You also cannot renew an older passport if it was issued before you were 16 years old. If your name is different from the name on your passport, you’ll have to supply documentation of the name change. You may want to apply in person rather than submitting these documents through the mail.
If you decide to take your photo yourself, go to https://travel. state. gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/photos. html and review the requirements. There is also a link on that page to a tool you can use to crop your photo to the right size. You can get your passport photo taken at many pharmacies and discount stores. It usually only costs a few dollars, and you can be assured that your photo will meet the State Department requirements.
Go to https://travel. state. gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/forms. html to access the forms. You have the option of filling the form out online and printing it off or downloading a PDF to print and fill out by hand. If you’re filling out form DS-11 to apply in person, do not sign it until you get to the Regional Passport Agency.
If you’re not sure which you’ll need, go ahead and get the passport book, which is valid for all international travel by air, land, or sea.
Generally, you can expect to receive a new passport within 6 to 8 weeks if you use routine service, and 2 to 3 weeks if you use expedited service. If you have travel plans within the next 2 weeks, you can apply in person and get your new passport within 8 days.
If you’re submitting name change documents, order a new certified copy from the state agency or court that issued the document, if possible. While your documents will be returned, it’s a good idea not to send your only copy just in case you need it in the meantime.
Make your check or money order payable to “U. S. Department of State. " Print your full name and date of birth on the memo line. If you want expedited processing, you must pay an additional $35 fee. This must be a separate check and will be made payable to the acceptance facility where you mail your application. Check updated fees on the State Department website at https://travel. state. gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/fees. html to make sure you have the right amount.
Do not use staples or paperclips to attach any of your documents or application pages together.
If you live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas and want routine service, mail your paperwork to National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 640155, Irving, TX 75064-0155. If you live in any other state or Canada and want routine service, mail your paperwork to National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. For expedited service, mail your paperwork to National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90955, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope before mailing it.
You will need to enter your last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number to bring up your account.
Your old passport book or card will be returned to you. However, it is typically mailed separately from your new passport book or card. [13] X Research source
The system will automatically provide you appointment options for the Regional Passport Agency nearest you. You can also use the online appointment system for Passport Services by visiting https://passportappointment. travel. state. gov/.
If your name has changed since your last passport, you’ll need documentation of the name change, such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate or a divorce decree. These documents will be returned to you after they’re reviewed. If your old passport is lost or damaged, you must also provide proof of US citizenship. Typically you’ll bring a US birth certificate, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. [16] X Research source You must also provide government-issued ID. This usually will be your old passport, but if you don’t have your old passport or if it is damaged, you can use a US driver’s license or government-issued ID card, government employee ID, or US military ID.
Your photocopy must be on standard white paper and it cannot be double-sided. You can enlarge document images if you want, but don’t decrease the size. If you don’t want to make a photocopy of your documents, you can also get a second certified copy. This second copy will not be returned.
If you need your passport within 8 days due to an emergency or scheduled travel within the next 2 weeks, you’ll have to pay an additional fee of $60. [19] X Research source You may want to contact the Regional Passport Agency and find out what methods of payment are accepted. While all of them accept checks or money orders, some may also accept major credit or debit cards.
Your original documents will be returned to you, and you’ll receive a receipt. Keep the receipt for your records.
If you get your passport mailed to you, it may take another 5 to 10 days from the date of your notification for you to receive it.
