For American citizens who wish to take their vacations abroad, ensuring their documents are in order is of utmost importance. Specifically, they must ensure that their passport renewal isn't imminent, particularly if handling this via USPS is their preferred method. There are several matters citizens should be aware of in relation to this matter.
First, you are advised to ensure that you get your passport renewed 9 months before it expires, to avoid any hassle. The date will be on your documentation, but you should be aware of when you would need to renew based on the timeframe of it's validity. For adults, this is ten years, whereas for minors, it is five years.
Be aware that you can only renew by mail if your initial application was made within the last fifteen years, otherwise will have to renew it in person. Similarly, if it is damaged or was issued before you reached sixteen years of age, you need to renew in person. And that rule also applies to people who have legally changed their name.
If, however, none of the above criteria apply, and you are resident on U. S. Soil, you may proceed with a postal application. In addition to your documents, the fee and a new photo, the application form DS-82 is required. Because you are sending such sensitive documents by mail, you are better off using a tracking agency to ensure their safe delivery.
If you are an American citizen living outside the United States, you will have to renew at the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The exception is for those American citizens who are residing in Canada. They can apply in the same way as those within American borders do. In all cases, the processing of applications can take four to six weeks.
If you need a faster processing of your application, you must mark "Expedite" on the mailing envelope. The expedited service can take two to three weeks and costs $60, so be sure to enclose a check for that amount with your application. At present, only applicants living within the borders of the United States can avail of this service.
Do also be aware that your old passport will be returned to you after your application has been processed. This is handy to have as proof of citizenship. It will likely not be issued with your other processed documentation, though.
Of course, renewing by mail isn't the only method of passport renewal. You may also renew in person if you wish. But if it has to be done by post, then the above instructions should apply. However, do double check with your local government agency to verify any recent amendments to policy in this area.
First, you are advised to ensure that you get your passport renewed 9 months before it expires, to avoid any hassle. The date will be on your documentation, but you should be aware of when you would need to renew based on the timeframe of it's validity. For adults, this is ten years, whereas for minors, it is five years.
Be aware that you can only renew by mail if your initial application was made within the last fifteen years, otherwise will have to renew it in person. Similarly, if it is damaged or was issued before you reached sixteen years of age, you need to renew in person. And that rule also applies to people who have legally changed their name.
If, however, none of the above criteria apply, and you are resident on U. S. Soil, you may proceed with a postal application. In addition to your documents, the fee and a new photo, the application form DS-82 is required. Because you are sending such sensitive documents by mail, you are better off using a tracking agency to ensure their safe delivery.
If you are an American citizen living outside the United States, you will have to renew at the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The exception is for those American citizens who are residing in Canada. They can apply in the same way as those within American borders do. In all cases, the processing of applications can take four to six weeks.
If you need a faster processing of your application, you must mark "Expedite" on the mailing envelope. The expedited service can take two to three weeks and costs $60, so be sure to enclose a check for that amount with your application. At present, only applicants living within the borders of the United States can avail of this service.
Do also be aware that your old passport will be returned to you after your application has been processed. This is handy to have as proof of citizenship. It will likely not be issued with your other processed documentation, though.
Of course, renewing by mail isn't the only method of passport renewal. You may also renew in person if you wish. But if it has to be done by post, then the above instructions should apply. However, do double check with your local government agency to verify any recent amendments to policy in this area.
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Learn more about passport renewal. Stop by Frank Walters's favorite resource where you can find out all about getting aVietnam Visa for travel to Viet Nam.
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