If you happen to have lost, misplaced or damaged your passport or it was stolen or expired, you need to go through the process of passport renewal. Basically, passport renewal is a service that lets you obtain a new valid passport that you can replace your old one so you can travel again. Remember that the passport is a travel document that is recognized by most foreign countries as your form of identification and proof of citizenship and nationality. Therefore, you should have your passport renewed before attempting to make new travel plans to a foreign country.
Who needs passport renewal?
Passport renewal services are for individuals whose passports were lost, damaged, or stolen. If you changed your name (i.e. for legal purposes, you got married, etc.), you also need to renew your passport as soon as possible. Remember that mutilated or altered passports can put you at risk for prosecution under the Section 1543 of Title 22 of the US Code law.
The need for renewal
When you apply for passport renewal, you need to make sure that you do it several weeks prior to your trip. The reason is because the renewal process involves a lot of steps. In fact, only a small mistake in your application form and not being able to fulfill all the requirements for passport renewals can definitely delay the processing of your new passport. If your existing passport is about to expire or has already expired, you need to renew it, too.
Reasons for renewal
You need to renew your passport because most countries will require you to have a passport that is at least 6 months valid from your entry date in your destination. This measure prevents problems ? for example, if your passport expires while you are in another country, you may not be able to leave and go home to your homeland. Remember that expired passports are not valid as proofs of citizenship in some countries, so it is high likely that you are going to experience problems returning to the US with one.
Apply by mail
You can apply for a new passport to replace your old one by mail to make things easier for you. That way, you won't have to wait in long lines anymore. You are also eligible to apply for a new passport by mail if your old one is not damaged, if you were at least 16 years old when it was first issued, if you received it in the past 15 years, or if you still have the same name in your passport. You are allowed to use the DS-82 form if you already have an existing passport and if you want to apply for a passport card as your renewal.
Need help?
Make sure you check with the experts from the US Passport Express for any help regarding your passport renewal. We understand that in some cases, you may need to have your passport renewed just in time for an upcoming trip. Let our expediting services take care of your passport so you can get it as soon as the next day.
|
