If your passport is no longer valid and you want to apply for another one, you need to know the rules on expired US passport renewal. And guess what? You don’t have to wait until your passport expires before you renew it. If it expires in the next 6-7 months and you don’t have any urgent trips in the coming weeks, you should apply for renewal immediately.
US passports expire after ten years, while passports for kids expire after five years. Although your passport may be valid before it expires, you may experience limitations with what you can do with it if only a few months are left.
For instance, you cannot use a passport with less than six months validity to apply for a visa as most embassies only accept passports with six months validity as a minimum.
So without further ado, let us review the rules for expired passport renewals.
Rules On Expired US Passport Renewal
First, you should know that not all passports can be renewed. Here are some laid down rules set by the Department of State.
All applicants must be in possession of their passports and must submit them as part of their documents. If your passport is stolen or lost, you cannot renew it.
You must have been at least 16 years of age at the time the passport was issued to you. If you were under the age of 16, the passport could not be renewed because individuals under this age bracket are classified as minors, as minors are not eligible for passport renewals.
Another rule is that the passport must be in good shape before you can renew it. Passport agencies do not accept damaged passports.
You must not wait longer than five years after the passport expires to renew it.
Why You May Want To Renew Your Passport Even If It Is Still Valid
Change of Name: If you changed your name after the current passport was issued, you might want to renew it so you can use your new name. This is the case for married or divorced persons. If you apply for a passport renewal issued less than a year ago, there is no fee attached to the application.
Few Pages: If you are a frequent traveler and your passport pages are almost exhausted, you may want to apply for a new one, so your travel plans are not affected.
Change In Appearance: Some people suddenly realize that they look nothing like the image on their passport any longer due to a significant change in their appearance, particularly their face. In such a situation, a renewal may be required with a recent photograph.
Wear & Tear: If the passport is showing signs of wear and tear, you may want to renew it as soon as possible before it is damaged beyond recognition.
These are some of the reasons why you may want to renew a passport that is still valid.
Documentary Requirements For A Passport Renewal
Now that you know the rules on expired passport renewal let us give you a rundown of the documents you must submit to the authorities.
Form DS-82: You must complete a DS-82 application form and sign it. You can fill it out online and print out, or you can print out the application in PDF form and fill it out by hand. Just make sure you provide accurate information.
Passport Photo: A recent passport photograph of you taken not later than 6 months before you apply for the passport. Don’t wear glasses for the shot.
Current Passport: Include the soon-to-expire or expired passport
Supporting Documents: Besides these basic documents, other documents may be required to support your application.
How To Apply For A Renewal Of Your Passport?
Passport Agency: You can book an appointment to visit a passport agency to submit your documents for the passport. The office will review your documents, and if they are in good condition, they will pass them on to the authorities for processing.
Embassy: Citizens living abroad can approach the IS embassy in their country to apply for a renewal. Embassies have different operational procedures, so book an appointment to see an official and follow the directions.
By Mail: You can apply for a renewal by mail if you can’t visit the embassy or agency in person.
Just mail your documents to the agency for processing. Furthermore, if you want the passport delivered on time you can apply for expedited service. An expedited passport application will see your own delivered to you in a few days but it will cost you an extra $60.
You can also hire VisaHQ passport service to help with your documentation and transmission to the agency. Our service experts will arrange your documents in accordance with standard protocols and pass them on to the passport agency on your behalf. Just visit our passport page to make inquiries now that you know the rules on expired US passport renewal.