Renew Your U.S. Passport
Need to renew a passport? The renewal process is actually a lot easier than getting a new passport. 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 16 or older when it was issued to you. Also, it cannot be more than 15 years old. 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. This allows you to have a passport in your possession that always has at least 6 months validity remaining in it. Travel visas to many countries are only issued if passports meet this requirement.
How do you apply for passport renewal? You need to complete application form DS-82 and mail it in along with two recent passport-style pictures, your current passport and check or money order for the application 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 that your name has been legally changed if you are required to do so. You will find the address to which you need to mail the package on the application form.
What do you do when you need to renew a passport in a hurry? There are a few options available to you. One, you can ask for expedited service when you send the renewal application. 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 fastest way to get your passport renewed is to submit the application form at a regional passport agency or applying through a private passport expediter. Either way you can get your passport renewed as quickly as the same day. Mail delivery time is not included in this calculation nor the time it takes you to get to the regional agency.
Regional agencies process emergency passport renewals for applicants who need to get a passport in 48 hours or less. 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 have been able to renew a passport fast without an appointment. Some were even attended at a different agency than the one that serves their state.
If you cannot travel to the regional agency but need to renew your passport urgently, your best option 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 renew your passport fast.
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