Passport Renewal Service

Every traveler dreads coming close to an international travel date and finding that passports are expired. Fortunately, depending on the traveler's time frame, travelers have several alternatives for rushing their applications. To secure a passport renewal expedited service, travelers should choose either mail or in-person renewal, complete the application, submit payment and submit all materials, including the old passport, to the nearest agency.

DS-82 Form

In most situations, agencies will rush passports by mail. The Department of State website posts estimated processing times for expedited passports and allows travelers to trace application progress online. The Department of State website also posts the current fee for rush delivery, along with Form DS-82, which is titled "Passport by Mail."

By Mail

Sometimes, mail renewal will not be possible. If passports are damaged or more than fifteen years old, applicants will be required to renew in person. If passports do not contain the applicant's current name and the applicant is unable to document the name change, the applicant will have to apply in person. Also, if the applicant was not yet sixteen years of age when the original was issued, the applicant will have to renew in-person, instead of through the mail.

Fees

Applicants renewing by mail should complete Form DS-82. Then, after looking up the current rush fee, applicants must contact their closest agency to obtain the address and to find out what methods of payment are accepted. Form DS-82, the old passport, and the rush fee should be placed, unfolded, into a manila envelope. On the exterior of the envelope, applicants must write the word "expedited." In addition, the State Department recommends paying for two-way overnight courier service.

Faster Service

Applicants who travel in two weeks or fewer will have to renew in person. Applicants must telephone their closest agency and utilize the automated appointment system to set up a time. When the appointment has been made, callers will receive a time, an agency address and a confirmation number. Applicants must bring all materials including their rush fee and an e-ticket or travel itinerary listing their departure date: https://www.expresspassport.com/renew-US-passport-online.html

Five Days Or Less

The State Department has to fulfill certain expediting requirements by law. All expedited passports must be processed no later than five days after being received by an agency or after the approval of the processing request. After approximately five to seven days, applicants may track their application online.

Private Agencies

To save time, applicants may choose to consult a private expediter. Private expediters may charge additional fees plus the rush fee but applicants will be spared the hassle of processing their paperwork and dealing with an agency. Before paying an expediter, however, applicants will have to verify the existence of the expediter's telephone number and receive a thorough explanation of fees. Checking for online reviews of the expediter may also be helpful.