Can I Get A New Passport? | Options When Yours Won’t Work

You can replace an expired, lost, stolen, or damaged U.S. passport by renewing it or filing a fresh application, based on eligibility.

Passports don’t just “go bad.” They expire, get lost in a move, take a spin through the washer, or stop matching your legal name. When that happens, the fix is straightforward once you pick the right route.

This article shows when you can renew, when you must apply in person, what to gather before you start, and how to time everything so your passport arrives before your trip.

Getting A New Passport In The U.S.: Which Route Fits

In U.S. passport terms, “new” usually means one of two tracks:

• Renewal: You’re extending an eligible adult passport.
• New in-person application: You apply on the DS-11, even if you’ve held a passport before.

The fastest way to choose is to ask three questions: Was the passport issued when you were 16 or older? Do you still have it? Is it in good condition? If you can’t answer “yes” to all three, plan on the in-person route.

Situations That Trigger A Replacement

Most replacement requests fit these scenarios, each with its own rules.

Expired passport

Many expired adult passports can be renewed. Passports issued before age 16 can’t be renewed, even if they expired last week.

Lost or stolen passport

A valid passport that goes missing must be reported and replaced. Once it’s reported, it’s canceled and can’t be used for travel again.

Damaged passport

Normal wear is fine. A passport that’s soaked, torn, missing pages, or has a loose cover is treated as damaged and is replaced through an in-person application.

Name change

If your passport name doesn’t match your current legal name, you’ll submit a certified name-change document with your renewal or in-person application, based on eligibility.

Child passport expiring

Children’s passports (under 16) can’t be renewed. Each replacement is a fresh, in-person application with parent/guardian involvement.

What You Need Before You Start

Most delays come from missing pieces, not from hard cases. Gather your items first, then fill out the form.

Citizenship evidence

For in-person DS-11 applications, bring evidence such as a U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, naturalization certificate, or a prior U.S. passport that meets acceptance rules. For renewals, your most recent passport is typically the core proof.

Photo that passes on the first try

Use a plain, light background and a recent photo. Skip heavy shadows and odd cropping. If you use a store photo counter, check the print before you leave.

ID and clean copies

For DS-11, you’ll show an acceptable ID and submit photocopies (front and back) on plain white paper. Cropped copies are a common rejection point.

Fees and payment

Fees depend on age and whether you want a book, card, or both. In-person applications also add an acceptance facility fee. Match your payment method to the submission route so it won’t be refused at the counter or in the mail.

How Renewal Works When You Qualify

If you meet the renewal rules, you avoid the acceptance-facility appointment. The State Department’s page lists current eligibility rules and submission options, including mail and online renewal where available. See Renew Your Passport for the official criteria and steps.

Renewal packet checklist

• Correct renewal form
• Most recent passport, when required
• One compliant photo
• Correct fees
• Certified name-change document, if your name changed

When renewal fails

Renewal won’t work if your passport is missing, damaged, or was issued when you were under 16. If you’re unsure, read the eligibility list first. It’s faster than mailing a packet that gets rejected.

When You Must Apply In Person

Use the DS-11 in person for first-time applicants, minors, adults who don’t qualify to renew, and anyone replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport.

What the appointment looks like

You bring your application, citizenship evidence, photo, ID, and copies to an acceptance facility (often a post office, clerk’s office, or library). Don’t sign the form at home. The agent must witness your signature.

Small details that save time

• Use a black-ink printout that’s easy to read.
• Bring both the originals and the copies.
• Make sure your name and date of birth match across documents, or bring the document that connects them.

Replacement Rules For Lost Or Stolen Passports

If a valid passport is missing, reporting it is part of the replacement process. You can report it online, by mail, or in person while applying for the replacement. The State Department’s instructions are on Report Your Passport Lost or Stolen.

What to do right away

• Search carefully first: bags, drawers, car, hotel safe, coat pockets.
• If it’s truly missing, report it promptly so it’s canceled.
• Start the DS-11 in-person application for the replacement.

If you find it later

A reported passport is no longer valid for travel. Keep it for your records, then use the replacement passport.

Table: Common “New Passport” Scenarios And The Right Path

Match your situation to the route that usually works.

Situation	Best route	Notes that change the outcome
Adult passport expired, issued at age 16+	Renewal (mail or online if eligible)	Works only if you have the passport and it’s in good condition
Adult passport expired, issued under age 16	In-person DS-11	Child passports can’t be renewed
First-time applicant age 16+	In-person DS-11	Bring citizenship evidence, photo, ID, and copies
Child under 16 needing a replacement	In-person DS-11	Parent/guardian presence and consent rules apply
Lost or stolen valid passport	Report + in-person DS-11	Reported passports are canceled and can’t be used again
Damaged passport (water, torn pages, loose cover)	In-person DS-11	Bring the damaged passport; it may still serve as proof
Name change since passport was issued	Renewal or DS-11	Depends on renewal eligibility and your certified document
Limited-validity passport	Often DS-11 or agency instructions	Follow the letter that came with the passport

Choosing Processing Speed Without Guesswork

Your form can be perfect and you can still miss your trip if you start too late. Build your plan around two clocks: agency processing time and mailing time.

Routine

Routine service fits travelers who are renewing well ahead of a trip or applying for next season with plenty of room.

Expedited

Expedited service costs extra and is meant for tighter timelines. It’s a solid pick when your travel date is closer and you want fewer surprises.

Urgent travel appointments

If international travel is soon, an in-person agency appointment may be the right move. Appointments can be scarce, and you’ll need proof of travel, so start checking availability as soon as your timeline drops into that range.

Shipping choices

Faster return shipping can shave days off the end of the process. That’s separate from expedited service, which affects the agency processing clock.

How To Avoid Delays That Cost Weeks

Most delays trace back to a handful of mistakes. Run this list before you submit.

Photo issues

Glare, shadows, and the wrong crop are common rejects. If your photo looks odd, retake it before you mail anything.

Name mismatches

If your ID and citizenship proof don’t match, include the certified document that links them. Don’t send a photocopy if the instructions call for a certified copy.

Missing copies for DS-11

Bring the copies with you. Many facilities can’t copy on site, or the line is long and the copier is out of order.

Travel while your passport is in the mail

If you renew by mail, you may need to send your current passport. That means you won’t have it for ID use during that window. If you rely on it for domestic flights, line up another acceptable ID before you ship.

Table: Replacement Planning Checklist By Timeline

Pick the row that matches your travel date and follow the actions.

Time until travel	Smart move	What to watch for
6+ months	Routine renewal or DS-11 with routine service	Clean photo and clean copies prevent rework
3–6 months	Expedited if you want more buffer	Mailing time can add days on each end
6–12 weeks	Expedited plus faster return shipping	Wrong route choice can burn the whole window
Under 6 weeks	Check urgent travel appointment options	Proof of travel and limited appointment slots
Already abroad	Apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate	Bring any ID and citizenship documents you still have

Special Cases Worth Checking Before You Apply

These cases aren’t rare, and the rules can add steps.

Minors under 16

Kids must apply in person every time. Both parents often need to appear, or one parent must provide the required consent documentation. If custody paperwork is involved, gather it before you schedule the appointment.

Limited-validity passports

If your passport was issued for a shorter validity period, the replacement steps can depend on why it was limited. Follow any letter that came with it and include it when asked.

Replacing a passport while abroad

Outside the U.S., you’ll replace your passport through an embassy or consulate. If you can, bring a passport photo and any backup ID you have. A local police report can be useful for your records if theft is involved.

Can I Get A New Passport If Mine Is Expiring Soon?

Yes. Replacing it early is normal. Many countries want at least six months of validity past your arrival date, and airlines can check that before boarding. Renewing early avoids the surprise of a “valid” passport that still doesn’t meet entry rules.

Final Packet Check Before You Submit

• Choose the right route: renewal or DS-11 in person.
• Use a photo that meets the requirements and looks like you now.
• For DS-11, bring originals plus clean copies of ID and citizenship evidence.
• Pick a processing speed that matches your travel date plus mailing time.
• Keep a complete copy of what you submit.

When you match the route to your situation and submit a clean packet, getting a new passport is paperwork, not panic. Start early and keep your documents tidy, and you’ll be ready to travel when the time comes.