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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/trav-renew-by-mail-15-years

You can renew a US passport by mail if your last one was issued within how many years?

15 years, and you must have been 16 or older when it was issued.

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  1. 15 years ✔
  2. 5 years
  3. 10 years

Why: Mail renewal is for adults whose most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years, when they were 16 or older. Otherwise you apply in person.

Huh, didn't know that: Your old passport also must not be damaged or ever reported lost or stolen to renew by mail.

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My passport and I have a great relationship. It keeps expiring and I keep renewing.
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References

Answer: 15 years. Mail renewal is for adults whose most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years, when they were 16 or older. Otherwise you apply in person.

  1. State Dept: Renew a passport travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
    Your passport was issued within the last 15 years.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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