To renew a U.S. passport in 2025, you typically follow these steps:

1. Eligibility : You can renew if your most recent passport was issued when you were at least 16 years old, was issued within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and you can submit it with your application. Your name should be the same as on the passport or you must provide legal documentation of a name change.
2. Fill out the Application Form DS-82 : You can complete this form online and print it, or download and fill it out by hand.
3. Provide a Recent Passport Photo : The photo must meet specific requirements (2"x2" size, clear face, no glasses usually).
4. Gather Your Most Recent Passport : This will be returned to you later after your new passport is processed.
5. Include Name Change Documents if applicable (marriage certificate, court order).
6. Payment : The standard renewal fee is $130, with an additional $60 if expedited processing is needed.
7. Submit by Mail : Mail the completed application, passport photo, current passport, fee payment, and any name change documents to the appropriate address listed on the form.

Alternatively, some eligible applicants can renew their passport online , creating an account on the MyTravelGov website and submitting their renewal electronically if they meet requirements such as having a 10-year passport expiring within a year or expired less than 5 years ago. Processing time is usually about 6-8 weeks for standard service, faster if expedited. It is advisable to start the renewal process about 6-9 months before your passport expires, keeping in mind that many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months past your travel date.