The Important Information about the Passport renewal Process in the US

Posted by anu walia on December 2nd, 2020

It is necessary for every US citizen to renew their passport before being it expired. Other than the expiration of it there are numerous other reasons for renewing it such as if it has been stolen or lost, destroyed in any natural outburst, or torn by a child, etc. Also, it is one of the important IDs in the US which makes travel in the US and other countries smoother for the visitors. Also, it is one of the major certificates of US citizenship. Before getting a US passport it is mandatory for the people first to become LPR and then US citizen.

First of all, let’s discuss the importance of having a US passport

As discussed above, it is one of the major IDs of the US citizen. For all US citizens to travel in and out of the country a passport is a must to have it. It makes traveling easier for the people as they don’t need to have any secondary ID to prove their US citizenship in and other countries as well. Without having a passport you are not eligible to travel in and out of the country.

How to renew the passport in the US?

The US Department of State offers the privilege of issuing the US passport to eligible individuals in the US.  The process of renewal is quite different from applying a new one in the US. It is mandatory for all US citizens to renew before getting it expired otherwise it will be more complicated. The validity of the passports varies from person to person which depends upon their category, age, and work.

When its expiry date is near then you should go for its renewal process. You can renew it two ways i.e. - through the online process or by visiting the regional passport office in the United State. The reason for passport renewal can be varied from person to person and one can choose the reason for its renewal. You can renew it through email if it has been damaged, or you want to change your name legally on it. But for other reasons, it is a must for you to visit the local office to renew it in person.

What is the online passport renewal process?

If your category falls in the online renewal process then you should complete the DS-82 as it is a form application for a US passport by mail. You can easily get it from the local passport agency in the US. You can also fill it online and get a print out of it. In order to complete the applications, there are some testimonies to be attached with the applications such as – the latest US passport, the latest one passport-sized photograph, marriage certificate, application fee, and court order if you want to change your name on it.

How to apply it through the regional passport agency:

Visit the nearest passport agency in the US. You will be provided with a DS-11 application which is mandatory for you to be filled with the latest personal information such as – proof of your US citizenship i.e. including a birth certificate, etc. Apart from these, you also have to submit all the documents required to be attached with the renewal form at the time of submission of the application.

How to expedite the renewal process?

The renewal process takes a minimum of four to six weeks from the time of applying. If you are in hurry to make your business trip in or out of the country then you can expedite the passport renewal process with the help of travel document expediters as they have a special settlement with the regional passport agencies in the US.