How to Renew a Passport
Need help to renew a U.S. passport? Getting a passport renewed is easier than getting a new one. There are less steps and you can apply for a passport renewal by mail as long as you meet all the criteria. This article will provide info and ideas to help you get your passport renewed quickly and easily.
You can apply to renew passport if your current passport is not damaged and you were not a minor when it was issued to you. Also, it had to be issued within the last 15 years. Finally, the name you put on the application should match that in your current passport or you must submit a document proving your name was changed legally.
It is recommend that you ititate the renewal process 9 months before the expiration date. With regular processing, it takes four to six weeks for the renewed passport to be sent to you. The reason you should apply so early is so that your passport always has at least six months validity. This is a requirement that many countries have before they will issue entry visas.
How do you renew a passport? All you have to do is complete form DS-82 and send it in together with two passport photos, your current passport and check or money order for the processing fee.
Passport photos should be 2×2 inches, identical, with a white or off-white background. No black and white photos are accepted. The photos should show a full-face view and you should be dressed in normal street attire. If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
Remember to include evidence of your name change if you need to. The address you send the package to is on the application.
What do you do when you need to renew a passport in a hurry? There are a few ways that you can do this. One, you can simply request expedited service when you mail in the application for renewal. Include an additional $60 for this service and use a two-way overnight delivery method. The expedited renewal will take 2 to 3 weeks to process.
The quicket way to get your passport renewed is to submit the application form at a regional agency or applying through a private travel document expediter. Both methods can get your passport renewed the same day. Mail delivery time is not included in this calculation nor the time it takes to travel if you plan to visit an agency.
Regional agencies process rush passport renewals for travelers who need to renew a passport in 24 to 48 hours. While the State Department tells applicants to call in order to schedule an appointment at the agency that serves the state where they reside, many travelers were allowed to submit applications for passport renewals without an appointment. Some were even attended at a different agency than the one that serves their state.
If you are unable to get to the regional agency but need to renew your passport urgently, the only alternative is to authorize a private expediter to represent you. Unless, of course, you want to cancel your travel plans. If this is the risk you are running, know that you have a choice. An expediter can rush your passport renewal.
