If your passport is about to expire or you are a jet setter and your passport is running out of pages, its definitely time to renew your passport. Actually, passport renewal is easy. You can even do this through mail but you have to be eligible to use Form DS-82. If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad excluding Canada, you must go to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your area. You can submit an application to hold a passport card as a renewal if you are qualified and if you already possess a passport book. Note that you can both have a passport book and card if you are an American citizen. Below are the steps on how to renew a U.S. passport by mail.
- Check if you are eligible to use Form DS-82 in order to apply by mail for a passport card. Qualifications to use this form are the following: You received your passport when you were at least 16 years old; Your previous passport is in good condition; Your name in your passport has not changed or if otherwise you have legal documents to prove your change of name; and You are a passport holder for the past 15 years.
- Download Form DS-82 in the internet if you are eligible to renew your passport by mail.
- Complete the application form. Make sure you have your signature and date of application in it.
- Together with the form, enclose your recent passport, 2 passport pictures and the fee of $75 to be paid to the U.S. Department of State.
- You can ask for an Expedited Service if you need your passport immediately. An additional $60 should be included in your mail to get this service.
- If you will change your name in the passport you will be renewing, attach a certified copy as legal proof of you marriage, divorce, adoption or court order. But if you changed your name due to other reasons, you must personally apply.
- In a padded envelope, mail all documents stated above to the address indicated in the form.
- Your old passport will be sent back to you together with your renewed passport. You can only receive the passports in your U.S. or Canadian addresses if you renewed by mail.
- Note that you can not get a passport if you have unsettled child support payment.