Know What Types of Passports You Can Renew:
- Regular Passports:
- Passports with 10-year validity.
- Passports issued when you were 16 or older.
- Passports issued less than 5 years ago.
- Passports not damaged or mutilated.
- Child Passports:
- Passports with 5-year validity.
- Passports with 10-year validity issued when the child was 16 or older.
- Official Passports:
- Passports issued to government employees or their dependents for official travel.
- Diplomatic Passports:
- Passports issued to diplomats and their dependents.
Determine Your Application Type:
- Regular Renewal:
- If your passport meets the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
- Early Renewal:
- If your passport is valid for more than 6 months but you need a new one sooner.
- Damaged or Lost Passport:
- If your passport has been damaged or lost.
- Name Change:
- If you have changed your name since your passport was issued.
- Additional Passport Pages:
- If you need additional pages in your passport for visas or stamps.
Assemble the Required Documents:
- Current Passport:
- Original passport, not a photocopy.
- Application Form DS-5504:
- Completed and signed.
- Use black ink.
- Photo:
- Two recent passport photos.
- 2×2 inches in size.
- In color.
- Proof of Identity:
- U.S. driver's license or ID card.
- State-issued ID.
- Military ID.
- Proof of Citizenship:
- Birth certificate.
- Naturalization certificate.
- U.S. consular report of birth abroad.
- Fee:
- Varies depending on the application type.
- Payable by check, money order, or credit card.
Choose Your Application Method:
- In-Person:
- Visit a passport acceptance facility.
- Schedule an appointment or walk-in.
- By Mail:
- Send your application and documents to the National Passport Processing Center.
- Include a self-addressed, prepaid envelope for the return of your passport.
Track Your Application:
- Online:
- Use the U.S. Passport Application Status Checker.
- Enter your application number or passport number.
- By Phone:
- Call the National Passport Information Center.
- Provide your application number or passport number.
What Happens After Your Passport Is Renewed:
- Passport Delivery:
- Once your passport is processed, it will be mailed to you.
- Processing time varies, typically within 4-8 weeks.
- Validity:
- Your new passport will be valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I renew my passport if it's expired?
- Yes, you can. However, you'll need to apply for a new passport and pay the full fee.
-
What if I'm traveling soon and need my passport urgently?
- You can apply for expedited processing. It takes 2-3 weeks and costs an additional fee.
-
Can I apply for a passport renewal at the U.S. embassy or consulate?
- Yes, you can. However, it's generally easier and faster to apply at a passport acceptance facility or by mail.
-
What if my passport was lost or stolen?
- You'll need to apply for a new passport and report the lost or stolen passport to the U.S. Department of State.
-
Can I renew my passport online?
- No, you cannot. You must apply for a passport renewal in person or by mail.