Passport Renewal Q&a

Are you unsure about how to get a passport renewal? There are many people in this same situation. We receive several questions every day about how to get a passport renewed for both adults and children. The information in this article will introduce you to answers to some of the most common questions that U.S, citizens ask about getting a passport renewed.

Who can apply for a passport renewal by mail?

The Department of State has determined certain criteria for those who wish to apply for a passport renewal by mail. What are the criteria? First of all, you must be able to send in your most recent passport. Your travel document cannot be damaged at all.

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 after it has expired. It is not possible to obtain a renwal if it was issued when you were age 15 or younger. You will have to apply for a new passport by appearing at an application acceptance facility 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 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 you request a passport renewal?

It is recommended that applicants mail the application to renew a passport approximately nine months before the date of expiration. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, it allows ample time for the application to be processed. Also, it allows you to always have in your possession a passport with at least six months validity remaining in it. Quite a number of countries require this much validity be remaining in your passport before they will isse an entry visa.

Waiting until close to the expiration date or the document actually expires could result in the need to pay additional fees if you need to have it renewed with urgency. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early. You even have the choice of applying to renew your passport more than nine months before it expires but there is really no point.

What is required to renew my passport?

Besides your most recent, undamaged passport, you have to include the completed application form DS-82, two passport-style photos that are 2x2 inches and proof of your name change if that is the case. Of course, you also have to include payment for the application fee.

How long does it take to get a passport renewed?

The time it takes depend on how fast you want the application to be processed. Applying for a passport by mail can be done in one of two ways. Regular processing of an application takes four to six weeks. Processing expedited applications takes between two and three weeks. There is an additional fee to expedite the process. Processing times can be modified depedning on the demand at the time. Periods of the year when the number of people traveling increases significantly can contribute to extended processing times.

The questions and answers in this article are only a few of the most frequently asked questions about renewing passports. They should, however, provide you with enough understanding of the requirements to get your passport renewed.