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How to Renew a Passport Online

How to Renew a Passport Online

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Planning a hiking trip in the South Island of New Zealand, but your passport is set to expire before the rugged adventure is set to begin? Don't worry. You can begin the process toward renewing your passport book, passport card or both online using a form provided by the U.S. Department of State. The form is designed to offer travelers an easy online alternative to the standard hard copy application. Easy to complete, the form is great for travelers with poor penmanship or those who want to handle the renewal process online. Expect to wait 4 to 6 weeks to receive your passport in the mail. Requests for expedited service that include overnight delivery can be completed in as little as 2 to 3 weeks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Social Security number Passport issue date Passport book number Printer
  • Social Security number
  • Passport issue date
  • Passport book number
  • Printer
Step 1
Go to the U.S. Department of State web site and complete Form DS-82. Locate Form DS-82 by clicking on the "Renew Your U.S. Passport" tab located on the left-hand side the U.S. Department of State home page.
Step 2
Verify your eligibility. Continue if your original passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years, but not before you were 16 years of age. Your current name must be listed on your original passport.

Visit a Regional Passport Agency if you do not meet the eligibility requirements. Contact the National Passport Information Center to set up an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency.
Step 3
Complete and print Form DS-82. Click "Complete Form DS-82 Online" and proceed to an online version of the form; a new web page will open. Agree to the terms and conditions set forth by the U.S. Department of State. Click "Submit."

Verify whether you want to renew a passport book, passport card or add visa pages to your passport. Click "Continue." Each option is available whether you are a first time applicant or you are renewing your passport.
Step 4
Provide your first, middle and last name with suffix. Provide your date of birth, city of birth, Social Security number and state of birth. Verify your gender, height and hair and eye color. Verify your occupation and employer. Click "Next."
Step 5
Verify the address where the renewed passport will be mailed. Include the street address, county, city and state, zip code and the person who will handle the care of the passport. Verify that the address entered is your permanent address. Provide your email address. Provide your telephone number. Indicate whether it is a cell phone, home number or work number. Click "Next."
Step 6
Provide information about your travel plans including dates of travel and countries visited. For example, "I am taking a hiking tour across Scotland for 6 days," or "I will be biking through France and Germany for 6 weeks." Provide an emergency contact number with the relationship of the person named specified.

Confirm that you have a passport book. Provide the issue date, book number and the name listed on the passport. Continue as prompted to complete the renewal process.
Step 7
Print the form and mail to the address listed on the form. Be sure to include the renewal fee. As of 2009, the fee to renew an adult passport book is $70.
Step 8
Take the printed application to a Passport Regional Passport Agency if your passport is needed in less than 2 weeks for international travel or needed within 4 weeks to obtain a foreign visa, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Tips & Warnings

 
Contact a Regional Passport Agency if you have questions about your passport.
 
You must mail your online form to complete the online renewal process.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Write for Trails.com

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