Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business...
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With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
71 comments
Bryan Lombardi
January 23, 2019
FYI – one of your links appears to be outdated.
Under: “Online Passport Application Form”
The link sends to a page that reads: “The page you’re looking for may have been moved or renamed” (though it’s still linking to a general State Department site).
Using their search filter I found the following:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/forms.html
I think this is where you wanted to link.
Either way, appreciate your site. All seems accurate. I would point out that all of the same information seems to be available directly from the State Department. Not a big deal, as long as you’re accurate. So, thank you for getting me going in the right direction.
Alex Miller
January 23, 2019
Hey Bryan, thank you very much for letting us know, that’s super helpful 🙂
I updated it with this link that leads straight to the form: https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds82.pdf
Thanks again!
Seva L Lara
April 09, 2019
Under your FAQs, you state passports will be delivered by priority mail but you don’t state whether the post office will go ahead and deliver them if you are not at home to sign for them?
Christine Krzyszton
April 11, 2019
Hello Seva. I do not know if this is always true but I can tell you that my own passport was delivered by priority mail and I did not have to sign for it.
Brittney
February 12, 2020
Will they deliver them to your home address or do you have to have it delivered to a PO Box?
Christine Krzyszton
February 12, 2020
Hi Brittney. I know they will deliver to home address because I received mine there. Also, the application allows for you to give a P.O. Box, RFD #, or street address as your mailing address. There is another section for your actual permanent address.
Gonzalo
April 30, 2019
Hello, I am located in Mexico and I do hold a tourist passport 15+ years for me/family. I have been offered work with a company in Texas as a diesel mechanic but want to do things legally to be working with a work permit. What would be the best choice for me and what’s the time frame on obtaining a work permit?? Thanks
Christy Rodriguez
April 30, 2019
Hi Gonzalo. You are correct, a tourist passport is different from a work permit. You will need to either obtain a permanent resident card, a work permit, or a employment-related visa in order to legally work in the U.S. We are Upgraded Points, a website that publishes points and miles based articles as well as additional travel related posts like this guide to passport renewal. That being said, I don’t believe we are your best resource to answer your questions.
I would recommend you start your search on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website which has detailed information – https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/working-us
Marc
June 03, 2019
Confusion with no clear answer:
I want to renew / replace my passport and passport card — both expire August 2019. I have my passport card but the passport itself is lost in my house or storage somewhere. Can I submit form DS 82 with my passport-card and include form DS 64 (statement of lost passport) AND STILL SUBMIT BY MAIL? The USPS rep stated I can do this without having to go in person. I’m looking for clarification before sending it in so I don’t get rejected and lose down time
Christy Rodriguez
June 03, 2019
Hi Marc,
It seems like you have a few questions – first, you’ve lost your passport. In order to renew it, you’ll need to also complete the Form DS-11. This is the application form for a U.S. Passport if you don’t have a valid passport currently. You will need to submit this form in person to a passport agency. Here is more information on where to make your appointment: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/after/lost-stolen.html
Second, you want to renew your passport card. This is probably what the USPS individual was referring to – you can send this via mail, but you could also do this in person at the same time you’re applying for your passport card.
Thanks for reading!
Marc
June 03, 2019
Thanks so much for your response, Christy. I just got off the phone with the US Passport Office and I do not have to go in person and pay an extra processing fee for renewal. I can renew by mail because even though I can’t find my passport book, the passport-card can be sent in with Form DS 82 as it contains all of my passport info. So it paid to have that Passport Card in order to not have to go in person and have to pay the extra $35 processing fee.
Christy Rodriguez
June 03, 2019
Great news Marc. I wasn’t aware that you could do this as there isn’t much guidance for this particular instance found on their site. Glad you were able to get it all sorted out though.
Thanks for following back up as well in case any of our readers are in a similar position!
Minken
August 20, 2019
Hi, I just renewed my passport in person (I live in Norway) and am waiting for the new passport to come by mail. Do I need to send in my old passport to be canceled? (Because I already brought it with me when I came in person.) Will the old one be in my way of using the new one for travel?
Christy Rodriguez
August 20, 2019
Hi Minken, typically when renewing a passport, the old was is taken back and cancelled. It doesn’t sound like this was the case for you.
We would definitely recommend contacting the U.S. Department of State directly to confirm how to proceed. The contact information can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us/passports.html
Jarrod West
August 20, 2019
Hi Minken,
No, you do not need to send your old passport in. It’s best you hold onto it in a safe place as even old passports can be used as proof of U.S. citizenship.
Thanks for reading!
Minken
August 20, 2019
I just don’t want to be stopped at the border because there’s something wrong/not completely right with my passport history.
Jarrod West
August 21, 2019
Hi Minken,
There is nothing wrong with keeping your old passport. Many people keep them to look back on the various stamps they’ve accumulated. You will definitely not be stoped at the border for that.
Thanks for reading!
Minken
August 20, 2019
Hi, what does it really even mean that the old passport is canceled? Does that mean that somehow the new one isn’t 100% functional until the old one is canceled?
Christy Rodriguez
August 20, 2019
Hi Minken, no – your new one is fully functional when you receive it. As far as the specifics, we can’t speak to this which is why we suggested contacting the U.S. Department of State. At a high level, they will mark your old passport as cancelled in the relevant databases and the document will no longer be valid for travel. In my case, it’s always been hole punched. Hope this helps!
Bianca Splinter
September 09, 2019
I have a question not addressed previously.
My passport expires on April 5, 2020. In October I will be visiting Germany and taking a cruise from Prague to Budapest returning on November 4, 2020. Since the validity on my passport is less than 6 months, how and where can I get it extended, rather than renewed.
I live in California. I also have a Global Entry Pass good through 2023.
Christy Rodriguez
September 09, 2019
Hi Bianca, there isn’t an option to extend a passport – you would simply be applying for a renewal following the steps above. You can apply for a renewal before your passport expires though, so this is definitely what we would recommend doing if you have time to do so.
Once your passport is renewed, be sure to update the Trusted Traveler profile associated with your Global Entry account to ensure everything matches up.
Thanks for reading!
meriem
October 06, 2019
Hello, I read all the requirement and process to renew my child passport. My son was issued a passport when he was six months old and it is time for me to renew his passport as he is six years and half now. My question is, can I just go to the post office and do it like first time since he is not eligible for the mail renewal? Thanks for your time and help.
Christy Rodriguez
October 06, 2019
Hi Meirem, we have a whole guide on how to get and renew a passport for a child here: /how-to-get-a-passport-for-your-baby
But in short, children applicants under 16 are not eligible to mail in their passport applications. You must go in person to do this. Thanks for reading!
rob
October 25, 2019
Hi
I intend on renewing my existing passport. I also would like to get a passport card (I do not currently have one) Do I just check the Both Box on the application and then leave the “most recent passport card number” blank.
Thank you
Jarrod West
October 25, 2019
Hi Rob,
You should reach out to the Department of Transportation directly regarding this. They will be able to give you the most accurate information.
Ken jones
December 15, 2019
My son was a minor when he first received his passport. Now that he is an adult what do I need to do to get it renewed?
Can I go to the post office to have it renewed?
Christy Rodriguez
December 15, 2019
Hi Ken, depending on the age of your son, I would suggest starting in the article above at “Passports for Children/Minors Ages 16 and 17” or check out our article here.
Either way, he will need to go in-person to a post office to have it renewed, you will not be able to do it for him.
Kenny liu
December 31, 2019
I just applied to renew my passport a few days ago and I noticed that It will take 6-8 weeks to receive my new passport. Now, there are personal reasons I need the passport very soon. Can I pay extra now to have the passport renewal process faster, please? I have to travel overseas next week.
Jarrod West
December 31, 2019
Hi Kenny,
In some cases, you can pay extra to have your passport expedited, but it usually still takes 2-3 weeks. You can read more about your options here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html
Garrett Harper
January 13, 2020
I am about to renew my US passport in the Consulate in Mexico City and am filling out the DS-82 form. I have a couple questions about that.
1. When it asks for my mailing address, should I provide my address where I live in Mexico? Or an address in the US where I receive my mail? (i.e. Parents house)
2. On the second page it asks for a Permanent address, is that the place to put my address in Mexico?
Christy Rodriguez
January 13, 2020
Hi Garrett,
Typically your mailing address is where you would want your new passport to be mailed to, but since you are currently living in Mexico, it may need to be collected directly at the consulate. As we aren’t directly associated with the US Department of State, we would recommend that you reach out directly to the National Passport Information Center: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us/passports.html just to be sure!
Thanks for reading!
Darah
February 15, 2020
I applied to renew my passport with my new married name, but they sent me a passport card instead of a book! Now I have no idea what to do and how to get it in time for my travel in 7 weeks. When I applied I had plenty of time, but they didn’t send me what I ordered. What should I do? I still have not gotten my old passport back from them either.
Christine Krzyszton
February 17, 2020
Hi Darah. You could give the passport office a call at 877-487-2778. You can also go online at travel.state.gov and check the status of your order for more information. Additionally, you could check your credit card statement before you call to see how much you were charged. It might be helpful information to know if the fee for the change you requested, i.e. changing the name on a passport more than 1 year old, matches the amount charged to your credit card. Perhaps the order is still in progress.
Zach
February 18, 2020
I recently sent a renewal application in for my passport. Can you tell me what the application status stages are? Currently it says, “being processed” or “in progress”, I can’t remember. What would be the next stage in the process that I should see on the website?
Jarrod West
February 21, 2020
Hi Zach,
If the application is already being processed, then the next stage should be the approval of your application once it is finished processing.
Thanks for reading!
Blaiz Christopher
February 22, 2020
The only name that I have been using for the past 39 years is not my legal birth name. All of my documents are in my current name, including my SS#, California Driver’s License, Medical Insurance, etc.
I never legally changed my name because I didn’t have a need to. I wasn’t going to travel outside the US. However, now with Real ID necessary to travel by air within the US, I either need to legally change my name, or show a passport with my current name in order to travel. Is it possible for me to get a passport without doing a legal name change? I don’t really have the money to do it right now as I’m on Social Security.
In the article, you wrote “When using the DS-11 method, you will not need to provide proof of your name change if you already have another government ID issued with your new name.” Is a Social Security Card “another government ID issued with your new name”? Or is that only in the case of a name change due to marriage.
I have contacted the passport agency, but they just keep sending me links on their website, which don’t answer my question.
Thank you!
Christy Rodriguez
February 24, 2020
Hi Blaiz, this seems pretty complex and unfortunately, we’re not an official source for obtaining a REAL ID or a U.S. passport. Our best recommendation is to refer you to your local DMV or make an appointment at your closest passport office regarding your questions. Sorry we can’t be of more help.
KO
February 26, 2020
Hi there, my passport was received 1/29/2020 as of today it still says in process on the website for the status. My trip is in about 4 weeks from now so they have had my information now about a month. When I sent my information out the post office told me that if anything is not accepted or more information is needed that a letter would be generated to let me know within 2-3 weeks. At this point I haven’t received anything. Does anyone know if this is accurate? I called the passport office for an update but all they shared was the same information as what is reflected on the website which is “in process” I was just curious if anyone had received a letter asking for more documents, etc. and how quickly this came?
Christy Rodriguez
February 26, 2020
Hi KO, I don’t personally have experience with more information being requested, but I do know that my passport took 6 weeks to arrive once it was marked as received when I renewed in May last year. If you are concerned about it not arriving for your trip, you can call and see if you can pay the fee to get your order expedited. Maybe a reader has experience with additional information being requested that can chime in?
Hope this helps!
Marek France
March 05, 2020
So I need to renew my passport and I cannot find where or how I attach my old passport to the renewal form. Same with paying for it. How I attach payment to the form.
Christy Rodriguez
March 05, 2020
Hi Marek, on the form, there are guidelines of where to include 4 staples to attach your picture. In order to attach payment, you can simple include the check inside the envelope. Thanks for reading!
Mack Alexander
June 08, 2020
Hey there – do you all have experience for how long passport renewals are taking with the impact of COVID? My passport is expired and want to know how long it might take.
Christy Rodriguez
June 08, 2020
Hi Mack, the passport office has been closed since March 2020, and there is no indication when it might reopen yet per the State Department. It doesn’t even have an estimated time for processing on the website.
I’ve heard that some individuals that sent their passports back in February have yet to receive them. I would estimate once they reopen, to expect at least a 4-6 month delay, but this is clearly just a best guess. Thanks for reading!
Heather
December 18, 2020
I need to renew my passport because it will expire soon but I’ve also had a name change since my last passport was issued. I was told I need to fill out the DS-82. Question 11 asks for the place of the name change (city/state). My husband and I got married in Cancun, Mexico so I’m not really sure what answer they’re looking for here. Do I just put Cancun, Mexico down? Thanks so much!
Jarrod West
December 19, 2020
Hi Heather,
Did you file the documentation to have your name changed while you were in Cancun? I assume you probably did that at your local courthouse before or after the trip right? In that case, you should put that city and state down.
Anita
December 30, 2020
I applied for passport renewal for my 6-year-old daughter. I got the new passport and passport card but haven’t received the old passport back. I need the old passport for our travel as it has the visa stamped. Can you please tell me how long it takes to get the old passport back? Does it come through priority mail or first class mail? Is there a way to track the status or expedite to get it sooner? I have tried reaching (877) 487-2778 but never been able to reach anyone. Can you please advise? Thanks!
Jarrod West
January 12, 2021
Hi Anita,
I’m sorry for this frustrating situation! Usually, it takes 6-8 weeks to receive your passport back, but if you have it expedited it can return in 2-3 weeks. About how long have you been waiting now?
Mc
March 06, 2021
Has anyone heard how long expedited processing is actually taking right now? Particularly in Philadelphia? I have an application that began processing on February 19th. My travel date is March 17th. I’m really worried it will not arrive in time.
Christine Krzyszton
March 07, 2021
Hi Mc. I received mine back in 2 weeks and 2 days but that was a few months ago. You can contact the passport office at 1-877-487-2778 on Mondays-Fridays from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Eastern Time for an update on the status of your application, since it has been more than 14 days. More information here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/status.html#:~:text=Call%20the%20National%20Passport%20Information,after%20you%20apply%20or%20renew.
Brandon Doyle
June 17, 2021
So was it 2 weeks and 2 days after you sent it in or after it was reported received and “in process?” Mine has been “in process” for 2 weeks today. I am stressing because my vacation is scheduled for July 3rd. Everything is paid for, we are traveling with many couples, and even the expedited service is taking longer than “normal.”
Christine Krzyszton
June 17, 2021
It was 2 weeks and 2 days from the date I sent it. Hoping you receive yours soon.
Brandon Doyle
June 18, 2021
Me too. Thank you.
Brandon Doyle
June 17, 2021
Does anyone know how accurate the renewal times are? I paid extra for expedited service as well as overnight return postage. I sent in my renewal application on Wednesday, May 26, and the Dept. of State says they received it on June 6th and that it takes 4-6 weeks to process. I am stressing because my international travel date is July 3rd. Most people were reassuring me with their story of receiving their passport in 3 weeks, but today marks the 3-week mark that I sent it in and it is still processing. I know Covid has affected issuing times, but I am hoping the 4-6 week time is the worst case. I am freaking out because our trip is in 2 weeks and we have prepaid for quite a bit. None of the 3rd party expediting service companies can offer anything but the 4-6 week expediting times either, which does not help me at all. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
TJ
July 03, 2021
Did you get yours? I sent it in mid-April and still haven’t received anything, although I did select standard processing.
Maria Lopez
June 22, 2021
How do you write other names used on DS-82 line 9 if the name is too long for the space?
Jarrod West
June 22, 2021
Hi Maria,
Are you filling out the online form? If so it allows up to 35 characters each for your first, middle, and last name. I would imagine that should be more than enough space, even if you have multiple middle or last names. Here is a link to the form page I am referring to.
Jeromy Cole
August 18, 2021
I applied for a renewed passport by mail and the website gave me an estimated delivery date. When the envelope arrived, it had my old passport and not my new passport. We have tried to contact the passport support people but they have all given us the runaround and said there is nothing they can do to help us. It seems to me that they processed my passport but then accidentally sent me the old passport instead of the new passport. Any suggestions?
Christine Krzyszton
August 19, 2021
Hi Jeromy. Normally, the old passport is returned but it is sent in a separate package from the new one. You might want to ask for the package tracking information for the new passport. There should be 2 tracking numbers, one for the old and one for the new.
Jeromy Cole
August 20, 2021
Thank you for your reply. Who do I ask? When I call the phone numbers, the person on the phone says they can not access that information and they tell us to check the website. The website, however, does not list mail tracking information and instructs us to call the phone numbers.
Christine Krzyszton
August 20, 2021
There is some information here on assistance with tracking: https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/what-to-do-if-i-still-dont-have-my-passport-and-i-travel-in-7-days.html
Sorry, you are having trouble. If you tell them you checked the website, you saw an estimated delivery date, it is now past that delivery date and you have not received it, there should be assistance to track it down. Another option is to visit a passport agency depending, of course, on your access to one.
Linda S Bentley
January 27, 2023
Two weeks after mailing my passport renewal, I noticed that the second page was not sent. It was in the envelope at some point, and probably didn’t get added when I added the check. What action or actions should I take now, if any?
Jarrod West
January 28, 2023
Hi Linda,
If the second page was not sent then it is very likely your application will be returned to you, and you’ll have to resend the documents.
Tracy
July 15, 2023
Hi Linda, I have the same issue. What ended up happening? I have read on other threads that they can send a letter requesting additional information. Did this happen in your case? If so, how long did it delay the process? Thank you!
Linda S Bentley
April 11, 2023
Thank you Jarrod. Will I be able to renew or will I now have to reapply? Perhaps instructions will be included.
Jarrod West
April 13, 2023
Hi Linda,
You would need to reapply, but most likely you should just be able to resend the documents you already completed along with the second page filled out.
rosa
May 16, 2023
Hello, if a child is under the age of 10 and her/his passport needs to be renewed but she/he parents are not available to be there, but the grandmother is the legal guardian, what steps do I need to take?
Keri Stooksbury
May 17, 2023
Hi Rosa. Passports for minors cannot be renewed – you have to start from scratch again in the application process (we have great tips in this guide). According to our guide, “Parental consent must be given to those under the age of 16 and they cannot apply alone. Both parents or guardians must be present and consent, if available. If a parent can’t be present, the other must bring an affidavit granting permission to give the child a passport. If there is only 1 guardian, then proof can be provided by presenting a proper court order or death certificate.” More details can be found on the Department of State website. Thanks for reading!
Whitney
August 28, 2023
Hello, I have lost my passport during my move and had my last name changed since passport was first created. Would I only need to submit DS-011 form and start from scratch? I am in a time crunch with needing mine urgently. Any advice would help.
Christine Krzyszton
September 04, 2023
Hi Whitney. If the lost passport has expired less than 5 years ago, you do not need to report it lost/stolen, you would submit the DS-11 with your current name. You will be able to list previously used names on the form. If the passport is not expired, you should report it lost/stolen. Then, you must apply in person and use the DS-11. You would be able to change the name at that time also.
Raju
August 31, 2023
I applied for the renew my passport and received a new passport in 7 weeks. However, it is valid for one year only. Why is that? My previous passport has not expired and my name has not changed.
Jarrod West
August 31, 2023
Hi Raju,
I’m not sure why they would have given you a temporary passport. Have you called to inquire about this?
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