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Ahead of getting into the step-by-step process of passport renewal, let’s first determine whether you’re eligible for a passport renewal or if you’ll need to apply for a new passport. According to USA.gov, you cannot renew your current passport if any of the following are true:
How to Renew Your Passport - Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re planning an international trip in the near future, or you just want to be prepared for last-minute travel deals, remembering to get your passport renewed is important. Just like getting a new driver’s license, as a passport holder, you’re expected to get this travel document renewed every five to 10 years, depending on how old you were when it was originally issued, according to the U.S. Department of State.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Am I eligible? / Renew by mail / Renew online / Cost to renew / Expedited processing / Renewing my child’s passport / Passport renewal apps / General tips
Understanding how to get your passport renewed can seem like an overwhelming process if you’ve never done it before, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve pulled together our tips and advice on managing your passport renewal so you’re ready for your next adventure.
Am I Eligible to Renew My U.S. Passport?
Your original passport was issued before your 16th birthday.
Your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Your passport was lost, stolen or damaged.
Your passport was issued with a previous name, and you do not have legal documentation that proves your name change.
If any of the above statements are true, you’ll need to apply for a new passport rather than a passport renewal.
Can I Renew My Passport by Mail?
Yes, if you meet the requirements for passport renewal eligibility you have the option of submitting your renewal by mail. To successfully renew your passport by mail, you’ll want to follow these steps:
Print and complete a DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. Make sure to have your Social Security number and all necessary details to fill out your application.
Send in your most recent passport. Be sure to include your current passport with your application to receive your updated travel document. (you’ll get it back so don’t worry about your hard-earned entry stamps!)
If your name has changed, include documentation to provide proof so your new name can be used on your passport. This can include a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court-ordered name change document. Your documents will be returned to you in a separate envelope from your new passport.
Provide one new passport photo. Your photo should be taken within the last six months and needs to be a clear image of your face in front of a white background. Remember to remove your glasses and have someone else take the photo for you; many pharmacies and the post office can take the photo and print it for you. Once your photo is ready, be sure to staple it to the front of your application.
Calculate your application fees and include them by personal check or money order.
Once you have everything together, you can mail in your application and documents. The address you will send your application to depends on where you live. This information is available on the U.S. Department of State website.
Can I Renew My Passport Online?
Yes, many people are eligible to renew their passport online. There are a few additional requirements for renewing online instead of by mail, those are:
You are not changing your name, sex, date of birth or place of birth,
You aren’t traveling for at least six weeks. Online passports are processed via routine service.
You live in the United States,
If any of the above situations apply to you, don’t worry! It just means you’ll have to renew either by mail or in person. Always review the U.S. Department of State’s passport renewal information to be sure you’ve got everything included when you do your application.
If you qualify for online passport renewal, you just head over to MyTravelGov and complete the online passport renewal form. Be sure you have all your documentation together though, once you start the application you only have seven days to complete it.
If you’re curious to learn about the status of your passport application, you can track it online or call the National Passport Information Center.
HowMuch Will it Cost to Renew My Passport?
There are varying passport renewal fees based on your age, where you apply and how quickly you need your passport.
In general, if you are 16 and older and you want to renew your passport within a standard time frame, a passport card will cost $30, and a passport book will cost $130. You can see a complete breakdown of passport fees and confirm you are paying the correct amount on the U.S. Department of State’s passport fee schedule.
If your travel plans are quickly approaching, and you need to rush your passport, expedited service costs an additional fee of $60.
Can I Expedite My Passport Renewal?
Whether you’re in a pinch to get your passport quickly before a trip or you have an urgent situation to travel for, there are four types of service for passport renewal.
Life-or-death emergency. This service is available to those who have an immediate family member in a foreign country who has died or has life threatening illness or injury. You must apply in-person at a passport agency for this service and be traveling internationally within the next 14 days.
Urgent travel. This service level can be done if you are traveling internationally in less than two to three weeks. You’ll need to make an appointment at a passport agency and have your international travel booked.
Expedited service. This option is available for those traveling in less than six weeks. You can expedite a passport renewal by mail or in-person.
Routine service. This is for those individuals traveling in six or more weeks. You can renew via routing service in-person, online and through the mail.
How Can I Renew my Child’s Passport?
You can’t renew a passport for a child under the age of 16. If they’re under 16, you would follow the same process for a new passport each time since minors cannot receive a passport unless they have consent from both parents. This rule is put in place to ensure one parent cannot take their child out of the country without the consent from the other parent. Children must apply for their passports in person, and both parents must be present and co-sign the application.
Are There Apps to Help with Renewing My Passport?
Yes! As with so many things, there’s an app for that. Several apps have been created to help with the passport renewal process:
ItsEasy. Passport renewal and photo app will help you know if you’re eligible to renew your passport and will review your documentation before it’s submitted to ensure it’s correctly filled out. This app also helps you take your own passport photo.
Passport photo apps. There are tons of apps out there that will help you snap your own passport photo to meet government requirements.
MyTravelGov. While not technically an app, this website is the official website of the U.S. Department of State and has all kinds of valuable information. Plus, this is where you submit your online application.
General Tips for Renewing Your Passport
Renew your travel documents about nine months before they expire. It’s always beneficial to be prepared in case an emergency or a last-minute travel deal. Also, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your initial travel date to allow entry into the country.
Write legibly. If you’re not using the online application or form filler tool, be sure to write very neatly when completing your renewal application.
Set a reminder. Set up a calendar notification or use a digital service that will remind you when it’s time to renew your passport. This helps you avoid the panic when you realize your passport has expired and you’re traveling soon!
With these tips, make your next passport renewal a breeze! More importantly, don’t miss out on your next international adventure because your passport has expired.
What’s more stressful than renewing your passport? Losing your passport while you’re traveling! As much as we try to be cautious with important documents while traveling, it can still happen. Whether your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, with a Travel Guard travel insurance plan our 24/7 emergency travel assistance team can help you with navigating the process or replacing your passport. Don’t face a stressful situation by yourself, we’re here to help.
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