Passports Renewal: A Simple Overview

You see, renewing an American passport can be done by mail if you have an undamaged passport and if a few simple other rules are complied with. If you were over the age of 15 when you got your last passport, if the passport is not over 15 years old and if you have not had a name change since you got your passport, you are eligible to apply for a passport by mail.

Another alternative is to apply for a passport card. This card can be issued by mail if you have not received a passport card through the mail previously. You must quality for the mail-in passport requirements. Overdue child support will keep you from receiving a passport. When mailing in your documentation for a passport or card, be sure to use a secure envelope. Make the necessary purchases to be able to trace the documents through the mail.

A lost, damaged or stolen passport can’t be renewed through the mail. It must be done in person. You will need to complete an application except for the signature blank which will be done in the presence of the passport agent. Your social security card must be presented for proof of identity.

You must also prove you are a citizen of the United States. A previous passport is the simplest way to prove citizenship. You may also provide a certified birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship. Be sure to bring documents with you to the office of the passport agency to speed the process and avoid the necessity of a second visit.

Personal identification is required to receive an approved passport. Documentation can consist of a valid and current driver’s license, a military identification card, a naturalization certificate, government ID card or an unblemished passport. A less commonly used form of identification proof is to ask someone with valid ID to vouch for you.

Identification documentation needs to be prepared in a specific defined format. Each document must be photocopied on a single page of standard letter size white paper on one side only. You can enlarge the size of the print, but you cannot shrink the size of the copy to less than actual size.

All required fees for the passport services you are ordering must be submitted with the documentation and application. You will usually be charged for the application approval by the passport agent. In addition, you must pay for the passport itself. Expedited delivery times to or from the passport issuing office will cost extra. You can submit fees using checks, credit card or money orders. Be aware that personal checks must clear the bank before the passport is issued.

To finish your renew passport, you must also enclose a 2-inch by 2-inch color photo. It must be a full face with no head gear and must be a frontal view. The background must be either off white or white. The photo for your passport applications cannot be older than six months. When you normally wear glasses, you need to wear glasses in the picture. The same goes for hearing aids, a wig or a hairpiece. You cannot wear tinted glasses unless you have a medical certificate stating that you need them.