The Steps In Doing An Expedited Passport Renewal

by erin on July 27, 2011

A hassle free trip abroad is certainly one of the wishes of every traveler. While they cannot control everything that will happen to them, there is one thing that everyone is capable of doing. This is to make sure that their documents are valid for at least nine months when they start planning for a trip. If this is not possible, the sensible thing to do is to have them renewed. Those who are pressed for time can get their new documents by applying for an expedited passport renewal.

Trip Planning

Each of us has a passport that is good for ten years if we got it when we were at least 16 years old. If we had one when we were younger, the document will only be good for five years. This is an important thing to remember when planning for a trip.

Passport Renewal

Each of us can apply for a renewal anytime but some conditions need to be met. The passport must not be damaged significantly. The document must not be expired for more than five years. If both conditions are true, the owner is required to apply for a new one. Expired passports are still accepted as long as the date stamped on it is within five years.

Mail Process

Renewing this document is a process that is done through mail. This is an easier transaction than applying for a new one. All renewal transactions are sent to the National Passport Processing Center.

Application Form

There is an application form that is required to start the process. This is Form DS-82. This document is available for free at most public libraries and post offices. If one has access to the Internet, the form can be downloaded from the website of the State Department.

Correct Format

The mailing envelope that will hold all the papers has to be large enough to contain everything without folding any of the documents. Together with the filled in application form, place the old passport, a recent picture of the correct format, and the payment inside the envelope. Mail the envelope to the processing center. Those who had a name change will have to include proof of the facts related to that change. This could be a marriage certificate or a court order for those who got divorced.

Expedite Transaction

The word “EXPEDITE” must be plainly shown on the outside of the envelope to indicate that the transaction is an expedited passport renewal. This makes the waiting time to get the renewed set of papers shorter to less than three weeks. A regular application usually takes from a month to a month and a half to arrive.

Travel Abroad

Each one of us who has plans to go abroad must make sure that our documents are still valid. For passports and passport pages, take a nine-month validity as an absolute minimum. If you cannot meet this condition, consider renewing them. Most holders are discouraged from travelling if their passports have less than nine months left on their papers. Most airlines will refuse to fly anyone who has a passport that will expire six months after the stated date of their return.

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