subject: U.s. Passport Renewal: Avoid Travel Troubles And Take Care Of It As Soon As Possible [print this page] If it is time for your US passport renewal, you have some different options available to you, depending on your situation. In some cases, you can renew by mail. In others, you will need to apply in person.
Take a good look at your current passport. You will need to have it to renew it by mail, as it needs to be sent in with the application. If you do not have your current passport then you will need to apply in person.
If your current passport is available as well as undamaged, you still my not be able to renew by mail. It must have been issued when you were 16 years old or more, and within the last 15 years. It also must have been issued in your current name or you must be able to send documentation with the application showing your legal name change.
When mailing in your application, you will also need to include your most recent passport, two passport photos, the current fee and any documentation to prove a name change such as a marriage certificate or court order. It is recommended that you mail your passport and application in a way that can be traced. It is also a good idea to package it securely so that it cannot be damaged while in transport.
Your renewed passport can only be sent to addresses within the United States or Canada. If you are currently living outside of the United States, anywhere other than Canada, you will need to go to the closest American Consulate or Embassy. Note that, if you are behind in any child support payments, you may not be able to get a passport.
Processing time for applications vary but are generally between four and six weeks. If your need for a passport is urgent, you might have to go to a passport agency. If you have international travel planned in the next two weeks or need U.S. passports to secure a foreign visa in the next four weeks, this is recommended. You will only be seen by appointment at these agencies.
If you have already applied for your passport, you can check to see the status online. It can take up to a week from the time of your application for this service to be available. If you have not received your passport within a week of your date of travel, contact the National Passport Information Center.
Sometimes, an emergency comes up that requires you to travel with one to two days. If this occurs, you can make an appointment at a passport agency to get service immediately. You may have to provide proof of the emergency requiring your travel.
