San Diego residents have a number of options for renewing their
passports. Which one is right for you? Well, that depends in part on how
soon you need your document. Let's take a look at the different options
available.
Passport Renewal by Mail
Most San Diego residents will be eligible to replace their travel
documents by mail. In general, you can renew your passport as long as
all of the following statements are applicable to you:
You still have your old passport.
Your old passport was issued no more than 15 years ago.
You got your old passport after your 16<sup>th</sup> birthday.
Your old passport has not been damaged or mutilated, normal wear and tear excepted.
You have legal documentation to support any name changes.
If you can say "Yes" to all of these statements, you are eligible to
get your passport renewed by mail. Just send in a passport renewal
application form (Form DS-82) along with a new passport photo, your old
passport and the appropriate fees to the address given on the
application form. You'll get your new passport in approximately 6 weeks
for regular processing and 3 weeks for expedited processing.
Passport Renewal in Person
If one or more of the statements above does not apply to you, you'll
need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. Bring proof
of identity and proof of citizenship, one passport photo and you'll need
to pay the applicable fees. Processing time is the same as if you
applied by mail.
San Diego Passport Agency
If you need your passport renewal for
travel within 14 days or less, you can make an appointment at the new
San Diego Passport Agency office. The office is located on 401 West A
St. and is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. To make
an appointment, call 1-877-487-2778. In addition to the other
requirements to get your passport renewed, when you apply at a passport
agency office you'll also need to bring a copy of your travel itinerary
to prove that you plan to leave the country within the next two weeks.
