Adult passports last ten years, after which you must renew them. You can also renew your passport before it expires if it has run out of pages. The passport offices make the renewal process easy by allowing applicants to send their applications by mail. Let’s look at how to mail passport renewal to ensure you get a new passport in time for your next trip:
Do You Qualify For Passport Renewal by Mail?
While passport renewal by mail is convenient, it does not apply to everyone. So, before sending any documents to the passport offices, ensure you meet all the qualifications below:
- You have the passport: When submitting your application, you must send your most recent passport to the passport offices. This passport serves as your proof of identification and U.S. citizenship. If you don’t have the passport, you must report it lost or stolen and apply for a new one.
- The passport is in good condition: Over the years, passports suffer normal wear and tear, such as slight folding of the pages. These changes are okay, and your passport is still acceptable. However, if the damage is extensive, such as water damage or permanent markings, you cannot apply for passport renewal by mail. Instead, you should apply for a passport replacement.
- The passport has not been reported lost or stolen: Suppose you have ever filed a report stating you have lost your passport or it has been stolen. The passport offices invalidate it, barring anyone from using it. As such, you cannot present that passport as proof of citizenship as it is no longer valid. You will need to apply for a new passport instead.
- You got the passport within the last fifteen years: While expired passports are eligible for renewal, this only applies to passports issued in the last fifteen years. If your passport’s issue date is over fifteen years ago, you cannot enjoy passport renewal by mail and will need to get a new one instead.
- You got the passport aged 16 and above: Passports issued to people below 16 are only valid for five years and are not eligible for renewal. If your last passport had a five-year validity period, you must apply for a new one as an adult applicant.
- You have not changed your name or have evidence supporting the name change: People who have changed their names since getting their last passports must present enough documentation to justify the change. For example, a married woman can use their marriage certificate to explain the name change.
- The passport is full validity: The U.S. passport offices issue full-validity and limited-validity passports. The latter are not eligible for passport renewal by mail. You must apply for a new passport instead.
If you do not qualify for passport renewal by mail, you can always talk to our team regarding your passport options. We will happily get you the right passport for your travel needs.
How to Mail Passport Renewal?
People applying for passport renewal by mail need to present similar documents to new passport applicants. However, unlike new applicants, they don’t need to submit documents to an acceptance agent. Additionally, they do not need to present different documents to prove their identity and citizenship, as the most recent passport serves this role.
How to Renew Your Passport By Mail
Missing documents or incorrect details are leading causes of passport renewal delays. To avoid these issues, you should proceed as follows:
- Complete form DS-82: This renewal form records your details, including the previous passport issuance date. You should complete it accurately, as passport offices share records with other authorities like the IRS. You can request additional pages or a passport card when renewing your passport.
- Include your most recent passport book: If you want to renew a passport card, you should include it, too. The passport office will return your current passport once it has processed your new one.
- Attach name change documents: People who have changed their names since receiving their previous passports must include documents that support the changes. Examples include marriage certificates and divorce decrees that bear their current names. If you have not changed your name, you can skip this step.
- Add two passport photos: The U.S. passport photo guidelines dictate the right way to take a photo, including what you should wear. Photos that do not meet these requirements are unacceptable and result in passport delays. If you need help deciding which photo to include, you can contact our TVP team, which can get you a high-quality image within expedited timelines.
- Insert your payment: You can pay for the passport renewal via a personal check or a money order. The check or money order should bear the passport applicant’s full name and date of birth. Additionally, you should ensure the check or money order is payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”
Double-check the documents to ensure you have included all the requirements.
Mail the Documents
When you are ready to start the renewal process, you should sign and date the DS-82 form. Then proceed as follows:
- Select an envelope big enough to hold the documents: Understanding what envelope to use for passport renewal is integral to the safety of your documen You should choose a tamper-resistant envelope that can contain your sensitive documents, ensuring that unauthorized people do not access them. Also, choose an envelope with security features like reinforced edges, internal padding, and water-resistant material.
- Insert the documents in the envelope: All the documents required for passport renewal should go into the envelope. You should not fold any documents, as this is unacceptable. Instead, slip them in as they are, ensuring they lie straight in the envelope so that none of them develop creases. Seal the envelope and check for any gaps that could interfere with the security features.
- Address the envelope to the passport office in your state: Knowing where to mail passport renewal ensures you send your documents to the right office to avoid processing delays. You can get this information from page 2 in your DS-82 form.
- Use United States Postal Service (USPS) mailing services to deliver the envelope: You can choose between the tiers, some of which include express delivery.
- Track your application’s status: USPS tracking lets you know when your envelope has arrived.
The passport office will review your documents and process the passport if everything meets the requirements. You should receive a new passport ten to thirteen weeks after applying.
Expedited Passport Renewal
Passport renewal by mail often takes weeks to months to complete due to the backlogs in passport offices. Sometimes, people wait up to five months before receiving new passports. Luckily, you can skip the lines with our services, which have the following perks:
- Expedited processing: We offer a variable timeline that ranges from a few days to weeks. So, if you need a passport by next week, we can get you one!
- Document review services: Our team will ensure your documents meet all the requirements before submitting the application.
- Convenient drop-off locations: You can send or drop off your documents at a TVP office near you.
Did we mention we offer courier services? Renew your passport today and enjoy convenience and speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of envelope should I use to mail my passport application?
The U.S. Department of State recommends using a strong, non-bendable envelope large enough to hold your passport application materials without folding them. A flat, sturdy, oversized envelope is ideal.
Can I use a regular letter-sized envelope to mail my passport?
No, a regular letter-sized envelope is not recommended as it may not provide adequate protection for your passport documents and could lead to delays in processing.
Should I include a return envelope with my passport application?
Yes, you should include a self-addressed, sturdy envelope with appropriate postage for the return of your completed passport. The U.S. Department of State recommends using a trackable delivery method for the return envelope as well.
