How to Apply for a Passport Renewal
At some point after getting a passport, it will expire. For an adult, that is ten years later and a minor five years. Since you have or had a passport, you are familiar with the process. So, let us refresh the process and give you the new changes that may have occurred five years or 10 years later.
When to Apply
You don’t need to wait until your passport expires to renew it. If you are a frequent flyer, you will know that most countries require a passport to have six months validity before you can enter. So, it is usually advisable to start the process before your passport has only six months before it expires.
With this in mind, it does not mean you cannot renew your passport after it expires. You have up to five years after it expires to replace it. If more than five years have passed after your passport has expired, you must reapply for a new passport as if you are doing so for the first time.
Where to Apply
To re-apply for a new passport, the same processing options used by a first-time applicant are available. You can visit any acceptance agents to submit your documents. You can go to the post office, office of the county clerk, courthouse, library, private expediter, or a regional agency. Your need will determine your processing option.
Required Documents and Fees
For passport renewal, you must complete Form DS-82 US Passport Renewal. The form must be filled out with a black ink pen, signed and then dated. Since you are renewing your passport, you can mail in your documents. You must submit your current passport and a photo with the application. If you do not have your passport, you will not be allowed to use DS-82 nor renew a missing passport. For passport renewal, you pay only one fee and no execution fee. The cost is $110.00 for an adult passport. A minor passport cannot be renewed.
Processing Option
If you are in no rush for your document, you can select routine processing offered at the post office, office of the county clerk, courthouse, or library. The processing time takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can also renew your passport in 2 to 3 weeks for an additional $60.00 at these same locations by expedited processing.
If you need your passport the same day, then you must hire a private expediter or go to a regional passport agency. Only these two facilities are authorized to get a passport the same day and for emergency purposes. In cases like this, you are responsible for paying the application fee and expedited service fee which can be substantial.
So, if your passport will expire soon or expired already, then it is time to start the process. Remember, you must pay only the application fee and not the execution fee. If you choose expedited service, you must pay both application and the expediter fee.
