How to Renew My Passport?

Whether you’re planning a trip abroad and need your passport or are already overseas, you may  want to know, “How do I renew my passport?” You’ll have to take a few steps, including gathering necessary documents, such as your birth certificate and previous passport. You may be able to renew your passport online. However, you might have to make an appointment with your local passport issuing office or government consulate. Get the answer to the question, “How do I renew my passport online and in person,” so you’ll be ready to go through the process.

It’s important to keep in mind that the documents you need, the cost to renew a passport, and the process will greatly depend on your situation. For example, if you have a valid passport and live at home, filing for a replacement passport is very simple. If you’re abroad and have lost your passport, you’ll need to order verifying documents, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate. That means you need the answer to, “How do I renew my passport in various situations?”

How to Renew My Passport – What Do I Need to Renew My Passport?

If you’re wondering “How do I renew my passport,”  you’ll be pleased to know it’s a simple process. Passports are issued and renewed by the U.S. Department of State. The department handles all national and international records of citizenship. You can typically apply to renew your passport through the mail or at a designated Department of State or passport office. The office may be your local post office or a consulate or embassy. The steps to renew a passport by mail or through the passport office are similar.

Get the details, so you will know the answer to, “How do I renew my passport?”

How Do I Renew My Passport – The Seven Simple Steps

1. Ascertain that your existing passport has not expired.
2. Fill out form DS-82 or use the Passport Wizard offered by the U.S. Department of State at USA.gov. This is the process to renew a U.S. passport online.
3. Photocopy the front and back of your existing passport.
4. If you’ve changed your name since your last passport was issued, collect any vital records needed to prove your identity. That might include a marriage certificate or court order.
5. Get a full-color passport photo from an approved photographer, such as at your local post office or a photo booth.
6. Pay the passport renewal fee via check or money order (payment methods vary). Fees typically range from $30-$140 depending on which type of passport you are renewing, but you can check fees here.
7. Mail your application for passport renewal and your passport renewal fee to:

National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155

If your passport has been lost, stolen, has expired, you will have to apply for a new passport. The same is true if you were under the age of 16 when acquiring your previous passport. This means you will need a copy of your birth certificate, as well. In most cases, your passport renewal will take up to three weeks. You can expedite the process for a fee. If you want to know, “How to get my passport quickly?” you’ll want to expedite the process.

Now you have the answer to, “How to renew my passport?” But what if you need to apply for a passport?

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Passport?

Many people want the answer to, “How do I renew my expired passport?” You cannot renew a passport that’s expired. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a new passport.

You will need additional documentation if you need a new one. This means collecting vital records. That includes your birth certificate or other original proof of citizenship document. You will also need a photo ID and photocopies of your photo ID. You also have to apply for a new passport in person, which means making an appointment at your local passport agency.

1. Ascertain you have the correct documents. At a minimum, you need an original copy of your birth certificate proving citizenship. If your name has changed, you also need your marriage certificate or court order. If you do not have these documents, you can order online birth certificates.  With rush processing, you can expect to receive your paperwork within 24 hours.
2. Make an appointment with your local passport agency here.
3. Fill out form DS-11 before going to the appointment. Do not sign the form until you are at the appointment with a witness. You may also use the passport wizard and print out the resulting documents.
4. Get a full-color photo from an approved photographer.
5. Go to your appointment.
6. Pay the fee, either via credit card, money order, or check. Many locations do not accept cash.
7. Wait for your passport to arrive. The processing time is typically up to three weeks. You can expedite the service for a fee.

How to Renew My Passport — Renewals for a Child or Minor Dependent

Renewing or ordering a first-time passport for a child or minor is slightly more difficult. This requires that either all parents or guardians of the child be present or sign an affidavit. You must bring documentation, including:

• Proof of child’s U.S. citizenship (a copy of their U.S. birth certificate).
• Evidence of the child’s relationship to their parent/guardian’s (U.S. birth certificates, court order).
• Original government-issued ID for both parents/guardians.
• If only one parent/guardian is present, a notarized DS-3053 form signed by the non-present guardian is needed. The parent must also bring a copy of the front and back of their primary ID. Parents must also provide proof of relationship to the child. If that is not possible, a court order/certified vital records proving sole authority over the child is needed. A written Form DS-5525 or a death certificate for a deceased parent/guardian is also required.
• If you have lost your Birth Certificate or any of these documents, you can order them at Vital Records Online. You can order online birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. Have them notarized at your local courthouse, financial institution (bank), or post office.

Renew a U.S. Passport Overseas

If you are overseas, you will have to visit your local consulate or embassy (by appointment only). Present vital records proving your U.S. citizenship.

These include a copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state of your birth listing your full name, date of birth, and place of birth. It must also list your parents’ full names, have the date filed, be signed by the registrar, and be signed by the issuing authority. Alternatively, you can present a consular report of birth abroad or certificate of birth. You can also present a certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship.

Follow this protocol for passport renewal in the Philippines and other countries.

What Should I Do if My Passport Has Been Lost or Stolen?

If you believe that your passport has fallen into someone else’s hands, you don’t need to know the answer to, “How do I renew my passport?” Instead, it is important that you report it stolen as quickly as possible. This is intended to prevent anyone from using your passport maliciously and to prevent identity theft. Report your passport as lost or stolen here. After reporting your passport as lost or stolen, you might need to know, “How to renew my passport?” If that’s the case, simply follow the steps.

What Can I Do if I’ve Lost My Identifying Documents?

You might ask, “How do I renew my passport?” if you’ve lost your identifying documents. In most cases, you can simply order identifying documents or have your parents or guardian request them for you. Your best proof of identity is your birth certificate. Acquiring and notarizing a copy is the fastest way to prove your citizenship and acquire or renew your passport.

If you don’t have a valid government-issued photo ID, you may be able to bring other early vital records. Bring hospital birth records, a baptism certificate, or U.S. census records to the office. Early school records or doctor’s records of post-natal care will also work. However, not all consulates will accept these documents.

How to Get a Replacement Birth Certificate

Even if you’re overseas, you can typically begin the process of placing a birth certificate order online through Vital Records Online. You must be at least 21 to do this. While it’s understandable that you need a fast birth certificate replacement, it’s unlikely you can get your birth certificate the next day. Therefore, be prepared to wait for document notarization. Prepare a digital copy of your government photo ID before you fill out the birth certificate replacement form.