What is form DS-82?

Form DS-82 renews a U.S. passport by mail, according to the official website for the U.S. Department of State. Travelers can only use Form DS-82 if the applicant's current passport is undamaged, is less than 15 years old and was issued when the applicant was over the age of 16.

If the applicant does not meet the criteria for using Form DS-82, he must submit Form DS-11 in person to an agent authorized to accept passport applications, explains the U.S. Department of State. Most U.S. post offices can accept passport applications and often have passport photo facilities as well. If a citizen applies for a new passport because of a legal name change as a result of marriage, the individual must present the marriage certificate.