Can I renew my expired passport: Check these rules before you panic

Planning your next international getaway only to realize your passport has expired? No need to panic. Renewing an expired U.S. passport is easier than you might think, provided you meet certain conditions.

At iVisa, we make passport renewals hassle-free so you can focus on the fun part: planning your next adventure. Let’s break it down step by step.

Can you renew an expired passport?

Yes, but with some conditions. You can renew your expired passport by mail if:

✅ It was issued within the last 15 years

✅ You were 16 or older when it was issued

✅ Your expired passport is undamaged and in your possession

✅ Your name has not changed, or if it has, you have legal documentation to prove it

If your passport doesn’t meet these criteria, you’ll need to apply in person as if you were getting a brand-new passport.

“I almost panicked when my passport had expired, but it was still in good shape and issued less than 15 years ago so renewing it was super simple with iVisa and boom, my new passport arrived within a few weeks,” shared Alex, a frequent flyer from Texas.

Can you renew an expired passport online?

The U.S. State Department is rolling out an online renewal system, but eligibility requirements are strict:

✔ Your passport must have been issued between 2009 and 2015

✔ It must not be lost or damaged

✔ You must be 25 or older

✔ It should be less than 15 years old

Check your eligibility and apply online with us.

How to renew an expired passport by mail

If you can’t apply online, don’t worry. iVisa makes mail-in renewal seamless. Here’s how it works:

1. Complete our simple online passport renewal application form in less than 10 minutes. Our system checks whether you qualify for renewal by mail or online.

2. Choose your processing speed – standard or expedited.

3. Receive your renewal kit – we send you everything you need, including:

   ✔ A pre-filled DS-82 form

   ✔A passport photo that meets U.S. government requirements

   ✔ A prepaid shipping label for sending your documents securely

   ✔A government payment check (included in our service fee)

   ✔ Step-by-step instructions to avoid common mistakes

4. Sign your documents, including your expired passport, and drop them off at the nearest post office.

"I had no idea that missing a signature could delay my renewal by weeks! Always triple-check everything before mailing," advises Chris, a seasoned traveler from California.

Lisa from New York added:

“I thought mailing my renewal was easy until I forgot to include my old passport in the envelope iVisa provided. My application was delayed for weeks, and I had to start again. Pay close attention to the checklist iVisa provides to avoid making the same mistake.”

Once your renewal is processed, your new passport will be shipped directly to your home.

DIY vs. iVisa: Which is better for mail-in renewals?

With iVisa, you avoid paperwork mistakes, missing documents, and trips to the photo studio. So why wait? Apply with us today.

Processing times & fees

⏳ Standard Processing: Several weeks

⚡ Expedited Processing: Faster, typically within a month

💰 Government Fee: USD130 (standard) / USD190 (expedited)

💼 iVisa Service Fee: Based on processing speed and service level.

How to track your passport renewal

Once you submit your application, you can track your renewal status through:

🔍 Online Passport Status System - Updates available 14 days after submission

📱 iVisa’s tracking tool - Get real-time updates via our mobile app

📞 Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 - If your travel date is approaching

"I checked my passport status online every few days—it helped me plan my trip with confidence," shares Sophia, a digital nomad.

What if you can’t find your expired passport?

Lost your expired passport? You can’t renew without it. Instead, you’ll need to apply in person using Form DS-11, just like a first-time applicant. You should also submit Form DS-64 to report it lost or stolen.

What You’ll Need:

📌 Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)

📌 Government-issued photo ID

📌 New passport photo

📌 Passport fees (same as standard renewal)

“I searched everywhere for my passport but finally accepted it was lost. Filing a DS-64 only took a few minutes, and applying in person with my birth certificate was much easier than I expected,” said David from Chicago.

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help! Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat. We’ll make sure your renewal is stress-free, so you can get back to planning your travels.