Renewing an expired passport can sometimes be a daunting task for many travelers. However, it is an essential step for anyone planning to travel internationally. The process of renewing an expired passport can vary depending on the country where you hold citizenship. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of renewing an expired passport, focusing mainly on the United States passport renewal process.
Renewing an expired passport in the United States is a straightforward process that can be done either by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. The first step in renewing an expired passport is to determine whether you are eligible to renew by mail. To renew by mail, your previous passport must meet certain criteria: it must be in good condition, issued within the last 15 years, issued when you were 16 years of age or older, and in your current name. If your previous passport does not meet these criteria, you will have to renew in person at a passport acceptance facility.
To renew your expired passport by mail, you will need to fill out Form DS-82, the passport renewal application, which can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website. You will also need to submit your most recent passport, a new passport photo, and the appropriate fee. The fee for renewing a passport by mail is $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. If you need to expedite the process, there is an additional fee of $60.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and fees, you can mail them to the address listed on the DS-82 form. It is recommended to use a secure method of shipping, such as Priority Mail with tracking, to ensure that your documents are delivered safely.
If you are not eligible to renew your expired passport by mail, you will need to renew in person at a passport acceptance facility. To renew in person, you will need to fill out Form DS-11, the application for a U.S. passport. You will also need to bring your expired passport, a new passport photo, proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
The fee for renewing a passport in person is the same as renewing by mail: $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. If you need to expedite the process, there is an additional fee of $60. It is recommended to make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility to ensure that you are able to renew your passport in a timely manner.
In both cases, whether renewing by mail or in person, it can take approximately 4-6 weeks for your new passport to arrive. If you need your passport sooner, you can expedite the process by paying an additional fee and providing proof of travel within 3 business days.
Renewing an expired passport is an important step for anyone planning to travel internationally. It is essential to ensure that your passport is valid before embarking on any trip. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully renew your expired passport and be on your way to your next adventure.
