Most travelers understand
that to travel abroad you must have a valid passport. Passports issued
by the United States government are valid for 10 years. A decade may
seem like a long time, but before you know it, you'll need to renew your
passport to go on that next big trip. A passport renewal takes less
time than getting a passport for the first time, but you're still
required to fill out forms, obtain new photos and complete the process
in time for your journey.
How to Apply
To renew your passport, you'll need a passport application, new passport-sized photos, your old passport and money to pay the fees. Most travelers can renew their passports by mail. If you've damaged or lost your old passport or if you received your passport more than 15 years ago, you must renew your passport in person. This also applies if you were younger than 16 years old when you received your old passport or if you are unable to provide documentation for a name change. U.S. citizens living abroad in countries other than Canada need to apply in person at the closest U.S. embassy or consulate.Passport Applications
When you're ready to renew your passport and if you qualify to renew by mail, you'll need Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. You may also use this form to apply by mail if you are a U.S. citizen living in Canada. Anyone who needs to apply in person will be required to fill out the first-time applicant form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. All passport forms can be downloaded from the State Department website, or you can pick them up at certain post offices and travel agencies.Passport Photos
When you renew your passport, you'll need to submit one new passport photo. The simplest way for most people to get a picture that meets State Department guidelines is to have it taken at designated post offices, travel agencies or drug stores. If you'd rather have a friend take the photo, it must follow strict guidelines regarding size, your facial expression, background color and what you wear in the photo. The photo can then be printed by a professional passport photo printer. If you're able to follow the guidelines, taking your own photo can save money. However, your passport application will be delayed if your photo doesn't adhere to the guidelines.Timing the Renewal
In most cases, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return travel date. If your passport expiration date is less than six months before your return journey, you can be denied boarding. When you make your travel plans, check the expiration date on your passport and renew it well in advance, if needed. As long as no problems arise, basic renewal times will take four to six weeks. If you need your passport renewed faster than this, you can use the expedited passport service that will take two to three weeks. If your travel is urgent and you need the passport in less than 14 days, you must schedule an appointment with the closest passport agency.Mailing the Renewal
Renewing by mail is convenient, but you still need to follow a few guidelines. Within your package, you'll include the proper application, the correct fee, your new passport photo and your old passport. The envelope you use should be large enough so you don't have to bend your old passport and sturdy enough so you don't risk bending your photo. Because you will be shipping your old passport, it's advisable to use a shipping method with tracking such as Priority Mail with delivery confirmation. Your old passport will be returned by mail not long after you receive your renewed passport.About the Author
Based in Portland, Ore., Tammie Painter has been writing
garden, fitness, science and travel articles since 2008. Her articles
have appeared in magazines such as "Herb Companion" and "Northwest
Travel" and she is the author of six books. Painter earned her Bachelor
of Science in biology from Portland State University.
