Those who enjoy international travel know it’s a good idea to stay on top of their United States pass port renewal. The data page shows the date that it will expire so you’ll know when to start the process. The form for renewing is online and can be printed and filled out. The other option is to type in the information on your computer before printing it out. Once it’s ready, you can mail it or bring it to an agency near you.
Application
The form you’ll need to fill out is the basic application. It will be different if you’re applying for the first time, replacing one that’s been lost, or changing your name. After it’s filled out, the form can then be mailed or brought in person.
Identification
One requirement is that you have two pieces of ID. The first verifies your identity and it can be your driver’s license or old passport, a certificate of naturalization, or government identification. The second type of ID is proof of U. S. Citizenship, which can be your birth certificate, government or military ID. You’ll also need a copy of each type of identification that you mail or bring in.
Photos
The final requirement is two identical color photos of yourself. Your face must show clearly and the background has to be white or off-white. When your application documents are in order, you then pay the fee, which ranges between $100 and $140.
Passport Cards
Another option is to buy a passport card. It has a size and appearance similar to that of a driver’s license and can be used for travel to Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Mexico. It is smaller and easier to carry and it costs less but it cannot be used for international air travel. The fees vary based on whether it is for adults or children but the range is only $30 to $55.
Expediting
It could be that an emergency has arisen and you need a renewal quickly. In that case, you can expedite the process for an additional $60 fee, plus the cost of two-day postal service. You can bring it in personally but it will have to be mailed back. If you choose to mail it in, it’s advisable to also use two-day delivery, and mark “expedite” on the envelope. It’s also a good idea to opt for mail tracking.
Online Help
For more information about official travel, how to obtain proof of citizenship and more, check online. All the details are provided about getting additional visa pages, what to do if you need a lost U.S. passport replacement. There are also instructions for filling out the application forms.