Getting a US passport is not an easy task and one has to wait for
a considerably long time before qualifying for it. It serves as a very
important identification document like the citizenship certificate and
also facilitates easy international travel. Hence it becomes all the
more important to keep it updated. Renewal of passport is the means to
have a fully updated and a valid passport. People should renew their
passports when it is about to expire.
Passport Renewal process
The
validity of a US passport is different for minors, adult, diplomats and
time when one should go in for travel permit renewal depends on it.
DS-82 and DS-11 are the forms that are to be used to renew the passport
through mail and in person respectively. The forms along with the
required filing fee should be submitted to the Passport Agency. The
applicant should also submit evidence of US citizenship, identification
documents, passport photo (one number) along with the renewal
application.
Making an Appointment
According
to the US Department of State, a Person can make an appointment with a
Passport agency only under the following two conditions
• When they need their U.S. passport within a time of less than 2 weeks for international travel
• When they need their U.S. passport within a time of 4 weeks to get a foreign visa.
Applicants
can make an appointment throughout the day and throughout the week by
using the Automated Appointment System. This system can be accessed at
1-877-487-2778.This appointment can be fixed only for a Regional
Passport Agency.
Things to be noted while making an appointment
In
case an application is submitted in person at a passport agency or
center, then expedited fee is required for every application. A travel
itinerary is a necessary proof while making an appointment for passport renewal
and presenting this on an electronic mobile device will not be accepted
as sufficient proof. Colorado, Minneapolis and Vermont Passport
Agencies are the only ones which do not require a travel itinerary for
making an appointment.
Suppose the person does not intend to
travel within 14 days or plan to get a foreign visa, and then they need
to make an appointment only at a Passport Application Acceptance
facility. The Form DS-82 should not be mailed to the agency before the
appointment if the applicant is planning to go out of the US within 14
days. It should be presented by the applicant at the time of
appointment.
In order to make an appointment, applicants need not
pay any fee. Applicants should not get fooled by anyone or any business
organizations who insist on paying a charge for making an appointment.
Though
the appointment for a renewal of passport can be made on any day and at
any time, it should be noted that the Passport agencies are closed on
all US Federal Holidays. Weapons of any kind are totally prohibited at
all passport agencies. According to title 18, United States Code,
Section 390, 'the Federal Law prohibits the knowing possession or the
causing to be present of firearms or other dangerous weapons in Federal
facilities and Federal court facilities by all persons not specifically
authorized by Title 18 U.S.C., Section 930(c)'. Anybody who is found
violating this will be penalized or imprisoned for a period up to 5
years.
If you are interested in learning more about How to Renew Green
Cards, Green Card Application, US Passport Renewal and Passport
Application visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at http://www.ImmigrationDirect.com
