by adactio
For most Colorado residents, getting a passport renewal is as easy as dropping off a copy of the application and the necessary documents at the local post office. You can renew your passport by mail as long as all of the following statements are true:
You know where your passport it is, and it has not been damaged or mutilated.
You were 16 years old or older when your current passport was issued to you.
Your passport is no more than 15 years old.
If your name has changed since your current passport was issued, you are able to provide official documentation that supports the name change request.
As long as you meet these qualifications, you can renew your passport by mail by sending a copy of passport renewal application form DS-82, your current passport, 2 passport photos and a check for the renewal fee to the address on the application form. This will get you your passport in about 6 weeks if you pay for regular processing, and about 3 weeks if you pay an extra $ 60 for expedited processing from the Department of State.
What if you need your new passport in hand more quickly? If regular expedited processing won’t cut it, you have two options: make an appointment at the Colorado Passport Agency office in Aurora or use a private passport expediting company.
The passport agency office doesn’t serve walk-ins, so to make an appointment call 1-877-487-2778.
The office is open from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday, so you must be able to travel to Aurora during those hours. Here’s the passport agency address:
Cherry Creek III
3151 South Vaughn Way, Suite 600
Aurora, CO 80014
If you don’t live near Aurora and you can’t afford to travel, or you work during the day and can’t get time off, a private passport expediting company may offer an easier and more convenient option.
Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.