Read This To Know How To Renew Your Expired Pass Port

January 27, 2010 · Filed Under Travel · Comment 

If your passport has expired, then you’ll naturally need to have it renewed. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use it to travel to foreign destinations where US passports are required. You have several options when renewing your passport: sending it by mail, send it in person, or visit your nearest US Embassy or Consulate. What option is available to you depends on where you’re based, and if you are able to meet the requirements for renewing passports. First, let’s talk about renewing your Expired United States Passport by mail.

Renewing your passport by mail is a convenient way to have your passport renewed. That’s because you no longer need to pay the passport office a visit just to submit your passport application. All you need to do is submit your application form by mail, along with the required documents to accomplish this. You’ll then receive your new passport by mail.

However, not everyone can renew their passports by mail. First of all, you need to meet the requirements set for you to do this. Here’s your checklist on whether you can apply for a passport by mail: your passport should be in a good condition, it was issued when you were at least 16 years old, and it was issued no more than 15 years ago. Also, the passport must contain your legal name. Otherwise, you should at least be able to legally document your name change.

What if your passport is damaged, or was issued more than 15 years ago? If you do not meet the requirements mentioned above, then you will have to submit all your application documents in person to your nearest passport office. This may be an additional step, but only to ensure that the passport is issued to the right applicant.

Also keep in mind that the passport renewal by mail is open to those in the US and citizens based in Canada. If these two conditions apply to you, then just download Form DS-82 at the US Department of State’s website. Once you’ve filled it out, mail it to the address indicated in the form with the other requirements.

What should you do if you are based outside of the US or Canada? Then you may not apply for a passport renewal by mail. Your option is to visit your nearest US Embassy or Consulate then have your Expired American Passport renewed there. They will assist you on how to do this. This is an important reminder, especially if you regularly take trips outside of the US or Canada.

Make sure you send your passport application by mail using a traceable method of delivery. That’s so you can keep track of your application until it arrives at the passport office, and get a confirmation when it does. In addition to that, place all of your documents in a secure envelope to protect it from the elements while it is being transported.

Your application for Expired USA Passport renewal normally takes four to six weeks to process through the routine application. However, you could also have the process expedited if you need your passport sooner. This will cut the processing time to just two to three weeks. That’s everything you need to know on how to renew your expired passport.