There are two options for citizens to obtain a US passport renewal. The simplest option is to renew by mail. You may only use this option, however, if certain conditions are met.
First, you need to download, print, and fill out Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport. You must also be age 16 or older at the time that the expired passport was issued, and it must have been issued within the last 15 years.
Next, your old passport must be sent in with your application, and it must be in readable condition. Also, the expired passport must display your current legal name; if it does not, you can still renew by mail, but you must submit papers showing your legal name change.
If you cannot apply for a renewal by mail for any of the above reasons, you will have to renew your passport in person. The easiest way to do this, if you are in the United States, is to visit a passport agency. If you are a U.S. citizen who is located outside of the United States at the time of your passport expiration, you can visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to renew.
There are U.S. passport agencies located in the following cities: Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Honolulu, and Washington D.C. If you cannot visit any of these cities, there are acceptance centers located throughout the country, which can be found via a simple web search.
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When visiting a passport agency or acceptance center, renewal applicants must provide proof of citizenship, such as birth certificate, previous passport, or certificate of citizenship/naturalization. They must also show photo identification, such as a driver's license, state-issued I.D., or military I.D. card. In addition, they have to bring 2 regulation passport photos, which can be obtained at many drug stores and photo shops nationwide.
The current fees for passport renewal are as follows: Passport books for age 16 and over, whether renewing by mail or in person, are $75.00. For those under 16, the cost is $60.00. The price of the new "passport card" (even if you are transitioning from the book to the card) is $20.00 for those over 16 years old and $10.00 for under 16.
If you are applying in person, however, there is an additional $25.00 execution fee for all renewals. Finally, there is a $60.00 "expedite fee" if you need your new passport in 2 weeks or less. It usually takes 6 weeks to a few months to receive your passport by mail.
With these convenient options for US passport renewal, it is a quick and easy process for international travelers. If you are aware of your passport's expiration date and apply in advance, it should be smooth sailing.
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