Should I renew my expired passport or apply for a new one?
by Katie
(Fairfax, VA, USA)
Question: My name is Katie. My passport was issued more than 11 years ago. My passport expired February of last year.
So my passport was issued less than 15 years ago. I was 17. But it has expired.
Also, I'm married, so my name has changed. I have all the documents needed to present/prove my name change.
My passport has slight water damage - i.e. the cover is coming off, but neither my photo nor information has been damaged. I read your page on 'damaged' passports, and would just go in-person to see what the post office says, however, I cannot find the form for 'renewing in-person and NOT by mail'. Which leads to this:
What should I do? (Please help me) AND if I should just 'renew' where is the form "for not renewing via mail but renewing in-person via post office." If I need to just apply for a 'new one' that is fine, too. Just break it to me nicely :)
Thank you for your time and effort, hope to hear from you soon.
Answer: There is no process by which you can renew a passport in person. Either you renew a passport by mail or you apply for a new passport in person.
The State Department regulation states, "If your passport has been significantly damaged,
especially the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo, you will need to apply for a new passport."
If you try to renew your passport using
Form DS-82 and the agent processing your application deems the passport significantly damaged, you will be asked to apply again using
Form DS-11. It will be a loss of both time and money.
In order to avoid this risk, you should appear at an application acceptance facility and apply for a new passport. Click the links below for more information.
New Passport RequirementsVirginia Passport Offices
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.