It’s That Time Again: Before It Expires, Renew Your US Passport By Mail

If it is time for your US passport renewal, you have some different options available to you, depending on your situation. In some cases, you can renew by mail. In others, you will need to apply in person.

Pull out your existing passport first and take a look at it. It will need to be sent with your application package in order to renew by mail. If you do not actually have it, then you must apply for a new passport in person.

If you have your passport and it is not damaged, you still may not be able to make your application by mail. It also needs to have been issued when you were 16 years of age or older, as well as within the last fifteen years. Finally, it must have been issued in the name you are using now or, if not, you must have the documentation to send proving your legal name change.

When sending in your application, you will have to include your current passport, the applicable fee, two passport-size photos and the documentation showing your name change, if any, such as a court order or marriage certificate. It is best to send the application in a manner that can be traced. You should also package it securely so that no damages will occur during transport.

Your renewed passport can only be sent to addresses within the United States or Canada. If you are currently living outside of the United States, anywhere other than Canada, you will need to go to the closest American Consulate or Embassy. Note that, if you are behind in any child support payments, you may not be able to get a passport.

Processing time for applications vary but are generally between four and six weeks. If your need for a passport is urgent, you might have to go to a passport agency. If you have international travel planned in the next two weeks or need a passport to secure a foreign visa in the next four weeks, this is recommended. You will only be seen by appointment at these agencies.

If you have sent in your passport application already, the status of your application can be checked online. It may take a week after applying for the status to be available. If your passport has not arrived within one week of when you are due to travel, contact the National Passport Information Center.

There are times when an emergency necessitates traveling to a foreign country in 24 to 48 hours. If this should happen, you can get emergency service by making an appointment at a passport agency. You may be required to show proof of the emergency.

Many times, people wait until they actually have travel plans before checking if their pasport is current. It is much smarter to pay attention to when your passport expires. If your pass port renewal date is approaching, get it taken care of as soon as possible. This way, you will avoid any problems if travel plans do crop up suddenly.