Have some doubt about how to renew your passport? You are not the only one. A lot of people write us every day about how to get a passport renewal for both adults and minors. The information below will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that are asked by U.S. citizens who travel abroad.
Can I renew my passport by mail?
The State Department has created specific criteria concerning who can and cannot request a renewal by mail. What are the criteria? To begin with, it is necessary that you be able to submit your most recent passport. This requires that it cannot be damaged or mutilated in any way.
Also, it is mandatory that your current passport was issued to you no more than 15 years ago. This means that it is possible to get it renewed even after it has expired. Of course, if it was issued when you were age 15 or less then you cannot renew it by mail. You will have to apply for a new U.S. passport by appearing at an application acceptance facility and submitting application form DS-11.
You can even apply to get your passport renewed by mail if your name has changed as long as you can provide an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document that serves as evidence to your legal name change under federal or state law.
When should I apply for a passport renewal?
It is recommended that applicants send the renewal application approximately nine months before the date of expiration. The reason for this is twofold. One, it allows ample time for the application to be processed. Secondly, it allows you to always have in your possession a passport with at least six months validity in it. This is the number of months a lot of countries require exist in your passport before they will approve a travel visa.
Waiting until close to the expiration date or your passport actually expires could result in the need to pay additional fees if you need to renew it in a hurry. It is best to renew it early. You can even apply for a renewal more than nine months before the expiration date but there is no need.
What do I need to get my passport renewed?
Along with your most recent, undamaged passport, you are require to submit the completed application form DS-82, two passport photos that are 2×2 inches and a certified document that proves your name change if that is the case. Of course, you also have to send payment for the application fee.
How long will it take to process my application?
The time it takes depend on how fast you want the application to be processed. Applicants have two options when renewing a passport by mail. Regular processing of an application takes 4-6 weeks. Expediting the process takes 2-3 weeks. There is an additional fee if you want the application expedited. The time required to process application forms can change according to the demand. Intense travel periods and inauguration of new requirements can cause processing times to be extended.
These are just a few of the more frequently asked questions concerning passport renewals. They should, however, provide you with a basic understanding of the requirements to get your passport renewed.
Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for complete instructions on how to expedite a passport renewal, apply for a travel visa, download the renewal application, submit your own passport questions and access insightful travel destination articles for anyone who travels internationally for business or pleasure.
