Pasport Renewal

If you’re planning on traveling internationally, your US pass port renewal is important. Check the date on the data page and if it’s about to expire, it’s time to renew. The form you need can be found online and printed and you can fill it out by hand. Or, fill it out on your computer and it will be ready to print and send. If you prefer to bring it in person, it’s easy to find the phone number for your local agency and call for an appointment.

Application

The application will be different based on whether you are renewing, applying for your first passport or replacing one that has been lost or stolen. It’s also different if you have changed your name. However, all the forms you need are easy to find online.

Identification

When renewing, you will have to provide identification. Two types are required; one for identity and one for proof of citizenship. IDs that are acceptable include your driver’s license, a military or government ID, or your old passport. Examples of what to use for proof that you are a United States citizen include a birth certificate or a government ID. Make sure you bring copies of the IDs that you will be providing.

Photos

You’ll also need color photos of yourself. Two identical copies are required and you must be facing forward with your full face showing. Once you have these and all the required documents, you’ll have to pay a fee. Adults are charged $110 to $140 and it is less for children.

Passport Cards

A passport card can be purchased, too. It looks something like a driver’s license and can be used if you travel often to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. However, it cannot be used if you are flying to those countries in a plane. The card is smaller and less expensive with fees that are only between $30 and $55, based on various factors.

Expediting

It could be that an emergency has arisen and you need a renewal quickly. In that case, you can expedite the process for an additional $60 fee, plus the cost of two-day postal service. You can bring it in personally but it will have to be mailed back. If you choose to mail it in, it’s advisable to also use two-day delivery, and mark “expedite” on the envelope. It’s also a good idea to opt for mail tracking.

Online Help

There are answers on the Net about what to do if you are traveling officially, how to get proof of citizenship and any other questions you may have. It could be that you want to know about how many visa pages you need or how to get a lost United States pass port replacement. All the instructions for how to fill out the applications are also provided online.