This time of year, many people are making their 2024 travel plans. If you’re one of those, have you checked your United States passport to make sure it has not expired? And if it has, what’s the quickest way to renew it — can you even review it online? Let’s take a look at what your U.S. passport renewal options are and the easiest way to get it done.
What’s the fastest way to renew my U.S. passport?
Unfortunately, right now American citizens are unable to renew their passports online. Right now, Americans have two options when it comes to renewing their passport. Through both options, passport renewal takes between eight to 11 weeks for processing. Expedited processing, which incurs additional fees, takes between five to seven weeks.
Renewing a U.S. Passport By Mail
In certain circumstances, a U.S. citizens may be eligible for renewing their passport by mail. You can renew your passport by mail if you can answer “yes” to all of these questions:
- You have your physical passport and can submit it with your renewal application.
- The passport is undamaged other than usual wear and tear.
- The passport was issued to you when you were age 16 or older.
- Your current passport was issued within the past 15 years.
- Your current passport was issued in your current name or you can document your name change.
Renewing a passport by mail includes:
- Filling out and submitting a form DS-82
- Submitting your current passport and a photo
- Include any name change documents as needed
- Paying application fees
After mailing your passport renewal application, you can track its status online.
Renewing a U.S. Passport In Person
U.S. citizens must renew their passport in person if they:
- Are under the age of 16
- Their current passport was issued when they were under the age of 16
- Their previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Their current passport was issued more than 15 years ago
- This is the first time they were applying for a passport
Appointments for in-person renewals at passport agencies must be made over the phone.
When it’s time for your appointment you’ll need to bring:
- A filled out form DS-11
- Photocopy of current ID and evidence of U.S. citizenship
- Current photo
- Payment of applicable fees
After submitting your application, you can track its status online.
No matter which option you select, ensure you carefully follow the directions for passport renewal. Forgetting any information or missing payment can result in a delay or denial of your passport renewal.
If you’ll be traveling soon, you may need to have certain vaccinations updated depending on your destination. Call Passport Health at 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Written for Passport Health by Corrie Pelc. Corrie Pelc is a freelance writer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She has a passion for health and wellness, having written for publications including Exceptional Parent, DAYSPA, INVISION, Eyecare Professional, and Hepatitis Magazine.
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