It’s that time of year again when many people are gearing up for their summer holidays and checking their travel documents to make sure everything is in order. For those who have discovered that their passport is about to expire, the question on everyone’s mind is, “How long does it take to get a renewed passport?”
The answer to this question can vary depending on a few key factors. The first factor to consider is whether you are renewing your passport by mail or in person. If you are renewing your passport by mail, the processing time can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. However, if you are renewing your passport in person at a passport agency, the processing time can be expedited to as little as 8 business days.
Another factor to consider is whether you are applying for a standard passport renewal or if you require a expedited service. If you are in a hurry to get your renewed passport, you can opt for expedited service which will reduce the processing time to 2-3 weeks for mail renewals and as little as 24-48 hours for in-person renewals.
The final factor to consider is whether you are applying for a first-time passport or if you are renewing an expired passport. If you are applying for a first-time passport, the processing time can take longer as you will need to submit additional documents and undergo a more thorough background check. However, if you are renewing an expired passport, the process can be expedited as your information is already on file with the passport agency.
In order to renew your passport, you will need to fill out form DS-82 if you are renewing by mail or form DS-11 if you are renewing in person. You will also need to provide a recent passport photo, your old passport, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. If you are applying for expedited service, you will also need to provide proof of travel plans such as a flight itinerary.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary documents, you can submit your renewal application either by mail or in person at a passport agency. If you choose to renew by mail, be sure to send your application via certified mail so that you can track its progress. If you choose to renew in person, be sure to make an appointment at a passport agency to avoid long wait times.
After you have submitted your renewal application, you can track its progress online using the passport agency’s website. Once your renewed passport is ready, it will be sent to you via regular or express mail depending on the shipping option you selected when you submitted your application.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “How long does it take to get a renewed passport?” is that it can vary depending on a few key factors such as whether you are renewing by mail or in person, if you are applying for expedited service, and if you are renewing a first-time or expired passport. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can ensure that you have your renewed passport in hand in plenty of time for your upcoming travels.
