Applying for a Passport Renewal

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 children. This article will give you answers to some of the more common questions that are sent to us by American citizens who travel internationally.

Can I renew my passport by mail?

The U.S. government has created specific criteria concerning who can and cannot request a renewal by mail. What are the criteria? Firstly, it is necessary that you be able to submit your most recent passport. This means that the passport not 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 you can sometimes get it renewed even the expiration date has passed. Of course, if it was issued when you were age 15 or less then you cannot renew it by mail. It will be necessary to submit an application for a new United States passport by appearing before an authorized agent at a passport office and submitting application form DS-11.

You can even apply to renew a passport by mail if your name has changed as long as you can submit an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document that serves as proof to your legal name change under federal or state law.

What is the best time to apply for a passport renewal?

It is recommended that applicants mail the renewal application approximately 9 months before their travel document expires. There are two reasons for this. First of all, it allows ample time for the process to be completed. Secondly, it allows you to maintain a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining in it. This is the number of months many countries require be in your travel document before they will approve an entry 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 have it renewed with urgency. It is best to start the renewal process early. You can even request a renewal more than nine months before it expires but this is not necessary.

What must I send with the passport renewal application?

Besides your most recent, undamaged passport, you are require to send the completed application form DS-82, two passport photos that are 2×2 inches and proof of your name change if that is the case. Of course, you also have to send payment for the application fee.

How long does it take to get a passport renewal?

It depends on how quickly you need to get it. Applicants have two options when renewing a passport by mail. Regular processing of an application takes four to six weeks. Expediting the process takes 2-3 weeks. You have to pay an extra fee if you request expedited service. The time required to process application forms can change according to the demand. Peak travel periods and the implementation of new requirements can result in the extension of processing times.

These are just a few of the more frequently asked questions concerning passport renewals. They should, however, give you a basic understanding of the requirements to get your travel document renewed.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for complete instructions on how to apply for emergency passport renewal, apply for a travel visa, download passport applications, ask your own passport questions and read informative travel destination articles for anyone who travels internationally for business or pleasure.