If you already have a US passport, renewing it should not be a huge concern. If you have new travel plans coming up and are not aware as yet whether you need a passport renewal, the tips here should ideally help you on how to renew the passport.This is a full guide on the whole US passport renewal process.Take a look at it so you can renew your US passport without any problems.
What it takes is a little planned organization and a nominal amount of money. Check out how you can renew your passport with minimum efforts through this post.
US Passport Renewal – Everything you Need to Know
When should you renew your passport?
Well, passport renewal is expected to be complete right before it is set to expire. Now, there are chances that there could be some issues that can delay the renewal process. Even when there are no technical issues, you may come across procedural delays in some cases.
Ideally speaking, it may be a good idea to set a date at least six months prior to the expiry of your passport. How long does it take to renew a passport? Six months? Not exactly, But there are a few countries that expect at least three months of validity available on your passport, and as such, you would not want to run into troubles during your itinerary due to the impending passport renewal. It may be apt to opt for a good US passport help guide. The validity of your passport should extend to up to ten years under ideal cases.
Check if you qualify for a passport Renewal?
Make sure that your passport is issued when you were a minimum 16 years of age or older. That would mean your passport should have a validity of a minimum of ten years for ensuring renewal. In case your passport was issued with a validity of one or five years, you would not be able to renew it.
There are several other situations where you may not be eligible for a renewal of your passport. Some of these scenarios where you cannot renew your passport, but would need to apply for a new passport would be
- If your passport was not issued when you were 16 years older or more.
- If you have lost your passport.
- If your passport is stolen.
- Your original passport was issued with a validity of one or five years
- The passport has remained invalid for more than five years.
You would be eligible for passport renewal even when your looks have undergone a change, or you have changed your name. In the latter case, you will need to submit a proof of your change of name.
How much does it cost to renew a passport?
The cost of renewal and first time application of a passport for an adult would be $ 110. The cost of the passport card would be $ 30. That would mean your total cost for both the passport book and the card would be $ 140.
Please do note that cash will not be accepted for passport renewals and first time applications. You would need to draw cheques in favour of US Department of State. You need to provide the information about the name and date of birth of the applicant.
If you want to get the passport renewed and received faster, you can opt for an expedited service. This will mean you will have access to your renewed passport 4 to 6 weeks faster than the actual processing. You will need to pay an additional $ 60 if you are opting for the expedited service. This is applicable for both mail and in-person requirements.
Instead of opting for an expedited passport renewal through the post office, it may be advisable to opt for a service through passport agency.
In Conclusion
Getting your passport renewed should never be a huge concern if you have been following the guidelines in a good manner. Getting an expedited service should be one of the best options you would want to go with. If you are opting for the expedited service, your renewed passport should reach you in 2 to 3 weeks if opting for it through postal services and should be done in approximately eight days if you are going with the in-person mode through a passport agency.
That should ideally answer all your questions with respect to the passport renewal and the related details. Get in touch with your nearest passport office or helpline to get the best results.
