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Can I travel internationally during passport renewal process?

Question: If I use the renew by mail process, can I travel internationally using a photocopy of my passport while awaiting the return of the passport (since renewal by mail requires sending current passport)?


Answer: No, you cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. Photocopies of passports are not acceptable. If you need your passport to travel internationally and do not have time to wait for routine processing, then you can apply for expedited passport renewal.

By mail, this process takes 2-3 weeks. The application can be processed the same day at a regional agency.

Applicants who either cannot travel to the location of a regional processing center or do not want to can request the assistance of a registered passport expediting service.

Comments for Can I travel internationally during passport renewal process?

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Renew of a valid passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I don’t know if the rules have been changed. In 2013, I applied to renew my passport while it was still valid but the visa pages were full. The valid passport was left with me until I received the new one.

Answer: You need to submit your most recent passport (valid or expired) with the rest of the application requirements.

Passport services no longer issues additional pages so you may want to request for the non-regular 52-page passport book. The old passport will be returned to you once the renewal process is completed.
Parallel process
by: Rajiv

Question: This does present issues for individuals who frequently travel abroad and sometimes cannot predict their day of travel because of changes in business situations.

What instead should happen is that the old valid passport should be returned immediately after authentication and let the person be able to travel while the new passport is being processed, printed and sent.

Answer: Citizens who travel frequently and need to submit his/her passport for visas have the option to apply for a second passport.

Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

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Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

Read them in order or click the question you most want answered.

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