Breaking News: New DS-82 Passport Application Process Simplifies Renewal for U.S. Citizens
In an effort to streamline the passport renewal process for U.S. citizens, the Department of State has announced a new online application form, the DS-82, which allows eligible individuals to renew their passports without having to visit a passport acceptance facility in person. The new form, which became available on the Department of State’s website earlier this month, is expected to make the passport renewal process faster, easier, and more convenient for millions of Americans.
The DS-82 form, which is available exclusively for eligible U.S. citizens who already have a passport that is not damaged, lost, stolen, or issued more than 15 years ago, allows applicants to renew their passports by mail without having to provide proof of travel plans or visit a passport acceptance facility in person. Instead, applicants can simply fill out the form online, print it, and mail it along with their current passport, a recent passport photo, and the appropriate fees to the Department of State.
“This new online application form is a game-changer for U.S. citizens who need to renew their passports,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement. “By eliminating the need for a visit to a passport acceptance facility, we are making the renewal process faster, easier, and more convenient for millions of Americans. This is just one of many steps we are taking to modernize and improve our passport services.”
The introduction of the DS-82 form comes at a time when demand for passports is on the rise as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and more Americans are looking to travel abroad. According to the Department of State, the number of passport applications is already up significantly compared to last year, and officials expect demand to continue to increase in the coming months.
“We have seen a surge in passport applications as travel restrictions are lifted and more Americans are looking to explore the world again,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Passport Services Susan Crystal. “The new DS-82 form will help us process these applications more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that U.S. citizens can get their passports renewed in a timely manner and without unnecessary hassle.”
In addition to the new online application form, the Department of State has also announced a number of other enhancements to its passport services, including the expansion of expedited processing options for U.S. citizens who need to renew their passports quickly. Applicants who need their passports urgently can now choose from a range of expedited processing options, including expedited in-person passport services at select passport agencies and centers.
“We understand that there are times when U.S. citizens need their passports renewed as quickly as possible, whether it’s for a last-minute business trip or a family emergency,” said Crystal. “That’s why we have expanded our expedited processing options to ensure that U.S. citizens can get their passports renewed in a timely manner, no matter what their circumstances may be.”
The new DS-82 form and other enhancements to the Department of State’s passport services have been welcomed by U.S. citizens who have been frustrated by the long waits and bureaucratic hurdles associated with the passport renewal process in the past.
“I recently renewed my passport using the new DS-82 form, and I was amazed at how easy and convenient it was,” said David Johnson, a frequent traveler from New York City. “I didn’t have to waste time going to a passport acceptance facility or provide proof of travel plans, and the whole process took just a few minutes online. This is a huge improvement over the old system, and I’m grateful that the Department of State is taking steps to make passport renewal simpler and more efficient.”
Overall, the introduction of the DS-82 form and other enhancements to the Department of State’s passport services mark a significant step forward in the modernization and improvement of passport services for U.S. citizens. The new online application form, in particular, is expected to make the passport renewal process faster, easier, and more convenient for millions of Americans, ensuring that they can get their passports renewed in a timely manner and without unnecessary hassle.
