Step 1: Determine if you can renew by mail.
In most cases, you can renew your US passport by mail. However, you will need to apply in person , just as if you were applying for a new passport, if any of the following apply:
- Your passport was lost, stolen or has been damaged.
- You were under the age of 16 when it was issued.
- It was issued more than 15 years ago.
- Your name has changed and you don’t have legal documents to support the name change
Step 2: Determine whether you want to use the government’s expedited service, make an appointment at a passport office or use a private expediting company.
The government’s expedited passport renewal service costs an additional $60, plus the costs of overnight delivery to and from the passport office. If you choose this option, it could still take up to 3 weeks for your passport to be delivered.
If you are traveling in the next two weeks and have a confirmed travel itinerary, you can make an appointment at the nearest Passport Agency office to have a same-day passport issued. You are also eligible to make an appointment at a Passport Agency office if you are traveling within the next 4 weeks and need a foreign visa.
However, visiting a passport office can be inconvenient for some people. There are also private passport expediting services that will take your documents to the passport office for you for a price.
Step 3: Assemble and submit your passport renewal paperwork.
Once you’ve decided which passport renewal method to use, you simply need to assemble the necessary documents and submit them.
Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.
