Traveling out of your home country requires a valid passport. A
passport must be up to date, contain accurate information and be in good
condition. You can renew a passport at any time as long as it does not
require having information changed.
You can renew a passport
through the mail, directed to the National Passport Processing Center at
P. O. Box 13349, Philadelphia, PA, 19101-3349, as long as you meet
certain stipulations. This process is not complicated assuming your
passport meets all the necessary requirements. Renewing by the postal
service is relatively easy and quick.
If you do not have a current
passport or it has expired beyond the 15 year period, you will need to
apply for a new one. This is simple and can be done at the post office
as long as you have proof of your identity and your birth certificate.
This ID must be a driver's license or a state issued identification
card.
You cannot process a passport renewal through the postal
service if your passport has been damaged. In this case, you will have
to complete the process in person. This can be accomplished by filling
out a DS-11 form and providing proof of residency, identity, and the
damaged passport.
In order to apply for a replacement on a damaged
passport you will also need to supply two passport ID photos. These
photos can be obtained at numerous locations, including photo processing
centers. Passport photos must be two inch x two inch photos that are
taken with a required background.
You also must have been over the
age of 16 when you received your passport in order to renew a passport
through the mail. Your passport can not be more than 15 years old and
must contain information that is correct. If you need to apply for a new
passport, then you can do so over the internet on the State departments
website.
The name that appears on your passport must be the name
you are currently using for all legal documents. You may have changed
your name since you obtained your passport, due to a change in your
marital status or for a personal or career oriented reason. When you
change your name, you must process the proper applications to change the
name that appears on your passport. There are two different forms for
this depending on how long it has been since you received it.
You can renew your passport
through the mail as long as you meet certain requirements. These
requirements include accurate information regarding your name and all
other information on your passport. The National Passport Processing
Center in Philadelphia will allow you to renew a passport
only if your current passport is in good condition. If it is not, then
there is a process that you must go through to obtain a replacement. It
is also necessary to be residing in the US. Or Canada in order to apply
through the mail. In the situation that you are residing outside of the
United States, you'll need to consult your local embassy or consulate.
