Passport Renewal: Avoid Problems And Get It Done Early

When you need to make an application for passport renewal, there are some different options. It may be possible to renew yours by mail. In some situations, however, you will need to make your application in person.

Pull out your existing passport first and take a look at it. It will need to be sent with your application package in order to renew by mail. If you do not actually have it, then you must apply for a new passport 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.

In addition to the application and your current passport, you will need to send the fee, 2 passport photos and documentation of your name change, if any, such as a certificate of marriage or a court order. Everything should be packaged securely to avoid damages. The package should also be sent in such a way that it is able to be traced.

Once your passport is renewed, it can be sent only to addresses with the United States or Canada. If you currently live outside of either of these countries, you will have to go to the American Embassy or Consulate that is closest to you. Also note that, if you are behind on child support payments, you may be unable to get a passport.

The processing time for mailed applications is variable. Generally speaking, it is about four to six weeks. If you urgently need a passport, you might have to got to a passport agency near you. This is suggested if you have international travel booked within the next couple of weeks for if you need your passport within the next four weeks to acquire a foreign visa. These agencies see people on an appointment only basis.

If you have sent in your passport application already, the status of your application can be checked online. It make take a week after applying for the status to be available. If your passport has not arrived within one week of when you are due to travel, contact the National Passport Information Center.

There are occasions when there is an emergency requiring international travel in as little as one or two days. If you find yourself in this situation, you can get an appointment at a passport agency for immediate service. You may be asked for proof of the emergency.

People frequently wait until they make travel plans before checking their passport renewal date. It is a much better idea to keep track of the expiration date. If the time for your renewal is coming up, take care of it as soon as you can. This will help you avoid problems if you should suddenly decide to travel.