Renew Passport – Fast Processing Options And Requirements

by erin on January 11, 2011

Traveling internationally is something people do every day. Thankfully you do not have to renew passport fast every day as well. Though you may not think about it until the last minute having up to date documentation to travel internationally is very important.

If you have not done this for a while and have a rather outdated passport, you may be surprised to learn how easy this task can be accomplished. For most people, simply filling out a form and sending it in is all that is necessary. There are some things to keep in mind to make sure you qualify for this route.

If your old one is damaged, you are not eligible to get a new one by mail. Part of the process of getting a new one through the mail is sending in your old one. But do not use this method if your old one is too old, more than 15 years that is.

Other guidelines for being able to use this method are that you were older than 16 when your previous one was issued and that your name has not changed. If any of the above guidelines are issues for you, you will have to apply for an updated one in person. For those who meet all of the criteria, the next step is rather simple.

The form you will have to fill out is a DS-82, which is the application. This needs to be mailed along with your previous traveling identification, two matching passport photos and the required renewal fee. You will want to send this in a secure envelope and may have to wait only 4 -6 weeks to get your new one.

Once you combine those items in a secure envelope and send them off, you may only have to wait 4-6 weeks for your new one to arrive. While this is the regular amount of time, do not be surprised if the process takes a bit longer. This may be why some people choose to expedite their service.

If you absolutely cannot wait that long, there are other options that can be faster for those in a great rush. Private companies can be hired to expedite even faster than the State Department. What you need to remember with these is that they will likely charge you a much higher price but may save you time and possibly money in the long run.

No matter which option you choose, planning ahead so you do not have to worry about trying to renew your passport fast is the ideal choice. A trip to another country should be fairly well thought out as it is a pretty big deal. Knowing you have your paperwork in order and expedited passport services will make the trip that much better.

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