When you have a current passport and would like to renewing USA Passports documents before they expire, it is actually very easy. You can do the process by mail. The only documentation you will need is the original passport that is not expired, your sturdy and secure mailing envelope and two current passport sized photographs. Combine the documentation and mail it with your passport application and fees to the appropriate agency and in a few weeks, your new passport and the original passport will be returned to you.
Find your existing passport. You will need to send the passport along with the other items as proof of identity. You don’t have to be concerned about sending it off to the passport office. It will be returned when you get your new passport in the mail.
You will want to have a recent passport photo taken. These photos are quite inexpensive and can be obtained at many drug stores and food stores. They need to be a 2-inch by 2-inch color photo taken with you facing forward. You must not be wearing headgear. You should wear your glasses if you normally wear them, but no sunglasses or tinted glasses should be worn. Wear a wig or hairpiece if that is your usual appearance.
You can go online to the Department of State website for the U. S. Government to get your passport application form. Download the form and print it out. You will need to complete each blank on the form in ink.
You must make a decision about whether a passport card is an option you want to pursue. Passport cards are useful when you travel to Canada, Mexico, Bahamas or similar locations. A passport card allows you to travel to these locations without the risk of carrying your passport book. There are additional costs for obtaining one of these cards, so add the extra fees if you decide you want the card.
Payment of the correct amount of money is important, but you must also decide whether you need the passport faster than the normal processing time. You might want to expedite the shipping of the application and documents to the agency. You might want to pay for them to speed up the processing time and return the passport quickly. Different prices apply to each of the services above and beyond standard service.
Payment of the fees for processing and the document preparation can be made in any of various formats. You may send a personal check, so long as the name and address on the check matches the information on the American passports forms. The payment of a valid check will be held to allow for the check to clear. If there is a different address or name, you would be better served to purchase and submit a money order. Or, you can make payment using a debit or credit card.
The final step to renew passports documents to send them to the passport agency. Be sure to use the right sort of envelope to protect your documents. Using a tracking service on the mailing helps you ensure that your documents arrive. If you are sending more than one application, you will need to use separate envelopes and mailings.