How to Renew an Expired US Passport
Having your ID renewed is relatively fast and easy compared to getting a new passport. In the former case, you don’t even have to show up in person as long as you’re eligible for the procedure. If you want to learn more on how to renew an expired US passport, keep on reading.
Tips for Renewing Passport
In order to apply for a US passport renewal and contribute to the process being as smooth and speedy as possible, you need to be accurate and attentive when filling out a specific document. It’s a Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 that you need to fill out and send by mail to the address indicated within the first pages of the form in order to get the procedure going.
Here’s what you need to do to start the procedure:
- Make sure you’re eligible for it.
- Fill out the US Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82. While renewing your ID online is impossible, you may fill out the form online and then print it out prior to sending it away.
- Have a new ID picture taken.
- Find out about the fee you need to pay for processing your application.
- Mail the completed form, that brand new ID picture, the fee, and your expired passport to the address indicated in the form.
- Don’t forget to attach all your legal name change files if that’s applicable to you.
Remember that in case of errors or discrepancies in your DS-82, the procedure will take much longer than it usually does. Therefore, you need to be 100% sure that you’re doing it all right.
Selecting a U.S. Renewal Processing Option
If you’re worried about making mistakes when sorting out your application, turn for professional help and get your passport renewal expedited. There are companies that offer overnight passport renewal. So, if you’re in a hurry, find a reliable expediting company and have your ID ready in as little as 24 hours.
The usual ID renewal procedure is going to take about 2 months on average. Have plenty of time to wait? Go for it! As an alternative, you can request fast ID renewal, which will take up to three weeks to process. Bear in mind that this service will require an extra fee. This is a very natural and standard practice.
You don’t have to show up in person for an ID renewal unless there’s a necessity to submit your application form at a regional processing center for expedited service. In case expedited service by mail doesn’t seem speedy enough for you, head to the local agency to submit the application, along with all the supporting files.
Renewing a US Passport Abroad
Need to renew your ID while abroad? Most US embassies process renewals as part of their services. However, very few offer application processing by mail. So, if you’re just passing through the country and have no foreign mailing address, opt for applying in person, postpone the whole idea until you get back home, or ship the necessary files to a National Passport Processing Center in the United States. The latter option might take a long time, so go for it only if you’re ready to wait. That’s it in regards to the tips for renewing a passport abroad.
Based on article by pdfliner.com
Author Bio
Dmytro Serhiiev
Tax Consultant & Co-Owner at PDFLiner