You must apply in person if your previous passport expired more than 5 years ago, was issued before you were 16 years old, or was lost, stolen or damaged.

If your passport expired five years ago, you cannot "renew" it in the traditional sense; you must apply for a "re-issue" or a fresh passport application, depending on your country's specific 2026 regulations. In the United States and India, for example, a passport expired for more than five years usually requires a full in-person application (Form DS-11 in the U.S.) rather than a mail-in renewal. You will need to provide your old passport as proof of citizenship, but you will also need to submit new "Evidence of Identity" (like a driver's license), a fresh photo, and pay the full application fee. In 2026, most countries will trigger a mandatory background check or police verification for passports that have been expired for such a long period to ensure no identity theft has occurred during the gap. It is vital to start this process at least 3 to 4 months before your intended travel, as "Normal" processing times for long-expired passports can be slower than standard renewals.