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

Do I get to keep my old passport?

by Anish
(Niles, IL)

Question: I have an Indian Visa that is valid for 2 more years. They have told me that the visa is valid as long as I carry both my old and new passports to India. I am planning to go to India in December and my passport expires in November. I have to renew my passport but want to save money on the visa.


Answer: That is true for visas to many countries. However, the last word that we have is that the remaining validity of your visa should be transferred to your new passport. The process is the same as if applying for a new visa to India except the cost is less.

The first step is to renew your current passport. It will be returned to you along with the new one. The old, canceled passport will be sent separately from the new passport so they may arrive on different days. The State Department recommends that passport holders apply to renew their passport approximately 9 months before they expire. Since yours expires in November, you are encouraged to submit the application and supporting documents soon.

You can access full instructions and download the application form by clicking the link below.

How to Renew a U.S. Passport

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Old passport never received
by: Heather

Question: I renewed my passport by mail and never received my old one back. How can I get it?

Answer: If it has been more than 10 days since you received your new passport, call 1-877-487-2778 to speak with a customer service representative. If the passport was sent but never arrived, contact the local USPS for assistance.

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UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand 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 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.

Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

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 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.

For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.

If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC.

A registered expedited passport courier can often assist in obtaining a passport as quickly as the same day. You can learn more about this service here.

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