If you have an upcoming trip, one of the most important documents you need is your passport. US citizens are entitled to US passports, and the good news is that the US passport is one of the world's strongest passports, which opens you to limitless travel possibilities. However, an expired, or soon-to-expire passport is as good as having no passport at all because it cannot be used. If you have a trip, but your passport is not valid, you need to apply for a US passport renewal Miami.
When Should You Apply For A Passport Renewal?
A new passport is required if your passport has expired or will soon expire in less than 6 months. Although the US passport remains valid until the last day, many embassies and airlines will reject yours if it expires in less than 180 days. When applying for a visa, the Embassy of the foreign country will review your documents, including your passport, and if it is discovered that it will expire while you are in their country, they will reject your application.
To be on the safe side, it is best to apply for a renewal at least 3 months before your planned trip or 9 months before the current one expires.
Passport Renewal Processing Time
The average passport renewal time takes between 7-10 weeks. For expedited service, it takes about 5-6 weeks; however, in life or death situations, the application can be fast-tracked to 3 days or two weeks.
Passport Renewal Conditions
These are the conditions that all applicants must meet to apply for a passport.
Good Condition: The passport to be renewed must be in good condition. Mutilated passports are not accepted for renewal.
Age: The passport must not be older than 15 years old from the date of issue to the date of the application.
Not For Minors: The applicant must not be below 16 years of age at the time the passport was issued. People below 16 years are considered minors and do not qualify for renewals.
Availability: The old passport must be available for renewal. Lost or stolen passports cannot be renewed.
Same Name: The name on the old passport must be the same name to appear on the new one. You must submit legal proof to validate the change if the name has changed.
Passport Renewal Options
Passport Agency: You may apply for a passport renewal in Miami by visiting a designated passport agency of the Department of State. However, you must book an appointment via phone, as random visits are not permitted. On the set day, you must appear and present all relevant documents for processing. You will also be asked to pay the application fee using a signed cheque or money order. Application by proxy at the passport office is not allowed.
Renew By Mail: The Department of State also allows applicants to send their documents by mail. This is the best option if you live far away from a passport agency or don't have the time to visit one. You can simply package your documents and mail them via USPS to the agency for processing. Do note that you will need to pay for the courier delivery. A two-way payment is required to send your documents and to receive the new passport. The passport acceptance facility will deliver your passport and other documents to you.
Consulate: Citizens living abroad who don't want to mail their documents can visit their consulate for help. Some US consulates assist citizens in renewing their passports.
Passport Services Or better still, you can apply for a passport service offered by a private establishment like VisaHQ. You can save yourself the stress by packing your documents securely and mailing them to VisaHQ. Visit VisaHQ and navigate to the passport service page to learn more.
Passport Renewal Requirements
Here at the documents, you need to renew your passport.
DS-82 Form: A signed and completed DS-82 application form
Proof of Citizenship: You will need a valid document to prove that you are a US citizen. The current passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or driver's license will suffice.
Old Passport: The authorities will demand your old passport as proof you've had one before.
Passport Application Fee: The application Fee is payable to the Department of State using a signed money order or cheque. It must be signed twice (front and back).
Name Change: A marriage or divorce certificate is required to validate a name change for the passport card. If your name has been changed for any other reason, you must attach a Court order to prove your identity.
You will need these documents to apply for a US passport renewal Miami. For a stress-free process, apply for VisaHQ's passport service.