How Long Does It Take to Renew a Passport?
When your passport expires, renewing it as soon as possible is essential. The sooner you do, the better your chances are of getting a new key to travel abroad.
The process of renewing a passport can be confusing and frustrating. Luckily, there are a few ways to expedite the process:
Standard Processing
Typically, routine processing of passport renewals takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited service by mail is also available for an additional $60 fee, which can cut that turnaround time to three to five weeks.
Those with a life-or-death emergency, or an urgent international travel plan within 72 hours, can make an appointment at a passport agency for in-person processing. Applicants who need to renew their passports quickly for other reasons, like an unscheduled trip abroad, can also get this expedited service by visiting a regional agency in person and paying an additional $25 to $35 fee.
You can also opt for a courier service, which can help speed up the process by hand-delivering your application and documents to the nearest passport agency. Popular companies like GenVisa and FastPort offer this expedited service for $400 and $799, respectively, but be sure to factor in shipping costs.
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Expedited Processing
If you need a passport quickly, you can apply for expedited processing. This option takes about four to six weeks and costs 60 dollars.
In the meantime, you can also try a courier service to deliver your documents to a government agency and deliver your new passport to your door. But you’ll need to research and find the right one for your needs.
USCIS does not have a formal definition of what it considers to be an urgent situation. Still, you can generally get approved for expedited processing if you can provide evidence of an extreme humanitarian need or potential harm that could occur if your application is not processed quickly.
You can also make a case for an emergency through your local member of Congress or the USCIS Ombudsman. You can find the contact information for your congressman or ombudsperson online.
In-Person Processing
If you’re renewing your passport through in-person processing, expect a longer wait time than if you applied to the mail. Routine processing takes eight to 11 weeks, and expedited service usually adds another two weeks to the door-to-door timeline.
If your renewal requires a medical exam, schedule an appointment. This can be done at a passport office, your nearest U.S. consulate, or embassy.
You’ll also need to submit proof of your legal name change. This is a common problem when adopting children or changing your last name.
If you need a passport for an emergency, call the Life-or-Death Emergency Service or Urgent Travel Service number to see if you qualify for an appointment at one of the 27 regional passport agencies. Charges are minimal but necessary for travelers with an urgent international trip within three business days.
First-Time Passport Application
A passport is a must-have for travel overseas. If you’ve ever tried to purchase a ticket and found the expiration date has passed, you know why renewing your passport beforehand is crucial.
Routine processing will take about six weeks if you’re eligible to renew your passport by mail. You can ask for expedited service if you need access within a shorter period.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at one of our Passport Acceptance locations. However, you’ll need to schedule an appointment 14 days in advance.
You’ll need to provide proof of citizenship and a passport photo and pay a fee. You’ll also need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate and a parent-child relationship document if you are under 16.
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