Renewing US Passport through Mail

With a US passport, US citizens are allowed to travel internationally. Note that only US citizens can apply for a US passport. US passport can be used as proof for one’s US citizenship. Apart from this, a US passport is needed to enter the US after traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

If you have a US passport that is going to expire, then you should renew it. You have the option of renewing your passport either through mail or in person, and it is based on certain conditions. You can renew your US passport if it is not damaged and can be submitted along with your application and it should have been issued when you were 16 years or older. Remember to note that it should have been issued within the last 15 years and issued in your current name (or) if you are able to document your name change legally. If you do not fit into the conditions mentioned above, the only option to file for a renewal is to apply in person. In addition, if you are a previous passport holder and are eligible to file Form DS-82, you can renew your passport through mail, even if it is your first passport card.

Passport Renewal Process by mail:

The process of renewing your passport varies depending on where you currently reside. If you are currently in the US, you have to file Form DS-82, Application for a US Passport by mail to renew it through mail. You will get detailed filing instructions along with Form DS-82. There are quite a few points to remember before you file for a US passport renewal. You cannot use the mailing option if your passport is mutilated or damaged. In this case, the only option is to file in person.

If you are mailing your application along with any supporting documents, you have to give importance to the delivery method. It is to ensure the application and the supporting documents are not damaged during the process. To be on the safer side, it is better to put your application and supporting documents in an envelope that is big such that the application fits in without folding it. It is better not to use the standard letter-size envelope. Note that when done through the mailing option, the application can be mailed only to US and Canadian addresses.

If you are behind in child support payments, you will not qualify for a US passport. Individuals who wish to get their passport renewed from can file at the nearest US Embassy or US Consulate (except those living in Canada). US citizens who are currently residing in Canada and who want to get their passport renewed can file Form DS-82, Application for US Passport by Mail to the address indicated on the application.

If there is a need to get a US passport quickly, you are required to schedule an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency. But this is possible only in certain circumstances. It is possible only if want the passport to travel abroad in less than 2 weeks OR you want the passport within 4 weeks to get a foreign visa. Should you need to fix an appointment, you can contact the National Passport Information Center to schedule an appointment or locate a Passport Agency.