If you live in Los Angeles and you’re applying for a US passport renewal, you have several different options when it comes to submitting your application. The method you choose will likely depend on two factors: how much you’re willing to spend and how fast you need your documents. Here’s rundown of the choices you have and the requirements for each of them:
US Passport Renewal by Mail
You can submit your US passport renewal application by mail as long as all of the following are true:
You were over the age of 16 when you received your most recent passport
Your current passport was issued less than 15 years ago
Your passport has not been lost, stolen or damaged and you have it available to send along with your application.
You can legally document any name changes that have occurred since you got your most recent passport
To apply for US passport renewal by mail, send in application form DS-82, 2 passport photos, your current passport, and official documentation of name change (if applicable). Also send in $ 110 for the passport renewal fee. This procedure will get your new passport to your door in about 6 weeks.
Expedited Passport Renewal
If you need your passport renewed in less than 6 weeks, enclose an additional $ 60 expedite fee and mark the outside of the envelope as “Expedite.” This will get your passport to you in about 3 weeks.
Los Angeles Passport Office
If you must have your passport ASAP, consider making an appointment at the Regional Passport Agency office in Los Angeles.
This office is located in suite 1000 of the Federal Building at 11000 Wilshire Blvd. The passport agency office can issue passports within 24 hours, provided you have proof that you are leaving the country within 14 days, or within 4 weeks if you need it for a visa. To use this service, don’t send in your application by mail. Instead, call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment. If you can’t make it to the agency during office hours of 7:00am to 3:00pm, you can also pay a private expediting company to deal with the appointment for you.
Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.