How To Renew American Pasport – The Straight Forward Way
A passport is mandatory for anyone who wants to travel out of the country. Once the passport expires, one is required to apply for a renewal to guarantee them a permit to travel and re-enter the States. The procedures that need to be followed if you wish to know how to renew passport are simple and straightforward.
Documents
It is required that you prove your identity. You should use a document that has been approved by the state for official use. If your names differ, it might cause a huge inconvenience and unnecessary delays. It is therefore important that all the documents containing your name tally. If not, provide a court order proving the same.
Renewals
One can apply either via mail or through appearing personally at the passport facility. The first step if you choose to mail is to download, black print and fill in a DS-82 form. It is also mandatory that you have 2 photos and your previous passport safe and undamaged. Ensure that you place all these in a padded envelope. Mail it together with a money order as payment for all the services.
Some Requirements
Your prior passport should have been obtained when you were 16 years of age and not exceeding 15 years ago. You also need to obtain two small sized photos. Mail the application with a money order. It should contain your names and your date of birth. All these should be placed in a padded envelope and mailed to the US Department of State.
Lost or Stolen Documents
If your prior card is lost, stolen or damaged, you need to go the passport facility personally. A personal application can also be done if you are renewing for a minor and if obtained your expired card in less than 15 years. You are required to go with identification, evidence of citizenship and two passport-sized photos. For those renewing for a minor, you can download and fill out a DS-11 form. Ensure that you have the application fee.
Sign In Person
If you are applying personally, do not sign the form. The official agent should see you put down the signature personally. They are required to be the witness to the signature. Carry with you all the required documents to the facility. The fee required is predetermined. Take all these to your nearest passport facility.
Finding Centers
There are many of these expedited American pass port facilities in every state. You may visit any of these centers for assistance. If unaware of one, do an online search. On the US Department of State website, you will fill in your area zip code. The site will find for you all the collection center options available in your state.