US Passport

How to Renew Your US Passport

US Passport Renewal

A current U.S. passport is required for foreign travel and can be used legally as identification inside the country. It is a certified government document that attests to your citizenship and identity. Your passport, however, has an expiration date.

If you were 16 years old or older when you received your passport, it has a 10-year expiration date. If you were 15 years old when you received your passport, it is only good for five years.

Renewing your US passport can be a simple process, but it’s important to be prepared and to know the steps involved. Here’s a guide on how to renew your US passport.

US Passport Renewal: How to renew your US passport

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before you begin the US passport renewal process, you’ll need to determine whether you can renew your passport. According to the US Department of State, you can renew your passport if:

  • Your most recent passport is not damaged and can be submitted with your application.
  • You received your most recent passport within the past 15 years.
  • You were at least 16 years old when you received your most recent passport.
  • Your name is the same as it appears on your most recent passport, or you can legally document your name change.

If you do not meet these requirements, you will have to apply for a new passport instead of US passport renewal.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To renew your passport, you’ll need to gather the following documents:

Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application Form

Once you have all of the required documents, you’ll need to complete the renewal application form (Form DS-82). This form can be completed online or by hand. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and complete all of the required fields. You will also need to provide the passport number of your most recent passport, the date of issuance, the date of expiration and the full name of the person that appears on the passport.

Step 4: Submit Your Renewal Application

After you’ve completed the US passport renewal application form, you’ll need to submit it along with the other required documents and the renewal fee. There are several options for submitting your renewal application:

  • By mail: You can send your renewal application and required documents to the address provided on the form.
  • In person: You can submit your renewal application at a regional agency or a passport acceptance facility.

Step 5: Wait for Your New Passport

Once you’ve submitted your US passport renewal application and required documents, you’ll need to wait for your new passport. The processing time for passport renewals can vary depending on the time of year and the workload of the passport agency. On average, it takes about 4-6 weeks to process a passport renewal application.

It’s important to note that you can track your application status online, also expediting services are available, but they require an additional fee.

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Step 6: Receive your new passport

Once your renewal application is approved, your new passport will be sent to you via mail. It’s important to keep your new passport in a safe place and your old one until the new one arrives.

It’s important to note that if you are planning to travel abroad soon, you should renew your passport well in advance to avoid delays. Additionally, if you’ve lost your passport or if it’s been stolen, you’ll need to follow a different process to obtain a new passport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, US passport renewal is a straightforward process that can be done by mail or in person. It’s important to be prepared and to know the steps involved, such as determining your eligibility, gathering the required documents, completing the renewal application form, and submitting the application. By following these steps, you can ensure that your passport renewal goes smoothly and that you receive your new passport promptly.