Is it faster to renew my passport at a post office than mailing it in?

by Kavin
(Brooklyn, NY)

Question: I'm a little hesitant to mail my currently valid passport and would rather submit my paperwork and passport to the passport office directly. Will this be faster?

Answer: Passport application acceptance agents located in local post offices do not receive applications for renewals.

Passport renewal applications must be sent by mail or submitted at a regional passport agency. However, regional agencies only attend applicants who need to travel within two weeks or less.

All U.S. citizens who apply to renew a passport have to send in their most recent passport. Millions of people do this every year.

There are a couple of things you can do to better protect your documents and ensure safe delivery. One, use a a secure means of packaging, such as a Tyvek envelope.

Two, mail your passport application and any personal documents using a traceable delivery method.

Regular processing takes 4-6 weeks. If you want your passport faster, you can request expedited service. If you do this, you need to include an additional $60 in the payment to the Department of State.

Write the word "Expedite" on the outside of the envelope. You can also accelerate the process by using two-way overnight delivery.

Note, your most recent passport will be returned to you along with your new one. However, they may arrive separately.

For complete instructions, click the link below.

How to Renew Passports