Your eligibility for passport renewal depends on several key factors, including your age when your current passport was issued, the passport's condition, and whether your name has changed.
If the expiration date is greater than 5 years, you must apply for a First Time Passport.
Apply for a First Time PassportYou may be eligible to renew your passport if:
You were age 16 or older when it was issued
It is undamaged and fully intact
It is in your possession
It was issued in your current legal name, or you can provide legal documentation of your name change
Ready to renew your passport?
Let A Briggs manage the process for you. Our team handles every detail, so you can focus on what matters most—your destination.
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Start your order
Start your application with a passport expert who will walk you through each step of the process.
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Complete your application
A A Briggs Passport Expert will email you a customized application kit to complete.
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Send us Your Documents
Send your completed passport documents to A Briggs and we'll do the rest!
Required documents for passport renewal.
Gathering the right documents is essential to avoid processing delays. A Briggs provides clients with tailored checklists and personal review of application packets to ensure nothing is missed. Documents for adult passport renewal. Typically, you will need:
Your most recent passport
Must be eligible for renewal.
A compliant passport photo
Incorrect passport photos are among the most common reasons for application delays.
Proof of name change, if applicable
E.g., marriage certificate, court order.
Payment of applicable fees
Expedited service is available at an additional cost.
Letter of Authorization
Allows A Briggs permission to act on your behalf with third parties
A Briggs passport application
Completed application with travel details & processing speed
U.S. passport renewal options: Mail, online, or in-person.
There are several ways to renew your passport, but eligibility and convenience vary depending on your situation. The most efficient path often involves working with an expert service like A Briggs to avoid common delays and ensure your renewal is processed correctly.
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Renewing through a premium service.
For travelers who want minimal hassle and maximum assurance, a premium renewal service is ideal. A Briggs offers personalized passport renewal support, reviewing your documentation, assisting with photo compliance, and managing your application from start to finish.
This approach is ideal for:
- Business travelers with limited time
- Frequent travelers who need expedited services
- Anyone seeking added peace of mind
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Mail-in renewal services.
In some cases, U.S. citizens may be eligible to submit their application for U.S. passport renewal by mail. However, this process can be slowed by documentation errors or incorrect photo submissions. To ensure smooth processing, many travelers turn to A Briggs for professional guidance and to avoid delays that can disrupt travel plans.
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Online renewal pilots.
The U.S. government has piloted online American passport renewal portals, but access is limited and eligibility is restricted. With A Briggs, clients can receive step-by-step assistance and ensure all digital submissions meet official standards.
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In-person renewal support.
In-person applications are often necessary for those with urgent travel needs or non-qualifying passports. This includes:
- Travel within 14 days
- Passports that are lost, stolen, or damaged
- Applicants unable to verify legal name changes
A Briggs can help coordinate appointments at authorized passport facilities and offer fast-track services for urgent cases.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Final tips for a smooth passport renewal experience.
Passport renewal doesn’t need to be time-consuming or confusing. With the right planning and expert assistance, the process can be efficient and stress-free.
Action required
Start early
Don't wait until the last minute, especially if you have upcoming travel. Some countries require six months of passport validity for entry.
May affect eligibility
Verify requirements
Renewal rules can change. A Briggs ensures you're always working with the most up-to-date information.
Plan ahead
Avoid errors
Incomplete applications or poor-quality photos are common causes of delay. Expert review prevents these issues.
Our promise to every traveler
Backed by 35+ years of expertise, a money-back guarantee, and direct access to U.S. Passport Agencies.
100% application accuracy
Money-back guarantee
Direct State Dept. access
Real expert advisors
Fully managed process
35+ years of trust
The passport renewal fee varies based on the type of document requested and how quickly you need your passport. Need your passport quickly? Expedited service is available at an additional cost. A Briggs offers expedited processing packages that include courier services, document checks, and real-time status updates to help you meet urgent deadlines. We also provide optional passport replacement coverage that protects you against additional replacement fees over the lifetime of your passport, as well as the option to include a Passport Card along with your renewal.
Processing times vary depending on volume, season, and whether you choose standard or expedited service.
Routine processing timeline.
Typical processing time is 6 to 8 weeks, though this can be longer during peak travel seasons. Mailing time is included in this estimate.
A Briggs helps clients avoid common delays by ensuring applications are complete, compliant, and professionally reviewed before submission.
Expedited processing timeline.
Expedited processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, including shipping time. For urgent travel, faster options may be available.
A Briggs offers expedited passport services designed to meet tight deadlines, supported by a dedicated team that ensures applications move swiftly through the approval process.
In emergencies, such as life-threatening situations or travel within 24 hours, special arrangements can be made. A Briggs assists clients in preparing the necessary documentation and securing emergency appointments when time is critical.
While minors must generally apply in person, special considerations apply to minors turning 16, individuals with name changes not yet reflected in government records, and applicants replacing lost or stolen passports. A Briggs offers specialized services for families and individuals with non-standard documentation needs.
You will likely need to apply for a new passport if:
- Your passport is more than 5 years old
- It was issued when you were under age 16
- It has been significantly damaged (e.g., water damage, torn pages, unreadable information)
- It has been lost or stolen
- You are unable to provide acceptable documentation of a name change
A Briggs can assist with new passport applications and provide detailed guidance for more complex scenarios, such as replacing a damaged or lost passport.
Special situations often require additional forms, documentation, or personal appearances.
Replacing a damaged passport.
If your passport is too damaged to be used for travel, it cannot be renewed and must be replaced. Damage includes:
- Water exposure
- Missing or torn pages
- Faded or illegible information
A Briggs offers full support for new passport applications, including coordination with U.S. passport authorities.
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it promptly to help prevent identity theft or misuse. A Briggs guides clients through the process of:
- Filing the appropriate loss or theft report
- Compiling documentation for a new passport
- Scheduling in-person application appointments
This support ensures that clients regain travel readiness as quickly as possible.
A Briggs offers photo services to ensure your submission meets all biometric and formatting requirements. Clients can also receive detailed guidance for taking photos at home that pass inspection.
Ready to renew your passport?
Our team handles every detail, so you can focus on what matters most—your destination.