Getting a new passport can be stressful, not knowing how quickly your passport will arrive. You may need a passport in a hurry for multiple reasons. Maybe your passport went missing or expired, or you have an emergency trip. No matter the reason, you need a passport for international travel. How you apply changes depending on what kind of passport you need. Applicants can apply for a new passport or a renewal.
Applying for a New Passport
You will apply for a New Passport if at least one of the following is true:
- This will be your first U.S. passport
- You are under the age of 16 or if your passport was issued when you were under 16
- Your Previous U.S. passport expired more than 15 years ago
- Your Passport was damaged, lost, stolen
If you meet at least one of those statements, you must apply for your using Form DS-11. You will also be required to provide extra documentation and evidence to verify your identity. Remember, you must apply in person if you are applying for a new passport. You can expedite the process if you need your passport fast. You can expect it in 3-6 weeks when you expedite your passport. There is an additional $60 fee.
requirements include the following:
- DS-11 application form printed and filled out, but NOT signed ( You must have an employee witness your signature)
- Proof of U.S Citizenship ( a photocopy including the front and back of the document)
- Proof of identity (a photocopy including the front and back of the document)
- A passport photo that meets the U.S Department of State’s requirements for passport photos
- Payment: Post Offices will accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for acceptance fees, but you will also need a check or money order written out to the “U.S Department of State” that will be mailed out with your application.
Applying In Person
You must submit your application in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility to verify your identity. A Passport Acceptance facility is usually a Courthouse, Clerk of Court, Post Office, Library, University, or other municipal building.
A passport acceptance facility search page is on the U.S. Department of State website. The search engine lets you put in your zip code to find a place that does passports near you. The search page also has phone numbers, operating hours, and how to get an appointment (or if walk-ins are acceptable). It can also let applicants know if photo services are available on-site.
Passport Renewal
You will apply for a passport renewal if you meet all of the following:
- Your passport must be undamaged except for regular wear and tear.
- Your passport must have been issued at 16 or older.(valid for five years from the date it was issued), you are not eligible for a renewal process.
- The passport must have been issued less than 15 years ago.
- It was issued in your current name, or you can provide documents to affirm the name change.
If you meet these requirements, you must apply for a passport renewal using Form DS-82. You must apply by mail. You can expect it in 3-6 weeks when you expedite your passport. There is an additional $60 fee.
Passport renewal requirements include:
- Your filled, printed, and signed DS-82 application
- Your most recent U.S passport
- A passport photo taken within the last six months
- Include name change documents if needed, like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change document
- Calculate your fees. You must pay with a check or money order. It cannot be a business or third-party check; you must write the check to the U.S. Department of State.
Same Day or Emergency Passport
If you need a passport immediately and in 3-6 weeks, you can also try applying through the U.S. Department of State. They have brick-and-mortar offices in about 26 locations.
However, it is not a guarantee that you will receive an appointment. This is because they do not allow walk-ins, and you cannot book an appointment online. Applicants used to be able to apply online, but because the appointments were in such high demand, customers would book appointments and sell them to potential applicants.
To avoid taking appointments away from customers who needed them, the U.S. Department of State has transferred to a “call only” method of booking appointments. Potential applicants must call and navigate a long phone tree to speak with a representative to decide if they qualify for a same-day passport service. You may not have someone else call for you, and you may not transfer your appointment to another applicant.
You will also need proof of travel, such as an airline ticket or itinerary showing that you are leaving the country in 14 days or less.
Applying with a Private Courier
The U.S. Department of State contracts private couriers, like The Passport Office, to provide expedited services. The Passport Office can get your renewal or new passport in as little as three days from the day you submit your application. Private couriers do require an additional fee for their services.
Apply for your expedited passport in Tampa, Miami, Hollywood, and Orlando with The Passport Office today!
