You can renew passports in three different locations depending on how quickly you need to get your travel document renewed. Passport renewals can be done by mail, at a regional agency or through a private expediting service. This article will help you to understand each one and to decide the best way to renew your passport.
Apply for a Passport Renewal by Mail
If your passport is not damaged, you were sixteen or older when you got it, it was issued no more than fifteen years ago and the name in it is the one you still use or can provide legal documentation of the change, then you can apply for a passport renewal by mail.
Download and complete Form DS-82: Application for a Passport by Mail. Place it in a secure envelope along with your current passport, two recent passport photos, payment and proof of name change if applicable. Send the package to the address provided on the application. It is recommended that you use a traceable delivery method.
The processing for renewing a passport takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can request expedited services to accelerate the process. Paying the additional fee will get your application processed in 2 to 3 weeks. If you choose to do this, you should write the word “EXPEDITE” in large letters on the outside of the envelope and use an overnight delivery service.
Renewing a Passport at a Regional Agency
The U.S. Department of State operates sixteen regional agencies in major cities of the United States. You can find an agency in each of the following ciites: Boston, Ma.; Chicago, Il.; Aurora, Co.; Norwalk, Ct.; Dallas, Tx.; Detroit, Mi.; Honolulu, Hi.; Houston, Tx.; Los Angeles, Ca.; Miami, Fl.; Minneapolis, Mn.; New Orleans, La.; New York, NY; Philadelphia, Pa.; San Francisco, Ca.; Seattle, Wa.; and Washington, DC.
These agencies attend applicants who are required to travel in fourteen days or less. If you need to renew your passport in such a short period of time, this is where you need to go.
Before visiting a regional passport agency, applicants should call an automated system to schedule an appointment. The number is 1-877-487-2778. If you have difficulty scheduling an appointment and need to travel within 24-48 hours, you can try visiting the nearest agency without an appointment. Many applicants have renewed passports at a regional agency even though they had no appointment.
Renew Passport through a Private Expediting Service
If you find yourself in a situation in which you need to renew your passport fast but are unable to travel to a regional agency, you can apply through a private expediting service. Expediters are professional courier services whom you authorize to submit your application for you.
The significant increase in requests for passports has resulted in an increase in the number of private expediting services. The majority are located in major cities where there is a regional agency. However, there is no need to travel since many expediters provide an online application form for travelers who need to expedite a passport renewal.
You have three places where you can renew our passport. You can apply for a renewal by mail, visit a regional agency or contract a private expediting service. Renew by mail if you can wait at least three weeks. Go to an agency if you need you application processed in two week or less. And get your passport renewed by an expediter if you need it quick by cannot travel to the regional agency.
Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for more information on how to renew passports.
Click here to download passport renewal application Form DS-82.
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