Procedures For Renewing A Passport

 Renewing a passport is a simple process if you elect to do so by mail. To do this, the one you currently have must be in viewable condition and it will have to accompany the application. It cannot be more than fifteen years old and the name on it has to be the one you currently use or you must submit documentation that you have legally changed your name. One final stipulation, you have to be at minimum 16 years old.

Passport Requirements

 If you do not pass all the passport requirements listed above, you will have to show up in person for a renewal. Otherwise, you can get one through the mail by filling out a document titled Form DS-82. This can be done online in one of two ways. You can fill in the form and submit it electronically. You can also download it, print it, and mail it in.
 

Submission Process
It is currently taking two to three weeks to process the request. Failure to provide information such as a social security number will significantly add to the time necessary for processing. If the Form DS-82 has not been submitted online, it should be placed into a padded mailer along with the rest of the required materials.
 

Application
These will include your current passport. A photo of suitable size has to be stapled into the space provided in the application. A marriage certificate must accompany this if that has caused a name change. For faster processing you can add a $60 check or money order made out to the U. S. Department of State. The mailing envelope should be clearly labeled "Expedite." An overnight delivery service will also speed things up.
 

Passport Agency
The government agency in charge of regulating this, namely the State Department, advises applicants to use a traceable delivery system regarding this sort of submission. This can be done through the postal system or independent delivery companies. It is also important that critical documents be placed into packing that is sturdy such as a Tyvek envelope.
 

Embassy
This sort of process can only be used when the applicant has a United States address for the completed request to be mailed back to. They will not be sent to another country. Citizens of the United States who live in another country should apply at the embassy to do all this. If the residence is in Canada, the applicant may still submit their DS-82 form by mail.
 

 Basic Requirements
In the event you do not meet all these requirements or if you need this to happen on a more immediate basis, you can set up an appointment with the Regional Passport Agency. This should only be done if you have to have this in less than two weeks for international travel. It should also be sought if you will have need of obtaining a foreign visa within the next four weeks.
 

Online Submissions
The process of renewing a passport has been made easier by advances in online submissions after a stolen passport. The most critical document to initiate this can be found and submitted online. The rest can be accomplished though the mail. There are ways to speed the process by paying a bit more for expediting fees and overnight delivery. If speed is more of an essence, an in-person appearance at an office for these will be the best method to use.