A Step-By-Step Guide to Passport Renewal
There’s a specific kind of stress that hits when you realize your passport is expired—or about to be—right when you finally have a trip on the books.
Deep breath. Passport renewal doesn’t have to be complicated, intimidating, or derail your travel plans. Think of it as a short admin detour on your way to somewhere beautiful.
Here’s a calm, step-by-step way to renew your U.S. passport—WildHer style.
Step 1: Check your timing (this matters more than you think)
Before you do anything else, check your passport’s expiration date.
Many countries require your passport to be valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. That dreamy international trip may depend on this one detail.
WildHer rule of thumb:
If your passport expires within the next year and you know travel is coming—renew it now.
Future-you will be very grateful.
Step 2: Confirm you’re eligible to renew by mail
You can usually renew by mail if:
Your passport is undamaged
It was issued when you were 16 or older
It was issued within the last 15 years
It’s in your current name (or you have name-change documentation)
If that’s you, congrats—you get the easiest route.
Step 3: Complete the DS-82 form
This is the official passport renewal form. You can:
Fill it out online and print it, or
Print it and fill it out neatly by hand
Triple-check:
Your name spelling
Your travel dates (if listed)
Your contact info
This is not the moment for rushed details.
Step 4: Take a proper passport photo (without leaving your house)
Yes, you can do this at home.
Passport photos must:
Be 2x2 inches
Have a plain white or off-white background
Show a neutral expression
Avoid glasses, hats, or shadows
Many online photo tools will size it correctly for printing. If you prefer zero guesswork, a local pharmacy or shipping store works too.
Step 5: Pay the renewal fee
As of now:
Standard adult passport renewal: $130
Payment is typically made by check or money order when renewing by mail. Make sure it’s payable exactly as instructed.
Step 6: Mail it (and then let it go)
Your packet should include:
Completed DS-82 form
Your current passport
One passport photo
Payment
Mail it using a trackable option for peace of mind.
Once it’s sent, resist the urge to refresh the tracking page every hour. Processing takes time—and it will come back.
Step 7: Know your timeline
Typical processing times:
Routine: ~6–8 weeks
Expedited: ~2–3 weeks (additional fee)
If you’re cutting it close, expedited service is worth every penny.
A WildHer reminder
Travel logistics aren’t the fun part—but they unlock the fun part.
Renewing your passport is you saying yes to:
Future adventures
Last-minute “should we just go?” moments
That version of you who boards planes with confidence
And if you ever want help planning the trip that comes after the paperwork—I’ve got you.
