If you are a frequent international traveler, you are no doubt familiar with your passport and how recent it is. Many people, however, do not keep track of such information and then find themselves in a jam when an emergency or vacation comes up and they have no way of traveling. Keep an eye on your expiration date and remember that it can take a while to get a renewed passport. Therefore, when it is about six months from expiring, you know it is time to renew a passport.
Some don’t think they need a to renew a passport so far in advance. It is good planning and common sense to do so though, because it is an official document which requires much processing and changing of hands before it is given to you. There could be numerous delays and problems, so if you are planning on traveling, save yourself a big headache and never run the risk of being caught without a valid passport. You can also on occasion find deals when the passport might not cost you as much.
So what should you do first? Typically, most people renew their passports through the mail. It is simple to do and you don’t have to travel anywhere. However, this option is not available for every person in every situation. It is only available if the below statements reflect your passport status.
Your passport is undamaged and can be submitted via mail with the form. Your passport was issued to you when you were older than sixteen. Your passport was issued to you within the last fifteen years. The name on your passport is still your legal name, or you can show via mail the proper documentation to prove your name change. If all this is true, then you can download Form DS-82 from the travel.state.gov website.
So what do you do if those statements are not true? Or what if your passport was stolen or you are getting a passport for the first time? Apply in person. Do this by filling out the DS-11 form from the same site. After the form is properly filled, look at the requirements for documents you need to bring with you. Different people will require different things.
You must present yourself to a Passport Agency or an Acceptance Facility with your form, documentation, and social security number ready to go. You may have to bring with you proof of citizenship, a birth certificate, a marriage license, a naturalization document, and/or your old passport. Take the time to read the directions carefully.
To help you locate these areas, go to the site and look for the search engine or locator. You just have to type in your zip code. This will help you find people or areas near you. Some people may be certified to do it, such as notaries and town clerks.
There is a page on this site with very special renew your USA Passport. These are for under-aged children, which can complicate the matter. You will also need special documentation for diplomatic status or if you have some official business over seas. The guide online should walk you right through everything you will need to new passport requirements