The steps to renew a passport are quite easy. Unlike a new
passport, you can apply for a renewal by mail. There is no need to
appear at an application acceptance facility as long as your current
passport is no more than 15 years old, was not issued when you were a
minor, is not damaged and your name has not been changed or you can
legally document the change. If you meet these requirements, then follow
the steps below to renew your passport by mail.
1. Complete Form DS-82: Application for a Passport by Mail
The
application for a passport renewal is form DS-82. You can usually pick
up a hard copy of the application form at either a travel agency or
acceptance facility. Of course, you can also download a digital copy
which allows you to fill in the form on your computer. Typing in your
responses helps to avoid mistakes which can cause delays in the passport
renewal process.
2. Gather Required Documents
While
renewing a passport is a lot easier than applying for a new one, you
still need to send two or three things along with your application. One,
you have to send your current passport. It will be returned to you
although frequently in a separate envelope.
Two passport photos
are required as well. The pictures must be identical, 2x2 inches in
size, taken within the past six months, color (black and white photos
are unacceptable). You should be dressed in normal street attire. The
photos must be a front view of the full face with a plain white or
off-white background. The best recommendation is to get them taken by
someone experienced in this type of photos.
If your name has been
changed since the issuance of your current passport, you must provide
legal documentation of this change. This could be a marriage
certificate, divorce decree or official court order.
3. Mail Application, Documents and Payment
Place
the completed application, passport, photos and payment in a secure
package to protect the contents from the elements during transit. You
are also encouraged to use a traceable delivery method when mailing
these important documents. The fee to renew a passport at the time or
writing is $75.
An additional $60 fee is charged if you need to expedite
the process. The address is provided on the application.
Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for more detailed instructions on how to renew passport.
Click here to download passport renewal application Form DS-82.
Click here to download passport renewal application Form DS-82.
