Need to renew a passport? Renewing a passport is actually much simpler than applying for a new one. There are less steps and the renewal application can be sent 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 renew a passport if your present passport is not damaged and you were not a minor when it was issued to you. Also, it cannot be more than 15 years old. Finally, you either have to have the same name as that which is in your current passport or you have to submit evidence that the name was changed legally.
It is recommend that you ititate the renewal process 9 months before the expiration date. The application is processed and the renewed passport delivered to you in 4 to 6 weeks. 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 apply for passport renewal? The steps include: complete application form DS-82 and mail it in together with two recent passport-style pictures, your present 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 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 fast? There are a few ways that you can do this. One, you can simply request expedited service when you send the renewal application. Your should add $60 for this service and use a two-way overnight delivery method. It takes two to three weeks to expedite a renewal this way.
The fastest way to get your passport renewed is either submitting your application at a regional agency or applying through a private travel document 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 expedited 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 nearest regional agency, 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 renew your passport quickly.
