If you want a US passport renewal, you can get a new passport, but you have to apply for a new one. The US government announced in April 2021 that their embassies and consulates worldwide would begin to accept online payments for renewals. This means that those who apply for a renewal by mail can now pay the application fee online using a Credit or credit card. Payments can also be made using electronic transfer if you have an active US-based bank account.
Some embassies also accept payments through online platforms like Amazon Pay and PayPal. If you want to renew your US passport, keep reading this page to learn more.
US Passport Renewal
A US Passport can be renewed after it expires, but this service is only open to those with a US passport. Those without a passport can apply to have one by applying. Us passport renewals are only for US citizens since only citizens can have a passport in the first place. If you wish to apply for a new passport outside the US, you can submit your application to the US embassy or consulate in the country where you reside or hire the services of a renewal agency to help you with the process.
Can All US Citizens Renew Their Passports Online
Online renewal service is not open to applicants in all countries; it is only open to selected countries like Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, New Zealand, and a few other countries.
Check to see if you can renew your passport online from your location; if you can’t, visit the nearest embassy closest to you to submit your renewal application.
US Passport Renewal Eligibility
The renewal option has some requirements that the applicant must meet. Firstly, they must have been at least 16 years old and older when their recent passport was issued. If they have a Passbook, it must have been issued to them at least when they were 15 years old.
Secondly, if it is a Passbook, it must have a validity of 10 years and be in the applicant’s current name. If their name has changed, they must present documents to back it up, such as a divorce decree, marriage certificate, court order, etc.
Applicants outside the US must provide their valid mailing address and other contact information.
US Passport Renewal Requirements
Here are the requirements all applicants must meet when applying for a passport renewal.
Proof of identity: The applicant must provide their identity with a valid document like their previous passport, certificate of citizenship, or naturalization certificate. Mutilated, damaged, or altered passports are not accepted to prove identity. A driver’s license issued not later than 6 months prior may be used.
Change of name: Those who have had their names changed may provide a marriage certificate or court decree to prove their identity. If none of these documents are available, a combination of these documents may be used, such as a credit card, library or bank card, Social Security Number, etc.
DS-82 Form: A DS-82 application form duly filled and signed with all fields containing relevant information. For online applications, a barcode must be included; otherwise, the application will not be accepted.
Letter of Authorization: A letter of Authorization printed, filled out, and signed.
Photos: 2 recent passport-sized photographs taken within the last 6 months. The applicant must not wear spectacles or head covering that might distort their image.
Besides the above requirements, the authorities will only accept old passports that are undamaged and issued within the last 15 years, not later. Furthermore, the applicant must not be younger than 15 years when the passport was issued unless, in the case of a Passbook (15 years). Once the passport is ready, the old and new passports will be forwarded to you.
US Passport Renewal Fee
There is a processing fee for renewals charged at $208. This must be sent as a money order or Certified check to the US state department.
Applying for Passport Renewal
If you cannot go through with the process on your own, you can hire the service of a trusted third party service provider like VisaHQ. Just follow these steps.
Visit VisaHQ passport renewal page
Select the US as your country of citizens
Print out, complete and sign the DS-82 renewal form and provide your SSN
Attach a colored passport photograph
Attach a copy of the bio-data page of your old passport
Place the old passport and the completed application form in a package
Mail the documents to VisaHQ
Using the services of a reliable third party agency takes the stress off you. Remember that you must include the application fee addressed to the department of State in the form of a signed check or an approved money order. For more information about a US passport renewal, contact VisaHQ.