Many of us get passports just because we think we will eventually
need them. This is not such a bad idea, since the passport process can
take some time. The unfortunate thing is that those of us that do not
use the passport that often, may not realize that it is expiring soon or
is already expired. An expired passport is not something that needs to
be worried about, though, as the process of renewal is not difficult.
One
way to determine how long a passport is valid is to figure out when the
passport was originally issued. If an individual was issued a passport
when they were sixteen or older, then the passport is good for ten
years. If, however, the individual was fifteen or younger, then the
passport is only good for five years. Because some countries do not
accept newly issued or re-issued passports, it would be wise to renew a
passport several months in advance. The standard is nine months.
An
expired passport does not have to ruin a trip. If an individual meets
certain stipulations, the process can actually be done through the mail.
By going on the Internet, and exploring the government site, an
individual can better understand the specific stipulations he or she
would have to fall under in order to renew by mail.
To be able to
renew the passport by mail, the applicant must complete the proper form.
Again, this can be found online with a simple search through the
government site. Once the form is found, the individual has the option
to fill it out online or to print it to fill it out in pen. After this
portion has been completed, the individual must mail the application as
well as other information to the correct offices.
If the person
does not meet the specific requirements needed to be able to renew by
mail, then the individual will need to appear in person to complete the
process. By looking online, the individual can find the proper office to
appear at, but before venturing to the office, an individual needs to
make sure that he or she has all the necessary documentation. Check
online to see a list of acceptable forms of documentation.
Normally,
the process of renewing a passport will take anywhere from twenty-eight
days to forty-two days. The government has a sped up process that will
have some additional fees that can complete the process in as little as
fourteen days to twenty-one days. If the vacation is going to be sooner
than that, there are other options still. There are private expediting
services that can have the whole process completed in as little as one
day. Of course, there are additional fees with this option.
For
those U.S. citizens who are not in the U.S. but have a passport needing
renewal, there are still options. If the individual happens to be in
Canada, then the individual has the option to mail-in for renewal.
Individuals in other countries should make an appearance at the closest
U.S.. Embassy.
Remember, just because you have an expired passport,
does not mean that the vacation will have to be missed. Simply go
online to find the appropriate steps to complete the process. For the
situations when passports renewal needs to be quick, a private expediting service should be considered.
