Can I Renew My Passport Before It Expires? Los Angeles 2026 Guide

Yes. You do not have to wait for your U.S. passport to expire before you renew it. If your passport is close to expiring, or you simply want to be safe before booking international travel, you can usually renew early using Form DS-82, as long as you meet the U.S. Department of State’s eligibility requirements.

Timing matters more than most travelers expect. Many countries require several months of passport validity beyond your travel dates, and government processing and mailing time can add weeks. For Los Angeles travelers, knowing the rules before you apply can prevent costly delays.

If you would like someone to review your documents before you submit, Sameday Passport & Visa Expedite Services can assist with Los Angeles passport renewal.

How Early Can You Renew a U.S. Passport?

There is no required waiting period. You can apply for renewal while your passport is still valid, even if it has years left.

In practice, most travelers should start earlier than the expiration date suggests, for two reasons:

• Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry or departure. Others require three months, and some require only that it be valid on arrival. Always check your destination’s entry requirements on travel.state.gov.
• Some airlines may refuse boarding if your passport does not meet the destination’s validity rule, even if it has not technically expired.

A practical rule is to begin renewing when your passport has about nine months to a year of validity left, especially if you travel internationally.

Do You Lose the Time Left on Your Current Passport?

Yes. When you renew early, the new passport is valid for its own full term from the date it is issued. The unused time on your old passport is not added. If your passport has only a few months left, early renewal costs you very little. If it has several years left, you may prefer to wait unless your travel plans require a newer passport.

Who Qualifies to Renew Using Form DS-82?

According to the U.S. Department of State, you may generally renew by mail with Form DS-82 when your most recent passport:

• Can be submitted with your application
• Has not been reported lost or stolen
• Is not significantly damaged
• Was issued within the last 15 years
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older
• Was valid for 10 years
• Shows your current name, or you can document a legal name change

If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to apply again in person with Form DS-11. Our New U.S. Passport service can help you understand the requirements before your appointment.

What Documents Do You Need to Renew Before Expiration?

For an eligible DS-82 renewal, you will generally need:

Your Most Recent U.S. Passport
You must send in the passport you are renewing.

Form DS-82
Complete it carefully so the information matches your supporting documents.

A New Passport Photo
Your photo must be a recent color photo that meets current U.S. passport photo standards. Photo errors are a common cause of delays, and our office offers passport photos on site.

Name Change Documentation, If Applicable
If your name has changed since your current passport was issued, you may need an original or certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The Correct Government Fee
The amount depends on whether you are requesting a passport book, a passport card, or both.

Passport Renewal Fees in 2026

As of October 2026, the Department of State lists these government fees for eligible adult DS-82 renewals:

The passport card is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international air travel. Return delivery applies to passport books only.

If you must apply on a DS-11 instead, an adult passport book is $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee, for $165 total.

These are U.S. government fees and are separate from any Sameday Passport & Visa professional service fees. For a full breakdown, see our Passport Fees & Processing Times page.

How Long Does Passport Renewal Take?

Current Department of State estimates are:

• Routine service: 4-6 weeks
• Expedited service: 2-3 weeks

These estimates do not include mailing time. The Department of State notes that it can take up to two more weeks for a passport to arrive after it is mailed. If you are traveling within 14 calendar days, you may qualify for an urgent-travel appointment at a passport agency, which requires proof of international travel.

Do not plan your deadline around the processing estimate alone. Add mailing time in both directions and a buffer in case the government asks for more information.

Can You Renew Your Passport Online Before It Expires?

Some adults can. The Department of State currently says online renewal may be available if, among other requirements:

• You are at least 25 years old
• Your previous passport was valid for 10 years
• It expires within one year or expired less than five years ago
• You are not changing certain personal information
• You are located in a U.S. state or territory when you apply
• You are not traveling internationally for at least six weeks
• You do not need expedited processing

Online renewal cannot currently be expedited, so if your trip is close, another method may fit better.

Should You Wait Until Your Passport Is Close to Expiring?

Usually not. Waiting can leave you without a valid passport right when you need one, and it narrows your options if the government asks for corrections. If you travel abroad, check your expiration date before you book flights, and begin renewing early enough to absorb processing and mailing time.

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you cannot use standard DS-82 renewal. See our Lost, Stolen or Damaged Passport service for the replacement process.

Passport Renewal Help in Los Angeles

Renewing early is straightforward when you qualify for DS-82, but the wrong form, a rejected photo, or a missed eligibility rule can slow everything down.

Sameday Passport & Visa Expedite Services helps Los Angeles travelers review renewal eligibility, documents, photos and expedited options before filing. We are a private expediting service, not a government agency, and we cannot guarantee same-day passport issuance. Our fastest listed passport service is 4 to 7 business days, subject to eligibility and government processing.

Los Angeles Office
11022 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Open 7 days. Walk-ins welcome.
Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-5:30 PM, Sat 8 AM-3 PM, Sun 9 AM-3 PM

Call (310) 402-1619 or visit our Passport Renewal page to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport if it has not expired yet?
A: Yes. There is no minimum waiting period. If your most recent passport meets the DS-82 requirements, you can renew it before it expires. The new passport will be valid for its own full term, and the unused time on your old one is not added.

How early should I renew my passport before it expires?
A: Many travelers start about nine months to a year before expiration. Many countries require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates, so waiting until the last few months can limit where you can go.

How much does it cost to renew a U.S. passport before it expires?
A: For an eligible adult DS-82 renewal, the current government fee is $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60, and optional 1-3 day return delivery for a passport book is $26.87.

How long does passport renewal take in 2026?
A: The Department of State currently estimates 4-6 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, not including mailing time. If you are traveling within 14 days, ask about an urgent-travel appointment.

Can Sameday Passport & Visa help me renew my passport in Los Angeles?
A: Yes. Our Los Angeles office can review your eligibility, forms, photos and supporting documents, and explain the fastest option for your travel date. Call (310) 402-1619 for assistance.