How to Renew a Passport Visa

If you spend a lot of time traveling to the highest mountain ranges or exotic jungle trails, the time will come when you run out of passport visa pages long before your actual passport expires. Renewing the visa pages allows you to continue to ski the Swiss Alps or explore the South American rain forest without the expense and hassle of applying for a new passport. Check your passport before you head out on your trip --- if there are less than two visa pages left it is time to renew. If you're already abroad and run out of visa pages, a trip to the nearest embassy is required, and your travel plans may be delayed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pen Current passport Envelope
Pen
Current passport
Envelope

Step 1

Print U.S. form DS-4085 (see Resources) or obtain it from your local passport office or US embassy if abroad. Apply for additional visa pages at least six weeks before you plan to travel.

Step 2

Fill out all the requested information on the form using blue or black ink. Sign and date at the bottom or the form is invalid.

Step 3

Place the form and your current valid passport into a mailing envelope if you are in the United States. Choose a Tyvek or other water resistant mailer to avoid damage to your passport. Abroad, take the completed application and your current passport to your nearest U.S. embassy to complete the process.

Step 4

Mail the application and passport to the address indicated on the form DS-4085. Use a shipping method that is traceable and includes delivery confirmation to ensure the safety of your passport.

Step 5

Check the delivery status of your visa renewal within seven to ten days after mailing, using the delivery confirmation from your shipping method. Contact the shipping provider and the nearest passport office if the passport has not arrived to begin the process of replacement so your travel plans aren't delayed.

Tips & Warnings

Expedited service is available for a fee if you forgot to order new pages in time. Just check off the expedited service box on the application and include the fee with your application. If you travel a lot and your passport is still several years from expiring, it may be worth it to order an entire new passport instead of just renewing the visa pages.

Expedited service is available for a fee if you forgot to order new pages in time. Just check off the expedited service box on the application and include the fee with your application.

If you travel a lot and your passport is still several years from expiring, it may be worth it to order an entire new passport instead of just renewing the visa pages.

Passports can only be returned to U.S. street addresses. They will not be returned to PO boxes or foreign addresses.

Resources

Form DS-4085

Article Written By Jenny Harrington

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

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