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TO APPLY FOR YOUR ADULT PASSPORT BY MAIL, PLEASE FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW
Eligibility Requirements
Instructions
Double-Check!
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12 MINUTE READ
February 10, 2023

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizen Adult Passport Renewals by Mail

You can submit your most recent passport book;

  • You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport book was issued;
  • You hold a 10-year passport which was issued within the past 15 years;
  • Your U.S. Passport has not been limited from the normal 10-year validity period due to passport damage/mutilation or multiple passport thefts/losses; and
  • You are not requesting a change in the passport data, other than a name change due to marriage or divorce or court order for which you can submit official documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to support the name change.
  • You are only applying for a new passport book, not a passport card as well.

If you do not meet these criteria, please see “Apply for a Passport ” for instructions on making an appointment to submit a DS-11 passport application in person at the Embassy/Consulate.

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Instructions for DS-82 Processing by Mail and Online Fee Payment for U.S. Citizens Residing in Finland

  1. DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals

Complete this form: DS-82 form 

Please note:

  • The Form Filler will select the correct form for you based on the information you input. It may generate a different form from what you expect.
  • Note that some fields require U.S. addresses or phone numbers; you can leave these blank and fill them out in pen after the form has been printed.
  • You must provide a Social Security number, if you have been issued one.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you must submit this statement (PDF, 62kb) signed and dated.
  • You can renew a passport book by mail but not a passport card. If a passport card is needed, you will need to make an online appointment.
  • You must complete all pages of the form and sign and date it.
  • You must print your form single-sided. We do not accept double-sided forms.
  1. Photocopy & Submit your Most Recent U.S. Passport

You must submit both your most recent passport and a photocopy of the passport bio page.

Please note:

  • Your U.S. passport book must meet all of the requirements listed at the top of this page.
  • Your old passport book will be returned to you.
  1. Include Name Change Documents (if applicable)

If the name you are currently using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide the original or a certified copy of the legal name change document, plus one photocopy. Examples include:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court-ordered name change document

Your original name change document will be returned to you. Please also submit a photocopy of your name change document to be kept with the application.

  1. Provide a Photo

Provide one passport-size photograph. Be sure your photo meets all the photo size and format requirements .

Please note:

  • Do not bend the photo.
  • You cannot wear eyeglasses in your passport photo (unless you have a signed note from your doctor that you can include with your application).
  1. Payment

Pay the $130 passport application fee via the U.S. government’s secure payment site.  You must print the electronic payment confirmation you receive via email after successfully paying the fee and include it in the package you send to the Embassy. 

  1. Pre-paid return envelope

A self-addressed envelope with correct postage is required. 

  • You must provide an envelope so that we can mail you your new passport.
  • Failure to provide a return envelope at the time of your appointment will likely result in delay to passport delivery.
  • Local mail delivery options include: Regular mail with Finnish postage stamps, All-in-one pre-paid envelopes, express pre-paid envelopes, and registered letters (kirjattu kirje in Finnish). You can request a tracking number from the postal service in order to track Express envelopes and registered letters. Tracking numbers are recommended.
  • Your mailing option should include an envelope large enough to fit two passports, contain postage to cover 250g, and contain your mailing address as the recipient.
  1. Mail your Documents

Mail your application packet to:

U.S. Embassy Helsinki
American Citizen Services
Itäinen Puistotie 14B
00140 Helsinki

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DOUBLE-CHECK!

*Make sure your packet includes ALL of these items: (1) completed, signed DS-82 form; (2) your current passport book; (3) a photocopy of your passport bio page, (4) your photo, (5) your payment confirmation page, (6) a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for us to return your documents in, (7) if applicable, your signed statement that you have never had an SSN; and (8) if applicable, your proof of name change AND a photocopy of that.

Most customers receive their new passports in 4-6 weeks from appointment/payment date.

To check the status of a pending passport application, click here https://passportstatus.state.gov/.

We will not reply to status inquiry requests until it has been more than 6 weeks after your appointment/payment date.

Note: Please do NOT send your application directly to the National Passport Processing Center in the United States, because this will significantly delay your application!

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U.S. Citizen Services