Looking for answers to questions about the U.S. passport renewal process? You are not the only one. We receive several questions every day about how to get a passport renewed for both adults and children. The information below will provide you with answers to some of the more common questions that are sent to us by American citizens who travel abroad.
What are the requirements for renewing a 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? To begin with, you have to 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 the expiration date has passed. Of course, if it was issued when you were age 15 or less then you cannot get it renewed by mail. You are required to submit an application for a new passport by appearing before an authorized agent at a passport office and submitting application form DS-11.
You can even apply for a passport renewal 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 proof to your legal name change under federal or state law.
When should I apply for a passport renewal?
It is recommended that applicants mail the renewal application approximately nine months before the passport’s validity 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 keep a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining in it. This is the amount of time a large number of countries require exist in your travel document before they will approve a visa.
Waiting until close to the expiration date or the document actually expires could result in the need to pay extra fees if you need to renew it in a hurry. It is best to start the renewal process early. You can even request a renewal more than nine months before the expiration date but there is no need.
What must I send with the passport renewal application?
Besides your current, undamaged passport, you are require to include the completed application form DS-82, two passport-style photographs that are 2×2 inches and proof of your name change if that is the case. You also need to send payment for the application fee.
How long does it take to get a passport renewal?
The time it takes depend on how fast you want the application to be processed. Applicants have two options when apply for a passport renewal by mail. Regular processing of an application takes four to six weeks. Expediting the process takes two to three weeks. There is an additional fee if you want the application expedited. The time that it takes to process an application can change according to the demand. Intense travel periods and launching 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 what is required to get your travel document renewed.
Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for complete instructions on how to renew passport in a hurry, apply for a travel visa, download application form DS-82, submit your own passport questions and read insightful travel destination articles for anyone who travels internationally for business or pleasure.