Leaving the country soon? Forgot your passport expired last year?
If you have already booked your ticket abroad, all hope is not lost.
With the help of a passport expediting service it is often possible to
get your passport renewed in as little as 24 hours. Passport renewal is a
fairly simple process and is very easy to accomplish by mail though an
expediting service. You will need to send your expired passport along
with a fully completed Form DS-82. You will also need include two new
passport sized photos (2" x 2") and a check to cover the government fee.
Currently the government fee for a passport renewal is $135. It is also
important to note that if your expired passport was issued while you
were under the age of 16, you will need to apply for a new passport, as
you are unable to renew a child passport once you are over the age of
16.
The Form DS-82 can also be used to change the name on your
passport if your passport was issued less than a year ago. If you have
legally changed your name for any reason, you will need to obtain a new
passport with the correct name and information. If you plan to do this
you will also need to send your valid passport, issued less than a year
ago, a completed and signed DS-82, and legal documents showing your name
change (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.).
While
passport expediting companies offer fast 24 hour service, please
remember that the US Passport Agency has the right to request further
documents or information at any time. So it's best to get your passport renewal as soon as you are able to do so!
