US Immigration & Passport Renewal
A U.S. passport allows you, as the traveler, to enter foreign countries and to reenter the United States. Renewing an expired passport should be done with all possible speed.
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Sense of Urgency
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If you are traveling abroad and need a renewed passport, Consular Affairs suggests that you get the process underway immediately. A sense of urgency is required because any complication in the process of renewing the passport could result in considerable delays.
Forms and Processing
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The required form to renew a passport is the DS-82- Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.
To ensure the application's security, the U.S. government urges you to use what is referred to as a "traceable delivery method." It is also recommended that you use a highly safe packaging method, such as a "Tyvek Envelope," to ship the application.
Making a personal appointment to expedite the process should only be done in two circumstances: if you need the passport in approximately a month for a foreign visa; if you are leaving the U.S. and need the passport within two weeks.
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Other Important Points
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If there has been physical damage to the passport or if there have been any alterations to it, you must apply for renewal in person; you no longer have the option of mailing it. If your passport is damaged or mutilated, there could be criminal penalties. Laws regarding these penalties can be found within Section 1543 of Title 22 of the U.S. Code.
Renewed passports cannot be sent to you by mail if you are overseas. The only accepted mailing addresses are in the U.S. or in neighboring Canada.
Your ability to renew your passport may be influenced by your child support status. If you owe child support, the government may decide against renewing the document.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit us passport image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
