Steps for Renewing Your US Passport

Most countries require that passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of a trip. If your passport expires within the set period, you have to renew it. Renewing a US passport seems a tedious task if you do not have the appropriate information or instructions. If a visa is required, your passport must be renewed fast.

There are two options: (1) service by mail that is up to 3 weeks; or (2) submit the renewal form at a regional center for faster service.

You can renew your passport

By mail – Use Form DS-82 to renew a passport if your current passport meets all these criteria: (1) is not significantly damaged so it can be submitted with the application; (2) was issued when you were 16 years or older; (3) was issued within the past 15 years; and (4) was issued in your current name or legal document for change of name.

In person – If you do not meet the criteria, you cannot renew your passport by mail and must apply for a new U.S. passport (Form DS-11) with supporting documents in person at an application acceptance facility.

Steps to Renew U.S. Passport

Step # 1: Complete DS-82 – Passport Application Renewal Form.

(1) Fill up Form DS-82 Offline by downloading, printing and then filling out the application offline. Use black ink and write legibly or it could lead to printing errors in your passport that would require you to apply for corrections; and

(2) Complete filling up form DS-82 online and then print it. If you have connection problems while trying to complete it or the online form will not accept an answer, it will be necessary to download the passport application using the link above.

Of the total 6 pages, the first 4 pages contain instructions and important information about the renewal process. The remaining 2 pages are filled up in just about 40 minutes; however, other applicants fill it up much faster.

Step # 2: Gather Supporting Documents

(1) Send your most recent valid or expired passport. They will invalidate your passport and send it back to you. If it is damaged or mutilated in any way, you cannot use this form anymore and you must appear in person to apply.

(2) You also need to submit a recent passport photo that has dimensions of 2”X 2”. Have your passport photos taken at Walgreen Passport Photo for their photos are perfect for you, your family, employees, students and travelers. When applying for a U.S. Passport, get two perfectly sized, professional-quality picture printed in compliance with government regulations. You’ll get it speedy and fast at no time.

(3) To prove a change in legal name include certificate of marriage, divorce documents, adoption papers or order from court. Submit original or certified copies. This will be returned to you.

Step # 3: Package

Place the completed form and supporting documents in a protective packaging including passport renewal fee. Department of State is the name appearing on the checks. Write both the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check.

Step # 4: Send package to the National Processing Center.

Application processing time

1. Standard Service Routine processing applications usually takes from 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Expedited Service is fast in processing passport renewal by mail and takes from 2 to

3 weeks.

Applying for a U.S. Visa renewal is not as tedious as it seems if you just follow the steps mentioned.