Do I Get My Old Passport Back After Renewal? A Close Look at the Process
As millions of Americans set off on their holidays or business trips each year, one of the essential items they need to have in their possession is a valid passport. However, passports do expire, and eventually, renewal becomes necessary. But what happens to the old passport once it’s renewed? Do you get it back, or is it retained by the government? In this article, we take a closer look at the passport renewal process and answer the burning question: do you get your old passport back after renewal?
Passport Renewal Process
Before diving into whether or not you get your old passport back after renewal, it’s crucial to understand the passport renewal process itself. When your passport is nearing its expiration date, typically within six months, it’s time to renew it. The process of renewing a passport can be done through the mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency.
When renewing by mail, you need to fill out Form DS-82, attach a recent passport photo, your old passport, and the renewal fee. If you’re eligible, you can renew by mail, which is a convenient option for many people. However, some may need to renew their passport in person, such as if their old passport was lost or stolen, they got their last passport before they turned 16, or if their old passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
So, what happens to your old passport once it’s submitted for renewal? Let’s find out.
What Happens to Your Old Passport?
After you submit your old passport for renewal, it goes through a thorough process by the U.S. Department of State. Once the renewal is approved and your new passport is issued, the fate of your old passport varies based on a few factors.
If your old passport was in good condition and not damaged, the Department of State typically cancels it and returns it to you along with your new passport. This means that you will receive both your old and new passports in the mail. You can easily identify the canceled passport as it will have holes punched in it or be marked as canceled.
However, if your old passport was damaged, reported lost or stolen, or expired for more than 5 years, it will not be returned to you. In these cases, the Department of State retains the old passport for security reasons and cancels it to prevent its misuse.
Reasons for Keeping Old Passports
The main reason for keeping old passports is security. By canceling and retaining old passports, the U.S. Department of State ensures that they cannot be used fraudulently. Passport fraud is a serious offense that can lead to identity theft and other criminal activities. By canceling and retaining old passports, the government minimizes the risk of such fraudulent activities.
Another reason for keeping old passports is for record-keeping purposes. The Department of State may keep a record of your old passport details for reference or verification purposes in the future. This is especially important for individuals who travel frequently or need to prove their travel history for various reasons.
What to Do If You Need Your Old Passport Back
If you need your old passport back for any reason, there are steps you can take to retrieve it. The first step is to contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They will be able to provide you with more information on how to request the return of your old passport.
In some cases, such as for sentimental or personal reasons, the Department of State may consider returning your old passport upon request. However, this is not guaranteed, and the decision ultimately lies with the government agency.
It’s important to note that if your old passport was canceled and retained by the Department of State, it cannot be used as a valid travel document. You will need to use your new passport for all international travel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fate of your old passport after renewal depends on various factors, such as its condition, validity, and previous history. In most cases, if your old passport is in good condition, it will be canceled and returned to you along with your new passport. However, if it is damaged, lost, stolen, or expired for more than 5 years, it will be retained by the government for security reasons.
If you need your old passport back for any reason, you can contact the National Passport Information Center for assistance. While there is no guarantee that your old passport will be returned, it’s worth reaching out to see if it’s possible.
Ultimately, the decision on whether you get your old passport back after renewal lies with the U.S. Department of State. By understanding the passport renewal process and the fate of your old passport, you can better navigate the world of international travel with ease.
