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Passport Renewal Questions and Answers

Article Submitted by: William Manor

Tuesday, 02 February 2010

Need to apply for a passport renewal but have a few questions? There are a lot of folks in the same boat. We receive several questions every day about how to get a passport renewal for both adults and children. This article will give you answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about renewing a passport that are sent to us by U.S. citizens who travel internationally.

Who can renew a passport by mail?

The State Department has created specific criteria concerning who can and cannot request a renewal by mail. What are the criteria? To begin with, it is necessary that you be able to submit your most recent passport. This means that it cannot be damaged or mutilated in any way.

Another criterion is that your travel document had to have been issued to you within the last 15 years. This means that it is possible to get it renewed even the expiration date has passed. Of course, if it was issued when you were age 15 or less then you cannot get it renewed by mail. It will be necessary to submit an application for a new U.S. passport by appearing at an application acceptance facility and submitting application form DS-11.

You can even apply to renew passport by mail if your name has changed as long as you can provide an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document that serves as evidence to your legal name change under federal or state law.

When should you request a passport renewal?

It is recommended that applicants send the renewal application approximately 9 months before the passport's validity expires. The reason for this is twofold. First of all, it allows ample time for the application to be processed. Secondly, it allows you to always have in your possession a passport with at least six months validity remaining in it. This is the number of months a lot of countries require exist in your passport before they will issue an entry visa.

Waiting until close to the expiration date or your passport actually expires could result in the need to pay additional fees if you need to renew it with urgency. It is recommended that you start the renewal process early. You can even request a renewal more than nine months before it expires but there is no need.

What must I send with the passport renewal application?

Besides your current, undamaged passport, you have to submit the completed application form DS-82, two passport-style photos that are 2x2 inches and a certified document that proves your name change if that is the case. Of course, you also have to include payment for the application fee.

How long will it take to process my application?

The time it takes depend on how fast you want the application to be processed. Applicants have two options when applying for a passport renewal by mail. Regular processing of an application takes four to six weeks. Expedited service takes two to three weeks. There is an additional fee if you want the application expedited. The time required to process an application can change according to the demand. Peak travel periods and launching of new requirements can cause processing times to be extended.

These are just a few of the more frequently asked questions concerning passport renewals. They should, however, give you a basic understanding of the requirements to get your passport renewed.

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About The Author:

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for complete instructions on how to get emergency passport renewals, apply for a travel visa, download passport applications, ask your own passport questions and read informative travel destination articles for anyone who travels internationally for business or pleasure.

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