Passport Renewal For USA Citizens
A passport gives you the right to travel and show you are a citizen. It can be easy to obtain, but you will need to allow several weeks before you need to have it. Passport renewal should be done when you have a name change, it has been lost or stolen or if it is expiring.
This should be done in a timely manner, especially if you are planning to travel since some countries will not let you enter if you have not had it for more then 6 months. You also do not want to let one expire on you while you are traveling since this can cause problems with leaving and other travel. You may also find it difficult to return to the United States if it has expired as well.
You may renew it by mail if you meet the criteria set forth by the government. You must have your passport available to be returned with your paperwork, and it must be undamaged. Your passport must also have been issued when you were over the age of 16, and within the last 15 years. You must also have it issued in your current name.
If you fail to meet any of the above criteria, then you must go to an agency and apply in person. You also have to go if this is your first passport, or the one you have was issued before your 16th birthday. If you are unable to obtain your passport, or it is damaged, you will have to apply in person, too.
If you choose to mail this, enclose the forms with the passport. You should also use a waterproof envelope, since they will not accept it if it is damaged in any way, and it is a good idea to use a traceable method of mailing. It must be sent from the US and have a return address in the States or Canada.
If you find that you have to go to the agency, then make sure that you fill out the correct form, and have all of the identification the require with you. It can include a birth certificate and your social security card as well as other forms. Do not sign them until instructed to do so during your meeting.
You must pay all the fees at the time of your application, whether you mail it or go in person. If mailed, payment must be included with the passport and paperwork, and they must be paid before you are interviewed at a facility. The fees, location of facilities, forms that must be filled out and the address to mail them are located at the government website.
Emergency help is available while you are abroad through the consulate, and they can assist you if your US Passport has expired while traveling. You may also want to contact the regional agency if you have a need to travel in 2 weeks or a foreign visa within 4. Time is of the essence in emergency situations and American passport renewal needs to be addressed promptly.
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