How to Expedite a Passport Renewal - Step-by-Step Instructions for Renewing a U.S. Passport Quickly

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First, you need to complete passport application Form DS-82 which is required to renew a passport by mail. You can either complete form DS-82 online and then print it or you can download the passport renewal form to complete offline.

Information You Will Be Requested to Provide on Application Form DS-82
Forms DS-82, Page 1 1. Name 2. Date of Birth 3. Sex 4. Place of Birth 5. Social Security Number 6. Email Address 7. Contact Phone Number 8. Mailing Address 9. Other Name's Used (if any) 10. Passport Book/Card Information 11. Name Change Information	Forms DS-82, Page 2 12. Height 13. Hair Color 14. Eye Color 15. Occupation 16. Employer or School 17. Additional Contact Phone Numbers 18. Permanent Address 19. Emergency Contact 20. Travel Plans

NOTES ON COMPLETING PASSPORT APPLICATION FORM DS-82 OFFLINE:

* Make sure the printed form is clear and sharp. Blurred or illegible forms are rejected.
* Print Form DS-82 on 8 inch by 11 inch white paper with a matte surface.
* The pages of the form must by printed on one side only and be full-page size.
* Use black ink and write as legible as possible.

Click here to get Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82

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In order to get a passport renewal expedited in a hurry, it is essential that you pay attention to details concerning the supporting documents that are required. Sending unacceptable documents can result in delays and/or denial of your request for a renewed passport.

One of the requirements for renewing a passport by mail is that you be able to submit your most recent passport. The passport must meet the following criteria.

Most Recent Passport

• Cannot be damaged or mutilated.
• Had to be issued no more than 15 years ago.
• Had to be issued when you were age 16 or older.

If your most recent passport does not meet the criteria above, you cannot renew by mail using form DS-82. In this case, see the instructions on how to expedite a new passport.

To avoid processing delays, be sure your photograph meets all quality requirements and is properly submitted with your application.

Passport Photo Requirements

Applicants are required to submit one passport photos that has been taken within the past six months. The photo must be in color with a white or off-white background. The pictures must be printed on thin, photo-quality paper.

Passport Photo Attire

Your passport photos must be taken in normal street attire.

* No uniforms in photos except religious attire that is worn daily
* No hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline
* Do wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles if you usually wear them.
* Unless you have medical reasons, dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses should not be worn.

Passport Photo Size

* Full face, front view
* 2 x 2 inches in size
* Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

Passport Photo Dimensions

Examples of Acceptable Passport Photos

SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT PASSPORT PHOTOS:

* Most passport photos from vending machines are rejected.
* When submitting Form DS-11 in person, your should not attach the photos to the form.

If your name has been legally changed since the issuance of your most recent passport, then you must include an original or certified copy of the document that serves as evidence of the name change. Acceptable name change documents are listed below.

* Marriage Certificate
* Divorce Decree
* Adoption Decree
* Name Change Court Order

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After the application form has been filled in, check the data to guarantee that all information is correct and without error. Check again to guarantee that your supporting documents and passport photo are according to the standards set by Passport Services. Once these things are in order, you are ready to submit them for expediting.

Application for a passport renewal and supporting documents can be mailed at a local post office or through an express delivery service.	Regional passport agencies are processing centers where American citizens can personally submit applications and supporting documents for expedited service.	Professional passport expediters are service providers that are registered with regional agencies to represent applicants in getting passports processed as fast as the same day.
Location: Post Office	Location: 25 major cities	Location: Online
Processing time: 2-3 weeks	Processing time: 1-5 days	Processing time: 1-14 days
Pros: No need to travel to agency or pay expediter.	Pros: Fast service and no need to pay an expediter.	Pros: Fastest way to expedite passport without having to personally visit agency.
Cons: Slowest expediting method.	Cons: Making an appointment can be difficult. You may need to travel far to get to an agency. There are usually long lines.	Cons: Additional fees are required.
Click to expedite a passport at a passport office	Click to expedite a passport renewal at a passport agency	Click to expedite a passport renewal at a passport expediter