You got a letter or an email about missing information in your passport renewal application—now what?
You did everything right (or so you thought). You mailed in your Form DS-82 to renew your passport, but now you’ve got an official-looking letter—or maybe an email—telling you something is missing. Don’t worry; this happens more often than you’d think, and thankfully, it’s an easy fix!
I’ll help you understand why this might have happened to you, what you need to do to fix the problem, and how to avoid this issue in the future.
Why Did I Get This Letter/Email?
When you renew your U.S. passport by mail, your application first goes to an intake facility where your application is reviewed for common errors or missing items.
If any issues are detected or items are missing, the intake team will send you a letter or an email (sometimes with a QR code directing you to the official Renew by Mail page). This notice details exactly what is wrong with or missing from your application, so you know exactly what the problem is.
Common Reasons You Might Get This Letter
Based on what I’ve seen—and what the U.S. State Department confirms—here are the usual issues with passport renewal applications:
- You forgot to sign or date your DS-82 form.
- Your passport contains errors.
- Your passport photo was missing or didn’t meet the requirements. Blurry? Shadows? Smiling too much? These can all cause rejections.
- You left out pages of the application. The DS-82 is short, but missing even one page will get your application flagged.
- You paid the wrong fee—or forgot to pay at all.
- Your most recent passport wasn’t included. Yep, they need that old passport back! Without an old passport, you’ll need to apply for a new one!
- Your old passport was issued more than 15 years ago. If that’s the case, you’ll need to apply for a new passport in person.
- You’re not eligible to renew by mail. For example, if your name changed but you cannot provide legal documentation, or you don’t meet the other renewal criteria.
What Does This Mean for My Application?
Until you resolve the issue, your application isn’t going anywhere. If you check your passport status online, it will probably show as “Not Available.” That’s because your renewal hasn’t even made it to the actual processing center yet—it’s stuck in intake limbo.
Once you fix the problem and resend an updated application or the missing documents, your status should update to “In Process,” meaning your application is finally at a passport agency or center and moving forward.
I Got My Letter/Email: How Do I Respond?
As soon as you get that letter or email, you’ll want to get started on fixing the issue so you can get your application processed! You have 90 days to mail back your corrections.
Step 1: Read the letter/email carefully.
It will tell you exactly what’s missing or incorrect. The letter or email will state “Passport Retained Due to ______” or “The ______ you provided is not sufficient for passport purposes.” Thankfully, there is no guesswork with these notifications; they tell you exactly what needs to be corrected to continue with processing.
Step 2: Follow the instructions outlined in the letter/email.
If it says to resend a corrected application, do just that. If it’s a missing fee, include the correct payment this time. If it’s a missing document, submit that document. It’s honestly as simple as that.
Step 3: Double-check the entire application!
Take the time to not just fix the error mentioned, but read over the entire application to make sure your information is correct, all lines have been completed, and all pages are included. While you’re at it, also check everything else—signature, payment, photo specs, and eligibility.
Step 4: Make sure you include the letter itself when you respond.
This helps them match your corrections to your original file. If it’s a letter received through the mail, send that letter back with your corrected application/missing fee/missing document. If it’s an email, print it out and do the same.
Step 5: Resend your application package as soon as possible!
The last step is to return your application package. The address should be included in your letter/email.
For those who live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
For those who live in any other state:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
For those who have applied for expedited service:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
The sooner you respond, the sooner your renewal gets back on track. Passport processing times begin when your application is received, not when you send it! If you mail your corrections back after the 90-day window closes, you’ll need to start the renewal process all over again.
Best Practices to Avoid This in the Future
Let’s be honest—nobody likes redoing paperwork. To save yourself from the hassle of getting one of these dreaded letters, here are my top tips:
- Double-check your DS-82 before mailing it. Make sure every section is filled out completely and correctly. Don’t forget that signature and date!
- Submit a compliant passport photo. Your passport photo must meet official guidelines (no glasses, neutral expression, correct size and lighting). If in doubt, go to a place that specializes in passport photos. Read: Why a Passport Photo Gets Rejected: Mistakes to Avoid
- Include your most recent passport. The State Department needs to see that old passport to process your renewal—leaving it out is one of the most common mistakes.
- Pay the correct fee in the correct form. Double-check that you’ve written the check or money order out properly (payable to “U.S. Department of State”) and that the amount is correct.
- Make sure you’re eligible to renew by mail. If your old passport is too old (over 15 years), damaged, or issued when you were under 16, you’ll need to apply for a new passport in person instead.
Taking a few extra minutes upfront to review everything in your passport renewal application can save you weeks—or even months—of processing delays later.
For more, check out Sheldon’s post, 10 Things That Can Delay Your Passport Application; he outlines exactly what tends to delay the passport application process to help you avoid those issues in the first place!
Don’t Forget to Sign Up for Email Updates
If you haven’t already, sign up for email updates on your passport status here. It’s free and the best way to stay informed about your application status—a much better way of keeping tabs on your application than refreshing the status page every day!
Bottom Line
Getting one of these “something’s missing” letters is annoying, but it’s not the end of the world. Relax, follow the steps, submit your corrections, and your application will be back on track in no time! Just maybe double-check that checklist next time—future you will thank you!
If you’re worried you might make a mistake or forget to include something in your application, it might be worth working with a passport expediting service. These travel document experts not only help you get your passport as quickly as you need it, but they also check to make sure your application and application materials are in perfect order before they are submitted.
Check out our recommendations for the Top Passport Expediting Services that can help with your application and make sure you don’t end up with a missing information letter!
Safe travels, Laura
