Just realized that your passport is about to expire and there’s barely any time to book an appointment for the renewal. It may seem like a very exhausting procedure, but lately, the government has digitized the whole procedure. No more standing in long queues, you can simply go to the passport portal online and submit your documents and get it done. This guide covers the process of booking, what steps should be followed, what necessary documents are required, and the overall cost of the whole procedure.
What is passport renewal, and when do you need it?
Passport renewal is a process of receiving a new passport in place of the old one since its validity has expired. The application process does not take very long to be processed, it is much faster than the fresh passport process because half of the data verification is done when you first apply for the passport.
It is always recommended to apply for the renewal procedure 6 months before the expiration of the old passport. This is because most of the countries follow a 6-month validity rule. This means that if your passport is expiring in 6 months, airlines and immigration authorities can deny you flying or stop you from entering the country.
Keep these points in mind mentioned below to check whether your passport requires renewal.
Keep an eye on the date of expiry mentioned on the passport.
The passport is not in good condition, it has a torn page or has been damaged by water.
There are no blank pages left in your passport.
Due to some circumstances, you are required to change your first, middle, or last name, or any other information mentioned on the passport.
Your passport has been stolen.
Don’t miss this: Many countries won't let you enter their country if your passport has less than 6 months of validity left.
What are the eligibility criteria required for passport renewal?
Check the points below and see if you need to renew your passport or not.
Make sure to keep the passport with you when applying for its renewal.
It should be in a good condition and not damaged.
The passport must be issued when you were 16 or older.
Make sure that the name on the passport is the same as your current name. If the name has changed because of marriage, divorce, or another legal reason.
What documents are needed for a passport renewal?
To save yourself from the rejection, always make sure to check your documents twice. This will help you to fill out the application smoothly, and there will be fewer chances of rejection.
The most important point to keep in mind during the application process is that all the documents that are required for the submission should be scanned and photographed clearly so that they can be reviewed properly.
For Identity Proof Documents (you can use any of these documents)
An existing or expired passport (copy and original)
National ID card issued by the government
Driver’s license
Birth certificate (for minors)
Address proof documents
Passport-size photo
Completed and signed DS-82 form
If you have changed your address since you received your last passport, you might need to provide the following:
More recent utility bills (electricity, water, gas).
Bank statements.
A contract of hire or lease of goods.
Address verification letter issued by the government.
In case your address has been changed since your last passport, you might be asked to provide the given documents.
Latest utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
Bank statements
Address verification letter issued by the government
You need to follow some strict specifications as mentioned below while submitting the documents:
A recent photograph of the applicant
Make sure that the background should be white or light and there should be no pattern
No toothy smile, just neutral expression
Follow the exact photo size (2x2 or 35x45)
No glasses, no caps or hats (unless worn daily for religious purposes)
Other paper records of name/address change
You must submit supporting legal documents, such as but not limited to, if your name or address has changed since your last passport was issued:
A certificate of marriage.
Requires a court order or legal name change certificate.
A divorce decree that reinstates the maiden name.
Address proof changed in accordance with the above.
How to Renew Passport Online
Most of the applicants prefer the digital way to fill out the application form since it is the fastest and the easiest option to apply. Below is a step-by-step procedure of how to apply for the passport renewal process.
Step 1: Register/login on the official website.
The first step is to register in your account and save your login details safely because you will have to fill them out every time you log in to your account.
Make sure to double-check the website, since there are websites that take payment and scam people.
Step 2: Fill out the application form.
Open the passport renewal form on the portal and enter the required details, which are mentioned on your current passport.
Mention the reason for your renewal as well.
Cross-check the whole form and information mentioned in it.
Step 3: Uploading the necessary documents
During the application process, you are required to submit some necessary documents. The relevant documents are mentioned below, which have to be uploaded.
An existing passport
An ID card, which is provided by the government
An address proof
A current passport-size photo
Step 4: Make the payment
This is a mandatory fee that is provided for the services that you are getting.
There are different payment methods like digital wallets, credit cards, debit cards, or net banking.
Select the suitable method and proceed for the payment.
After making the payment, make sure to save the confirmation number you will receive for the payment.
Step 5: Book an appointment
Select the suitable time and book your appointment at your nearby post office or passport service center.
Step 6: Visit the passport office
After the completion of every necessary step, visit the passport on the selected date with the original copies of your documents and present it in front of the officer during your interview.
You will be asked to give your fingerprints and photograph for the biometric data.
Step 7: Track your application status
After everything, submission and selecting the date and interviewing at the passport office, you can track your passport application online.
This can be done by using the booking reference number, which you must have received on the confirmation email sent to you after finishing up with the application procedure.
You will receive instant notifications on your given number via email or text messages about your passport.
How to renew a passport offline?
Although the online application process is mostly preferred by the travelers since it provides instant results. However, there are some people who are not very well aware of the online process, and hence, they prefer to complete the process in person. Follow the steps given below to apply for a renewal application offline.
Collect the form from the passport office
Fill in all the necessary details and submit the photocopies of the forms
After filling in the details, cross-check all the information and attach the form with the application fee.
After the submission at the designated location, you will receive the response of the approval or rejection of the application within a few working days.
How much does the passport renewal cost?
Since there are a variety of passport renewal applications, every passport renewal fee costs differently from each other. Let's look at different types of passports.
Standard Renewal Fees
It includes the basic renewal fees of the passport.
This includes the processing fees, printing fees, and issuance fee for the new passport booklet.
The fee differs from country to country and the validity of the passport.
Expedited Renewal Fees
The United States provides expedited passport renewal services so that the process of renewal can be quicker.
However, this process would require extra verification, and it is a bit more expensive than the regular renewal process.
| Service | Cost | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard renewal cost | $130 for a passport book, $30 for a card, and $160 for both | 4-6 weeks |
| Expedited service | $60 extra | Reduces processing to 2-3 weeks |
| Optional 1-2 day return shipping | $22.05 | Reduces processing to 2-3 weeks |
| In person, at the passport office | A $60 expedite fee is charged at the office, plus $130 for the renewal fee. | The fastest way, but it requires proof of an upcoming travel plan |
Don’t miss this: Try applying within Oct to Dec if you want to receive your passport early. Late winter through summer is one of the busiest months with longer waits.
Helpful tips to have a smooth renewal process
By following these tips, it will be easy for you to prepare for the procedure.
Make sure to apply before 6 months of your passport expiry. This is because many countries will not allow you to enter if your passport has just 6 months of validity.
Check the website twice or thrice before applying for the renewal procedures, it should be a government official website.
During the renewal process, you will be asked to submit your original documents, make sure to keep a copy of all your documents.
Save your login details of the account that you have made. Make sure to keep the payment receipt and booking reference number.
Make sure to scan all the documents clearly, do not submit documents that are hard to identify. This can reject your passport renewal application.
Conclusion
Getting your passport renewed may sound like a hassle, but thanks to the shift in the technology, one can complete all such procedures online conveniently. If you haven't started with the renewal yet, read and use this guide as your step-by-step booklet. It consists of every helpful point that is required in the completion of the renewal process. Plus, do not forget the helpful tips at the end, which will save you from making common mistakes and will help in making the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to get your U.S. passport renewed is by applying it online on the official passport portal. Travelers can complete it by using their laptops or computers at home.
To renew your passports, you require three things, your most recent passport, which is not damaged, the latest color 2x2 passport-size photo, and a free receipt. In case of any other information, kindly check the visa application website.
No, you do not need a birth certificate to renew your passport. You only need the most recent passport as proof of citizenship.
To make a passport renewal appointment, you can apply for it online or by mail. No walk-in appointments are allowed.
