Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

Can i renew my passport even if can't find it?

by john fraser
(daytona beach, florida, usa)

Question: A few years ago, my house was foreclosed upon and many of my belongings were hastily packed. Shortly after the foreclosure, I got divorced. My ex has the boxes in a storage unit that I can't get into and my expired passport is in the unit. Is there a way I can get the passport renewed even though I do not have it in my possession? (I just realized how "Jerry Springer" this sounds. Sorry)


Answer: In order to renew a passport by mail using Form DS-82, you are required to submit your previously-issued passport. If you are unable to get the expired passport, you will have to appear at an application acceptance facility in order to apply for a new passport.

This means you should complete application Form DS-11 and take it to the nearest Florida passport office along with evidence of United States citizenship, proof of identity, a copy of the ID, a current passport photo and payment for fees.

Note, you should not sign the application until requested to do so by an authorized acceptance agent.

Routine processing is estimated to take up to 6 weeks and expedited service can take up to 3 weeks. Passport renewals can be processed as quickly as the same day at the regional agency in Miami. If you need your passport renewed in a hurry but are unable to personally submit the application at the regional agency, you can authorize a third party to apply for the passport.

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Can't find expired passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I renew an expired passport that I can't find, but have a copy of the passport info page? I also have my old expired passport prior to the one I have lost. Would that physical passport suffice to get a renewal passport?

Answer: You need to be able to submit your most recently-issued passport in order to renew it. Since you do not have the actual passport, you need to submit a new application in person.
Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I would like to renew my passport but I would rather do that in person. Is it possible to renew my passport in person?

Answer: In-person renewals can be done only in regional passport agencies. At this time, regional agencies only cater to applicants in life-or-death emergencies and a limited number of applicants with non-emergency but urgent travel. If you are neither, you need to apply for a renewal by mail.
Renewing my passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I cannot find my expired passport, however I do have a photocopy of said expired passport. Could I use that? Thank you.

Answer: The actual passport needs to be submitted with the application. If you cannot find it, you need to submit a new passport application.
Expired passport
by: D Ehrler

Question: I need to renew my passport but can't find the expired one. What should I do to renew the passport?

Answer: Since you cannot send the expired passport for a renewal, you need to submit a new application. You need to do this in person at an acceptance facility. Find the closest one and schedule an appointment here: http://usps.com/scheduler.

Please prepare the following requirements:

1. Form DS-11 (to be signed in the presence of a passport agent)
2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship plus photocopy
3. Proof of identity plus photocopy
4. One new passport photo
5. Payment for fees

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COVID-19 UPDATE: Mailing delays are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility. Standard service may take between 8 and 11 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 5 to 7 weeks exluding mailing times on the front and back end. Mailing delays may be significant so requesting 1-2-day mailing may greatly help.

Regional passport agencies are offering extremely limited in-person services if you need to travel internationally in the next 72 hours. Those with qualified life-or-death emergencies are prioritized.

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 business days).

If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:

Mondays through Fridays 8 AM to 5PM, call ET 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793) Outside of these hours, 202-647-4000

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