Should I renew my expired passport or apply for a new one?

by Thomas
(Auburn, Al, USA)

Question: My expired passport has this typed on the last page "this passport expires on Oct 23 2008. Replacement may be issued under 22 CFR 51.41." Maybe this can help the process.

Answer: You can renew your passport by mail if you meet all the criteria. These include:

* Your most recent passport is not damaged and you can submit it with the application.

* Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older.

* The expired passport was issued in your current name or you can legally document the name change.

If you meet all these criteria, then you can renew the expired passport by mail.

Besides the usual requirements, the endorsement at the end of your expired passport also requires you to submit proof of citizenship. Any one of the following service this purpose.

* a U.S. birth certificate; or
* a U.S. naturalization certificate; or
* a U.S. certificate of citizenship; or
* a U.S. consular report of birth abroad; or

Together with the proof of citizenship, you need to send the completed application form DS-82, two passport photos and payment for the fee to the address on the application.

Regular processing takes 4-6 weeks. Expedites service takes 2-3 weeks. If you need to renew your passport faster, you can either visit the New Orleans Passport Agency or authorize a private passport expediting service to do it for you.