When your passport renewal is due, there are a few ways you can take care of it. There are some cases in which you can renew it by mail. There are others in which you will have to make the application in person.
First of all, get your current passport out of storage. It must be sent along with your application for renewal by mail. Therefore, if your passport not available, you must make your application for a new one in person.
If you do have your passport and it has not been damaged, there are still reasons why you may be unable to mail in your application. You must have gotten your current passport within the last 15 years and when you were 16 or more years of age. The last requirement is that it was issue in the name you currently use or you must have the proper documentation of your legal name change to send.
When mailing in your application, you will also need to include your most recent passport, two passport photos, the current fee and any documentation to prove a name change such as a marriage certificate or court order. It is recommended that you mail your passport and application in a way that can be traced. It is also a good idea to package it securely so that it cannot be damaged while in transport.
Your renewed passport can only be sent to addresses within the United States or Canada. If you are currently living outside of the United States, anywhere other than Canada, you will need to go to the closest American Consulate or Embassy. Note that, if you are behind in any child support payments, you may not be able to get a passport.
The time to process your mailed application can vary. It is usually around four to six weeks. If you have an urgent need for a passport, you may need to visit a local passport agency. This is recommended if you are traveling internationally within two weeks or if you need the passport within four weeks for a foreign visa. People are seen at these agencies only by appointment.
If you have already applied for your passport, you can check to see the status online. It can take up to a week from the time of your application for this service to be available. If you have not received your passport within a week of your date of travel, contact the National Passport Information Center.
Sometimes, an emergency comes up that requires you to travel with one to two days. If this occurs, you can make an appointment at a passport agency to get service immediately. You may have to provide proof of the emergency requiring your travel.
Many times, people wait until they actually have travel plans before checking if their passport is current. It is much smarter to pay attention to when your passport expires. If your pasport renewal date is approaching, get it taken care of as soon as possible. This way, you will avoid any problems if travel plans do crop up suddenly.
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