Wow! It is time for you to renew your United States Passport and start a new 10 years in your journeys. The best resource with all the information you need can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html.
Here are some of my top tips and information you need for a regular passport renewal.
top tips for renewal
- Many countries require multiple months of validity left on your passport- some are 3 and some are 6. Make sure to verify this before booking a trip to make sure your passport will still be good.
- Make sure to plan in advance of an international trip if your passport is due to expire. The US Department of State recommends renewing 6 months prior to travel plans. Plan for it to take the time it states on the US Department website and plan your trip to start with a buffer after that. Regular 18 weeks and expediated 12 weeks.
- You can apply by mail if you meet these requirements: you still have your passport, it is undamaged other than normal wear and tear, it was issued when you were 16 years or older, it was issued in the past 15 years and was issued in your current name or you can document your name change.
- If you can do mail in renewal, you will need to fill out the DS-82 form. Make sure it is printed on separate pages.
- Make sure to have a new picture within the past 6 months and follow the guidelines so picture is accepted. You can get these pictures taken at most pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid for a minimal cost. Important tips for photo- 2×2 inches, white background, no glasses, no face coverings, hair behind your ears, natural expression, no selfies, no filters.
- Calculate the correct fees and write a check to the US Department of State and make sure to write or type your full name and date of birth at the top of the check. Current fees are $110 for the passport book, $30 for passport card, $140 for both and an additional $60 if expediated service and you can also add additional $17.56 to get 1–2-day return mail service.
- You can choose expediated option for $60 more if you wish to get it back in 12 weeks instead of the 18 weeks for regular.
- You can also speed up the delivery by mailing overnight when you drop off at USPS and you can also add into your check the cost of overnight USPS to your check (currently $17.56) so they will ship it back 1-2 days also.
- If you love to travel, splurge for the large book over the standard. There is no extra cost. In the past, you could send in for fee to get extra pages added. Now if you run out you need to get a new passport book.
- You can check the status of your passport online.
- You will get a new passport number so make sure to update any travel programs/pre-check if needed.
- You can still use valid visas from your old passport, but you will need to carry both your new and old passport.
- Please report lost or stolen passports. If seems to be taking too much time check the status online.
- Enjoy domestic traveling until your passport returns!
