Renewing an expired passport can be a stressful task for many people, but with the right information and guidance, the process can be smooth and painless. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to renew a US expired passport, along with important tips and advice to help you through the process.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that renewing a passport is not an urgent matter unless you have upcoming travel plans. Your passport can be renewed at any time, regardless of how long it has been expired. However, if you have travel plans within the next six months, it is advisable to start the renewal process as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
The first step in renewing an expired passport is to gather all the necessary documents. You will need your expired passport, a completed DS-82 form, a recent passport photo, and payment for the renewal fee. The DS-82 form can be downloaded from the Department of State’s website or obtained from a passport acceptance facility.
Next, you will need to determine whether you are eligible to renew your passport by mail. If your previous passport was issued when you were 16 years of age or older, and if it was issued within the last 15 years, you can renew it by mail using the DS-82 form. However, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16 years of age, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago, you will need to apply for a new passport in person.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and determined your eligibility for renewing by mail, you can then proceed to fill out the DS-82 form. Make sure to fill out the form accurately and completely, as any errors or missing information can delay the processing of your renewal application.
After completing the DS-82 form, you will need to include your most recent passport photo. The photo must meet the Department of State’s requirements, including being taken within the last six months, in color, and on a plain white or off-white background. Make sure to follow the guidelines for the photo carefully to avoid any issues with your renewal application.
Once you have completed the DS-82 form and included your passport photo, you will need to make payment for the renewal fee. As of the time of writing, the fee for renewing a passport by mail is $110, payable by check or money order made out to the “US Department of State.” Make sure to include the payment along with your other documents when submitting your renewal application.
After gathering all the necessary documents and completing the DS-82 form, including your passport photo and payment for the renewal fee, you can then submit your renewal application. You can mail your documents to the address provided on the DS-82 form, along with your expired passport. Make sure to send your application using a secure and traceable method to ensure it reaches the processing center safely.
Once your renewal application has been received, it will be processed by the Department of State. The processing time for renewing a passport by mail is typically 6-8 weeks, so it is important to plan ahead and submit your application well in advance of any upcoming travel plans.
In conclusion, renewing an expired passport is a straightforward process that can be done easily with the right information and preparation. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can renew your passport efficiently and avoid any last-minute stress. Remember to plan ahead, gather all the necessary documents, and submit your renewal application in a timely manner to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
