If you are an adult and can submit a still-valid or recently-expired passport, applying for a new passport by mail has been made as easy a process as possible. The fee for applying by mail is $67.00 (a savings of $30.00). You are eligible to apply by mail if all of the following conditions are true:
- You can submit your most recent passport that is not mutilated or damaged.
- You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued.
- You were issued your most recent passport less than 15 years ago.
- You presently use the same name as the name on your most recent passport, or, you have had your name changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect your name change.
If you do not meet any of the previous conditions, you are not eligible to apply for a new passport by mail. Instead, you will need to complete an original Passport Application (#DS-11), furnish documentation necessary for that application, and appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (see Applying for Passports in Person).
If you are eligible to apply by mail, you will need to obtain an Application For Passport By Mail (#DS-82) and follow the instructions listed on the back of the application. This application is available at our facility, is often made available at many post offices and travel agencies, and may be printed from the U.S. State Department's Web site at travel.state.gov/download_applications.html.
With regular mailing, a new passport will be processed in 25 business days or less, depending upon the time of year. If you desire expedite processing of your application, follow the instructions listed on the back of the application to obtain this service. With expedite processing, you will receive the new passport in approximately 12 working days.
If you require a passport in less than two weeks, you will need to make an appointment and apply in person at the Los Angeles Passport Agency, located in the Federal Office Building, 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, in west Los Angeles. The Passport Agency's hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, please call the National Passport Information Line at (877) 487-2778.
