How to Renew an Expired Passport?

If you plan to apply for a passport renewal, you may wonder how to do so in time for an upcoming trip. Renewing an expired passport can be complicated, especially if you lack the necessary documents or if your original passport has been damaged or lost. To help with this process, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on how to renew your passport.

Passport Renewal Eligibility

If the following requirements meet the United States renewal guidelines,  you will be able to submit a passport application via mail, passport offices, or expedited agency:

  • Your current United States passport is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear) or lost
  • The issuance date is not more than 15 years ago, which has not expired for more than five years.
  • You were age 16 or older when your previous passport was issued.
  • You still have the same name or can legally document your name change.
  • Your U.S. passport has NOT been limited due to damage, multiple passport thefts, or non-compliance with regulations.

Where to Renew an Expired Passport?

Expired passports can’t be used for identification or other purposes until renewed. Only passports valid for ten years can be renewed, and children’s passports cannot be renewed. To renew an adult passport, use the DS-82 Application Form for Passport Renewal and mail in your application. You can submit your passport renewal application at any post office for routine and expedited passport processing.

Expedited Passport Renewal

To obtain an expedited passport renewal, you must meet the following criteria: your travel plans should be within 14 calendar days and you must provide proof of international travel. Visit a regional passport agency, conveniently located throughout the United States, where you can expedite your renewal. It is important to note that prior to visiting the passport agency, you will need to schedule an appointment.

Consider using our recommended passport expediting companies for a quick and efficient passport application process. They can expedite your application with proof of international travel.

What Disqualifies You From Renewing a Passport?

Below is a list of items that you will either have to correct or get a new passport.

  • Damage Passport – If your passport is damaged, you will not be able to verify information according to State Department requirements.
  • Limited Passport – Owe taxes or child support must be resolved with the agency before applying for a renewal.
  • Old  Expired Passport – Expired Passport expired more than 15 years ago.
  • Child Passport – A child passport is issued for 5 five years and cannot be renewed.
  • Tax Issues – If you have a severe tax debt with the IRS, you would not be able to be issued a renewal stating  1st January 2018
  • Convicted with a Felon

For a passport applicant seeking expedited renewal services, you can now submit your DS-82 Passport Renewal  Form with our passport expediting company without any travel plans to have it expedited within 12 business days.

If you do not meet the above requirements, you must apply for a new passport using the DS-11 new passport form or resolve the issues before getting a new ticket.

What is the Cost of Passport Renewal?

The cost of renewing an adult passport book is $130.00. If you need a passport card, it’s an additional $30.00, totaling $160.00.

Passport Photos

US Passport Photo Requirements

When submitting your DS-82 Application Form you will need to submit a new photo. The requirement for a photo is the same as all U.S. passport photos.

Step 1: Required Documents for a US Passport Renewal

You must review the document requirements and bring all the required documents (originals and photocopies based on the processing method).

Step 2: Select a Passport Renewal Processing Option

It can take up to 6 to 8 weeks or more to renew your expired passport, depending on where and when you apply. The renewal process can be done via mail or in person.

Passport ServiceProcessing TimeAppointment is Required
Routine 6 to 8 weeksNo Appointment is Required
Expedited (Post Office) 2 to 3 weeksDepending on the passport office appointments are sometimes required.
Expedited (Passport Agency)1 to 7 DaysAppointment is Required

If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for your passport at a regional passport agency. Make sure that you have all the required documents with you and have an appointment with the passport agency. Alternatively, there are passport expediting companies available that can get your passport to you in as little as 24 hours.

Step 3: Mail Your Passport Application for Processing

When mailing your expired passport with passport documents, you must place all your documents into a Tyvek envelope. This will ensure that your passport documents will arrive safely at the processing center. This method will take 6 to 8 weeks.

Routine Service (California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York or Texas)Routine Service (Other States or in Canada)Expedited Services (All States)
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
Write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the mailing envelope: 
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

When sending your passport application to the PO Box addresses listed in Form DS-82, it’s important to use only USPS or Canada Post for delivery. Delivery services like UPS, FedEx, or DHL are not authorized to deliver to these addresses, so using them will result in your application being returned to you.

If you want to get your passport expedited via the State Department, you need to add a fee of $60, and on the front of the envelope, write “EXPEDITE.” MAIL the sealed package to the following address above.

Expedite Your DS-82 Application with a Passport Expeditor.

If you need to get your passport in less time than the expedited passport services via the Post Offices, you can also apply with a registered passport expediting company. These companies would be able to expedite your passport application.

But you will still have to provide proof of international travel. These companies charge hefty fees. Check out our passport expeditor directory to compare and find an expeditor that is right for you.

Can You Renew Your Passport Online After it Expires?

Passports should currently be renewed exclusively by mail, as online passport renewals are temporarily suspended. It is vital to renew your passport before its expiration, considering that the processing of passport applications can take up to three months. Additionally, please note that you have a grace period of five years to renew your passport if it has already expired.

Where Can I Renew My Expired Passport?

You can renew your expired passport through post offices or passport acceptance facilities in your area. These passport offices are equipped to provide instructions and assist with the DS-82 Application for Passport Renewal.

What is the Cost of Renewing a Passport?

The cost is determined by the type of passport services you need, such as expedited or regular processing. But a routine passport renewal would cost $130.00, and expedited services would cost $190.00. Our passport fee section has all fees for renewal for both standard and expedited services.

Is It Cheaper to Renew a Passport or Let it Expire?

Typically, it is more cost-effective to renew a passport before it reaches its expiration date, as there won’t be a need for expedited processing if a quick return is required. However, if the passport has expired within the past five years, the standard renewal application fee remains unchanged.

Conclusion:

All in all, getting a passport renewal is not a difficult process. Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements and have the appropriate documents, a passport renewal can be acquired in no time at all. Whether you need to submit your application online or in person, as long as you follow the instructions first outlined by the State Department and provided by our guide above, you should find yourself with an up-to-date passport in no time.

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