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 passport by mail.
Renewing your passport by mail is what you
need if you don't have the time to visit your local passport office.
Aside from that, it also makes it convenient to have your passport
renewed instead of submitting the documents yourself. You just have to
send the requirements by mail, and wait for it to be processed. That's
all you need to do.
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.
In case your passport has been damaged, or you do not meet
the other requirements mentioned above, then you will have to submit
your passport renewal application in person. Don't worry though, if you
have to do this. It's just an extra measure to ensure that the passport
is issued to the right person.
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 if you are not based in the US or in Canada
right now? Then you will have to go the nearest US Embassy or Consulate
to have your passport renewed. They will take care of the renewal of
your expired passport. Make sure to keep this in mind, especially if you
often travel outside of the US and 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 US 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.
