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Passport Renewal Information

Passport renewals can be obtained easily through either the U.S. Department of State Passport Services or, in the case of an emergency, through a private passport expediter. Regular processing time estimated by the State Deparment is six weeks. The claim to expedite passports within two weeks or more. Passport expediters can have your passport renewed and returned to you within 10 days to as little as 24 hours. Click here if you need to expedite your passport.

Steps to Renew a Passport

US Passport Renewals by the State Department

You can renew your passport by mail if...

  • your present passport is not damaged;
  • you received the passport within the past 15 years;
  • you were over age 16 when it was issued;
  • you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

If you donīt meet these conditions, you will have to apply for a new passport.

If you meet the criteria, you can renew your passport by mail. To do so, you must first fill out Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (right click + "save as" to download). Send in the application, along with your present valid or expired passport, two identical passport photos and a check for $67 to cover the government's fees ($55 execution fee + $12 security fee).

If your name has changed, you must include a certified copy of the legal document that verifies this fact. "Copy" does not mean a memeographed copy. This must be an original, certified document.

All these items must be sent in a padded envelope to the following address:

National Passport Center
P.O. Box 371971
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7971

You should expect your passport to be returned to you within 6 weeks to 3 months.

Expediting Your Passport Renewal

The State Departmentīs expedited services take 2 to 4 weeks although it may take longer.

Expeditors offer fast, guaranteed processing of passports, visas and other travel documents. They can renew passports in as little as 24 hours. Expediters save you time and, oftentimes, the frustration of having to cancel or reschedule your travel plans.

The first step to renew your passport through an expediting service, is to choose one. I've made a list of a few highly recommended expediters and some tips for expediting your passport.

Once you make your choice, complete the online application and send them your application and accompanying documents via express mail.

If you need to get your passport fast and want to apply online to have it expedited, visit Rush My Passport.