Passport Renewal Made Easy: A Step-by-step Guide
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When you need to renew your passport, it’s a stressful time. If you have an upcoming trip or visa interview coming up, the last thing you probably want to worry about is dealing with government paperwork. However, for most people, this is exactly when the pressure begins to peak. Fortunately, renewing your passport isn’t that difficult so long as you plan ahead of time and have all necessary documents on hand. Even if you’re in a hurry, making sure that your renewal application is correct will save you lots of hassle and stress later on. If you are planning on traveling internationally in the near future, it’s important to keep your passport current and valid at all times. Remember that there are specific guidelines for each country and even within countries themselves; some will require your passport be valid for at least six months after the expiration date while others may not allow any expired passports at all. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know in order to apply for a new adult passport efficiently and effectively
What Should You Know Before Renewing Your Passport?
First and foremost, you should know that you cannot renew a passport that has less than six months left before it expires. If that’s the case, you’ll need to either apply for a new passport or apply for a passport extension. It’s important to keep in mind that a passport extension may not be approved if you’re running short on time. In order to apply for a new passport, you must complete Form DS-11 and bring the following documents to your nearest passport acceptance facility:
– Proof of U.S. Citizenship
– Proof of when and where you were born
– Valid photo ID – Application fee (Cash, check, or money order)
How to Renew Your Passport?
If you have already completed Form DS-82 to renew your passport by mail, you can expect your new passport to arrive within four to six weeks. If you would like to apply for a new passport in person at a local passport acceptance facility, you will need to complete Form DS-11 and bring the following documents to the facility:
– Proof of U.S. Citizenship
– Proof of when and where you were born
– Valid photo ID – Application fee (Cash, check, or money order)
– Previous U.S. passport – Photos (2 passport photos are required, sized 2 x 2 inches)
– Completed Biographical Information (Biographical Information) It is important to remember that you need to bring two identical passport photos for your renewal application. The photos must be identical to your other identification photos, including any tattoos, piercings, or glasses you wear.
Check Your Previous Passport
If you’re planning on applying for a new passport but still have a valid (and unexpired) passport on hand, you may want to check the name and date of birth to make sure it matches the information on file at the Department of State. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to correct the information before being able to apply for a new passport. You can do this by visiting the Department of State’s website and clicking “Correct Your Passport.” If you don’t have a valid passport on hand, you will have to apply for a new one. When doing so, make sure that you check the name and date of birth. If you don’t, the new passport may be issued in the incorrect name or date of birth.
Where to renew your passport?
If you’re unsure whether your renewal application is correct or want to request expedited service, you can visit one of the Department of State’s passport acceptance facilities to apply in person. You’ll still need to submit a completed Form DS-11 and all of the necessary documentation listed above, but it may save you some time. If you want to renew your passport by mail or are unsure whether or not you can apply by mail, you can use the Department of State’s online passport renewal application tool to find the nearest passport acceptance facility near you.
Gathering Documents for a Passport Renewal
If you are renewing your passport, you’ll need to bring the following documents to your nearest passport acceptance facility:
– Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Proof of when and where you were born
– Valid photo ID
– Application fee (Cash, check, or money order)
– Previous U.S. passport – Photos (2 passport photos are required, sized 2 x 2 inches)
– Completed Biographical Information (Biographical Information) If you are applying to change your name on the passport, you will also need to bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Get Ready to Wait
Depending on the current volume of passport applications, you may experience some wait time when submitting your renewal application. The Department of State currently recommends that first-time applicants submit their application at least six weeks before their desired travel date. If you want to renew your passport in less than six weeks, you may consider expediting your application. If you’re renewing your passport, you’ll need to allow 4-6 weeks for your new passport to arrive in the mail. If you’re applying for a new passport and want to travel sooner than that, you can request expedited service by paying an additional $60 fee.
Pros and Cons of a New Adult Passport vs. Old one
If you are renewing your passport, there may be no difference between your old and new passports. When you renew a passport, you’re essentially just updating the details and expiration date. When you apply for a new passport, you must provide new documentation proving your citizenship. This means that you’ll have a brand-new passport with the same expiry date as your previous one. If you’re in a hurry and are applying for a new passport, it’s possible that you may receive a passport from an earlier issuance date. This isn’t something to worry about, however; the Department of State simply uses the earliest issuance date for all new passports.
The process of renewing your passport is similar to that of applying for a new one, but it takes longer since the Department of State first reviews and verifies your existing information. With that being said, renewing your passport isn’t difficult, provided you have all of the necessary documents on hand and know what to expect. For the most part, you can expect your passport renewal application to take four to six weeks to process. If you want to expedite the process, you can submit your application at least six weeks in advance and pay an additional fee. When renewing your passport, make sure to check the name and date of birth on your previous passport. If it doesn’t match, you’ll need to correct the information before applying for a new passport.