Hopefully you made sure to renew your passport before it expired! But if not, you're in luck: it turns out that the process for getting a new passport is surprisingly easy. Let's take a look at what exactly needs to happen and how long certain parts of the whole process can take.
This post is all about how to reapply for a new passport, and we'll start by looking at what documents and forms you'll need and inspecting the best ways to get them. Because we all know that the best way to get a new passport is to do it as quickly and as easily as possible!
What documents do I need to reapply for a new passport?
To reapply for a new passport, you'll be required to complete the following forms:
Passport Revalidation Request (Form DS-11) Application for Replacement/Reissue/Refund of Passport (Form DS-82) Application for Travel Document (Form DS-11) Photographs for Visa Purposes UAE Travel Certificate (if applying online) Two 3 x 4 inch recent passport photos One 2 x 2 inch recent passport photo
Do I need to send these all at once? Can I send them in separate packets? Can I re-apply more than once in one day? What's the best way of sending all of this.
Thankfully, the answers to all three questions are no! As long as you send the forms and the photographs together more or less at the same time (don't wait until your passport is about to expire), you'll be fine. If you do it all on the same day, great; if not, no worries.
What happens when I apply for a new passport?
When you apply for a new passport at your local US Embassy or Consulate or by mail (which we'll get into more in a bit), we're going to assume that they're going to run some security checks and some background checks before issuing you a brand new document.
You may (depending on the vibe you get from the agent at the window) need to show your old passport, your birth certificate, your marriage certificate, and other documents that might be required.
A replacement passport will be processed within 24 hours in most cases.
So if I apply for a new passport in person, how long does it take before I have a new one? What's the process? How much does it cost?
If you choose to apply for a replacement passport at a passport agency or a regional department of state office in person , it will cost around $110 and take somewhere between 3-4 weeks before you have your new passport.
Depending on how busy the agency is, you might be able to drop off your passport application and take care of it all in one day. But if you leave it with the processing facility, it's unlikely that you'll get your new passport much before 3 weeks after you sent in your application.
If you can pick it up at the same place that you sent the application, then the turnaround time is even shorter: 2-3 weeks.
If you're renewing a passport that's expiring within the next 6 months, then you can pick up your new passport at the US Embassy, Consulate or Regional Office of the US Department of State in about 2-3 days after completing your application.
No matter which option you choose, I recommend that you check with your local embassy or consulate to verify what their processing time is. You can contact them by calling their number or finding out what's on their website. You can also check out this guide on how to find the right office near you.
Are there any other requirements for applying in person?
It's important to note that you will need your old passport, as well as two passport photos and $115 (exact change only, as the agent at the window will not be able to make any change). You'll also need to fill out some forms and be prepared for a brief interview.
What if I'm already abroad and my passport has expired and I can't get back home on time?
If you're abroad and your passport has already expired, then you should look into getting an Emergency Passport. We discuss the process in detail in this post. The bottom line is that it can be expedited, but it will cost more than most people expect ($270!).
How can I renew my passport by mail?
If you'd rather not drive all the way downtown to the passport office, then you have a few options. They're a little more complicated, but they do avoid some of the hassle of going into a crowded office and waiting in line.
Option 1: Can I apply for a new passport by mail if I'm applying for another type of visa, too?
If you're going to be applying for a nonimmigrant visa at the same time that you're applying for a new passport, then it can be easier to get everything done in one go.
But if you'd like to do it all by mail, then you'll need to complete the following forms:
Application for Replacement/Reissue/Refund of Passport (Form DS-82) Application for Nonimmigrant Visa (Form DS-160) Two 3 x 4 inch recent passport photos One 2 x 2 inch recent passport photo
The cost of doing it by mail will be $110.
Option 2: Should I renew by mail if I'm abroad and my passport has already expired?
You can also apply for a new passport by mail if you're already outside of the US and your passport has already expired. In this case, you'll still need to complete all of your forms and pay your fee. But instead of mailing them in, you'll need to send them in electronically.
You can print out the Application for Replacement/Reissue/Refund of Passport (Form DS-82) and the Photograph Requirements and Procedures (Form DS-11) and take them to a local Post Office that handles passport applications. You'll then send everything through a special expediting company called DocuSign Worldwide. The cost is $215 total ($110 application fee + $105 expedite fee + $5 return shipping) but will be processed within 4 days after they get it.
I recommend waiting until the last minute to send in your application in this case. You can actually get your new passport faster in person, but in most cases you'll save the $215 by getting it done by mail.
Can I restart the application process if it takes longer than normal?
You can always send back your application and ask for a new one. But there's no guarantee that you'll get a second passport unless you were already in the queue at your local passport agency or regional office of the US Department of State when you started to wait for your replacement document.
Bottom Line:
If you're looking to renew a passport and want to do it as fast as possible, you either need to apply in person at a passport agency or regional department of state office or go through an expediting company.
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