You are required to apply in person any of the following conditions::
You are applying for your first U.S. passport
You are under age 16
Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
Your previously issued U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago
If these conditions aren’t met, you can apply to renew the passport.
If you are applying for an adult passport in person, then you will need to complete a DS-11 form. This is the application for all first time adult applicants, and for renewing an expired or about to expire passport. Applicants who wish to renew their passports by mail may use Form DS-82.
Applicants can apply for a passport in person at one of the more than 7,000 acceptance facilities located around the country using Form DS-11. Below is information on what you will need to do and bring with you when applying.