Can I apply for a renewal at a regional agency if I am reluctant to mail in my current passport?

by Mary
(Waretown, NJ, USA)

Question: My passport expires in December. I am reluctant to use the mail for renewal. I can come to Philadelphia easily. So, do I need to make an appointment or just show up? Cost? Will I get the passport then?

Will the cost be greater if one comes to the agency in person rather than using the mail. A friend used the mail and his passport was lost.

Answer: You cannot apply at a regional agency unless you can prove the need to travel within two weeks. Regional passport agencies only expedite application forms.

There is an extra fee of $60 to expedite a passport application at a regional agency.

While passports can get lost in either the processing center or the mail, it does not happen often. A couple of things you can do to minimize this risk is use a secure means of packaging such as a Tyvek envelope and send the packet by a traceable means of delivery. Again, this will minimize the risk but not eliminate it.

Another option is to apply for a new passport instead of a renewal. This will require you to submit the application and supporting documents at a local passport application office. However, you will not be required to send in your most recent passport.

For more information, click the links below.

How to Apply for a New Passport

How to Apply for a Passport Renewal

New Jersey Passport Offices