TRAVEL
Hints and tips to speed up passport renewal in the US in 2023
Sometimes time is of the essence when you need an updated travel documentation, so make sure you know what is needed.
If you need to travel soon and have noticed that the date on your passport -- which is the official document that acts as proof of identification and citizenship in the United States and is required for international travel by air, sea or land -- then you’ll want to the know all possible ways to expedite the process of renewal. Let’s take a quick look at some hints and tips that could help you get yourself up to date as quickly as possible.
Passport: speeding up the renewal process
As you likely know as you’re reading this article, the US passport is for people aged 16 and over, and it is valid for 10 years. After that time, you’ll have to get it renewed. Check out these guidance notes and get ahead of the process:
- Apply early: Applying for your passport renewal as soon as possible can help you avoid delays in the process. You should apply at least 10-12 weeks before your travel date. Go check it now!
- Use the expedited service: The expedited service is the quickest way to get your passport renewed. Whereas the standard service may take between six and nine weeks, this one can get your passport back in your hands in just three to four weeks (although this is obviously dependant on demand at any given time). Please tell me you’ve not left it later than that!
- Pay the expedited fee: If you’ve gone for the speedy option, you will need to pay an additional fee for it. Be sure to include this fee with your application.
- Complete the application correctly: OK, this may seem rather obvious but you’d be surprised. So, make sure you fill out the application completely and accurately. Any errors or omissions can cause delays in the processing of your application.
- Provide all required documentation: Be sure to provide all required documents when you submit your application. This includes your current passport, a new passport photo, and any other supporting documents that may be required.
- Use a trackable delivery method: When sending your application, use a traceable delivery method such as overnight mail. This will allow you to track your application and should ensure it arrives at the processing center.
- Contact the National Passport Information Center: If you have questions about the status of your application or need to expedite the process further, you can contact the National Passport Information Center. They can provide you with up-to-date information on the status of your application and any additional steps you can take to expedite the process. Good luck!
US passport renewal: what else you need to know
The requirements to renew your passport, as guided by the Office of Consular Affairs, include sending the DS-82 application, delivering the passport to be renewed, having a photograph, as well as paying the passport fee.
Application
The DS-82 application must be signed and mailed according to the instructions on page 2 of the application.
Deliver the passport to renew
It must have been issued when you were 16 years of age or older, and must not be more than 15 years old. The passport must have been valid for 10 years, cannot be damaged, and must have been issued in your current legal name.
Photograph
The photograph must be in color with a simple white background, and you should not be wearing glasses when it is taken. It must be 2x2 inches in size and taken within the last six months.
Here is the complete list of requirements.
Cost of passport renewal
- Passport book: $130
- Passport card: $30
- Passport book and passport card: $160
- If you opt for expedited service, $60 is added to the fee
It can take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive in the mail at a passport agency or center and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail. It is recommended that you take into account the total time it will take to process and send your passport when booking a trip.
For more information, visit the website of the Office of Consular Affairs.