How to Get an Updated Passport

Your all set for that trip you've been planning for months, but your passport is due to expire before you leave. This is a problem. Without a passport you won't be allowed entrance into a foreign country. Some airlines won't even allow you to board their aircraft. Entering the United States without a passport, or even withone that has recently expired, could keep you tied up with the Transportation Authority Administration (TSA) for hours--something you especially want to avoid if you have a few unpaid parking tickets. So before your passport expires, at least ten weeks prior to your trip, explains the State Department, have your passport renewed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Renewing Your Passport

Things You’ll Need:

Form DS-82 Black pen 2 identical color passport photos Check or money order for applicable fees Marriage certificate if applicable Name-change certificate if applicable
Form DS-82
Black pen
2 identical color passport photos
Check or money order for applicable fees
Marriage certificate if applicable
Name-change certificate if applicable

Step 1

Fill out Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail using black ink. You can download this form online at the State Department's website, or pick one up at a passport facility or any post office.

Step 2

Sign and date your application if you are mailing your form. The mailing address is located on your passport renewal application.If you submit your papers in person, you will be required to sign your application in front of a witness at the passport office.

Step 3

Mail your DS-82 form along with two color passport photos, a check or money order for applicable fees and court-approved certificate only if the name on your renewed passport will be different than the name on your old passport. (See Resources for photo requirements and fees.) Make your check or money order out to U.S. Department of State.

Step 4

Add $60 to your check or money order if you would like your updated passport expedited in fewer than eight weeks. Write "Expedite' on the outside of the envelope.

Tips & Warnings

Adult passports are valid for ten years. The State Department suggests mailing your documents in a padded Tyvek envelope and using a mailing-tracking number to ensure the safety of your personal information.

Adult passports are valid for ten years.

The State Department suggests mailing your documents in a padded Tyvek envelope and using a mailing-tracking number to ensure the safety of your personal information.

If you do not use black ink when filling out your forms, the State Department reserves the right to deny your application. You must apply for a new passport in person if your current passport has been altered or damaged in any way. Your renewed passport may be denied if you are behind in your child-support payments.

If you do not use black ink when filling out your forms, the State Department reserves the right to deny your application.

You must apply for a new passport in person if your current passport has been altered or damaged in any way.

Your renewed passport may be denied if you are behind in your child-support payments.

Resources

Article Written By Shannon Marks

Shannon Marks started her journalism career in 1994. She was a reporter at the "Beachcomber" in Rehoboth Beach, Del., and contributed to "Philadelphia Weekly." Marks also served as a research editor, reporter and contributing writer at lifestyle, travel and entertainment magazines in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Temple University.

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