How Long Does it Take to Renew a Passport?
There are a lot of different options for how long it takes to renew a
passport in anywhere from 6+ weeks to as little as 24 hours. Here is an
overview of different passport renewal options available to
you:
Traditional Passport Renewal Processing
The most common way for people to renew their passport is through the US
State Department standard processing. You can download Passport Renewal
Form DS-82 from the
State Department website.
You may submit the passport application either
through a local post office or by following the mailing instructions on
the form. This is the most cost effective way to renew your passport,
but also the slowest (up to six weeks or more) and least transparent
way. The fee for this is $.
Expedited Government Passport Renewal Processing
The next level of service is using the State Departments expedited
passport renewal process. Using the same
passport application DS-82
mentioned above and again
either submitting the renewal application either through a local post
office or by following the mailing instructions on the form. Requesting
an expedited passport renewal through the government incurs an
additional $60 fee
(and applicants are encourage to pre-pay for USPS
Express Mail return shipping costing approximately $16.00), this cuts
the overall time to two to three weeks plus mailing time, so generally
less than four weeks from start to finish. Don't forget photos, too! That
brings the total cost for this service to approximately $220 at the time
of writing.
Passport Renewal Mobile App
Got a smart phone? Try the
ItsEasy Passport Renewal App!
The app provides the same
services offered above
(either the $130 normal or $190 expedited), but
with a few extra benefits. In addition to the State Department passport
renewal fees, the app service ($34.95) provides the ability to choose from
multiple USPS and FedEx shipping options (with tracking), order status
information and automated email updates and best of all the ability to
take your own photo using your phone. All photos are reviewed by an
ItsEasy Passport Renewal specialist and if they meet all requirements
are printed in our offices at no additional cost.
US Passport Renewal Expediting Services
When six, four or even two weeks isnt fast enough, many travelers turn
to passport expediting services like ItsEasy. If youre reading this you
probably fall into this group, so here is a little information about
passport renewal expeditors. First and foremost, we do not issue the
passports. We act as an agent on your behalf both in the collection and
review of documentation and interfacing with the US State Department
through a series of essentially pre-arranged appointments. Authorized
services like ItsEasy are approved by the US State Department to submit
passport applications in certain cities with predetermined processing
times some in as little as a day. Learn more about
how to get a
passport .ItsEasy is one of
the largest passport expeditors in the world and works in several cities
with different US State Department Passport Agencies. There are a lot of
small companies out there who are highly limited with their capabilities
and processing power, there are very few that have the access that
ItsEasy has.
Personal Appearance
If you live in a city that has a
US Passport Agency office
you can contact the governments automated
appointment hotline at 1-877-487-2778. Note that you MUST be departing
the country within two weeks to qualify for this option and the fee for
renewing the passport will be
$130 + $0 at the time of writing. Once
you secure an appointment you show up in person with the required
documents and fees and your renewed passport will be ready within a few
days. Short of using an expeditor to renew your passport, this is the
fastest and most cost effective option available, however appointments
can be hard to get. There is inconvenience of traveling to the passport
agency, paying for parking and sitting in line for up to a few hours
(even with an appointment) as well as having to go back to pick up the
passport. Also note that most passport agencies do not have photography
services, so make sure you get your passport photos in advance. For more
details please see the
How to Get a Passport page.
What is a Passport Card?
A passport card is a credit-card size U.S. passport that, just like a
passport book, is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity but can ONLY be
used to re-enter the United States at land border crossings and sea
ports-of-entry from:
Canada
Mexico
The Caribbean
Bermuda
The passport card cannot be used for international air
travel. Please note: Just like passport books, passport cards are valid
for 10 years for applicants 16 and older and 5 years for applicants
under 16. The wallet-size U.S. Passport Card is a travel document that
can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the
Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
The passport card fits in your wallet, is a valid form of identification
and is more convenient than a passport book when traveling by land or
sea within the Western Hemisphere. For information about
how to get a
passport or other passport
services, please see our
US passports page.
