As the world begins to open up after over a year of pandemic-related restrictions, many Americans are looking to get their passports renewed in order to travel again. The U.S. Department of State has seen a surge in passport renewal applications in recent months as people plan their long-awaited vacations and trips abroad.
The process for renewing a U.S. passport has become more streamlined in recent years, with the option to renew by mail for most applicants. This has made it easier for people to update their passports without having to make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility. However, there are still a few important steps to follow in order to ensure a smooth renewal process.
First and foremost, applicants must make sure they are eligible to renew their passport by mail. In order to qualify for this option, the applicant must have their most recent passport in their possession, it must be undamaged, issued when they were at least 16 years old, issued in the past 15 years, and in their current name. If any of these criteria are not met, the applicant will need to apply for a new passport in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is to complete the appropriate form. Form DS-82 is used for passport renewal by mail, and it can be found on the Department of State’s website. The form must be filled out completely and accurately, and any required supporting documents must be included with the application. These documents typically include the applicant’s most recent passport, a recent passport photo, and payment for the renewal fee.
The renewal fee for a U.S. passport is currently $110 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. Applicants can choose to renew either or both of these documents at the same time. The fee must be paid by check or money order made out to the “U.S. Department of State,” and it should be included with the passport renewal application when it is mailed in.
Once all of the necessary documents and payment have been gathered, the applicant can mail the renewal application to the appropriate address. The address will depend on where the applicant lives and whether they are renewing a passport book, a passport card, or both. The Department of State’s website has a tool that can be used to determine the correct mailing address for each individual application.
After the application has been mailed in, it typically takes 4-6 weeks for the new passport to be processed and sent out to the applicant. However, processing times can vary depending on the time of year and any unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it is important for applicants to apply for their passport renewal well in advance of any planned travel dates to avoid any potential delays.
In addition to the standard passport renewal process, there are also expedited options available for those who need their passports more quickly. For an additional fee, applicants can request expedited processing, which typically takes 2-3 weeks instead of the standard 4-6 weeks. There is also the option to make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility for in-person expedited service, which can get a passport renewed in as little as 8 business days.
Overall, the U.S. passport renewal process has become more efficient and convenient in recent years, making it easier for Americans to update their passports and prepare for travel. By following the necessary steps and submitting a complete application, applicants can ensure that their passports are renewed in a timely manner and they are ready to embark on their next adventure.
