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U.S. Passport

DS-11 vs DS-82: Which Passport Form Do You Need?

DS-11 is for first-time, minors, and replacements; DS-82 is for mail-in renewals. The eligibility checklist that decides which form you must use.

Quick answer

Use Form DS-82 if you can renew by mail — your current passport is undamaged, issued within the last 15 years, issued when you were 16+, and in your current name. Everyone else uses Form DS-11 in person: first-time applicants, minors under 16, lost/stolen/damaged passports, and passports expired over 5 years (or issued over 15 years ago).

Updated October 2026

The deciding checklist

You can use DS-82 (mail renewal) only if ALL of these are true:

  • You have your most recent passport — it's not lost or stolen
  • It's undamaged (no water damage, torn pages, significant wear)
  • It was issued when you were 16 or older
  • It was issued within the last 15 years
  • Your name hasn't changed, OR you can document the change legally

When DS-11 is mandatory

  • First passport ever
  • Applicant under 16 — children ALWAYS use DS-11, even to 'renew' (child renewal guide)
  • Passport lost, stolen, or damaged — file DS-64 with it
  • Passport issued more than 15 years ago
  • Name changed and no legal documentation (marriage certificate, court order)
  • One parent unavailable for a minor's application — see DS-5525

Key differences

DS-11DS-82
HowIn person at acceptance facilityBy mail (or online for eligible renewals)
Execution fee$35 — paid to facilityNone
Application fee$130 book / $30 card / $160 both$130 book / $30 card / $160 both
Total (adult book)$165$130
SignatureIn front of acceptance agentSign and mail
PhotoBring 1 photo (2x2)Staple 1 photo to form

Where to get each form

Both forms are free at travel.state.gov — fill them online and print, or use our passport forms page which links every form directly. Never pay a website for 'the forms themselves'.

DS-11 vs DS-82: Which Passport Form Do You Need? — FAQ

Can I renew a child's passport with DS-82?
No — children under 16 always use DS-11 in person, regardless of whether they had a previous passport. Their documents expire after 5 years and renewals work like new applications.
Can I use DS-82 if my passport expired 10 years ago?
Yes — the test is that it was ISSUED within the last 15 years, not unexpired. A passport expired for up to 5 years (issued within 15 years) still qualifies for DS-82 renewal.
Is DS-82 faster than DS-11?
Processing times are similar — but DS-82 saves the $35 execution fee and the in-person appointment. If you qualify, always renew by mail.
Can I do DS-82 online?
The State Department offers online renewal to eligible adults — check eligibility at travel.state.gov. The online system has specific requirements and limited daily slots.
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Related guides

U.S. Passport
How to Renew a Child's Passport (It's Not a Real Renewal)
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U.S. Passport
Form DS-64: How to Report a Lost or Stolen Passport
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U.S. Passport
How Fast Can You Actually Get a U.S. Passport?
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Entry rules change without notice. Always verify with official government sources (travel.state.gov, embassy websites) before booking. Last reviewed October 2026. This page may contain partner links — see our affiliate disclosure.