Whether you regularly travel the world or are planning your first adventure outside the country, you’ll need the same thing: a valid US passport. however, getting a passport can be easier said than done, especially if you’re short on time with an upcoming trip. so what is the easiest way to get a new or renewed passport?
Fortunately, there are a few options available to you. Let’s take a look at the easiest (and fastest) ways to get a valid passport book or card, and how much you can expect to spend.
new US passport application or passport renewal?
First, you need to decide if you are going to submit a new application or if you need to renew your US passport. this will determine your application options.
If you’ve never had a passport before, you’re obviously submitting a new application. that’s easy. but what if you have an expired passport, need to change your name or have lost your original book/card? the answer is in the details.
Yours is essentially a “new” application, and you must apply for your passport in person, if any of the following conditions are met:
- you are applying for your first us license. passport
- you are under 16 years old
- your previous us passport uu. your passport was issued when you were under 16 years old
- you do not have your old passport in hand and cannot submit it with your renewal application because it was lost, stolen or damaged
- your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago
however, if you have an expired passport on hand, that is not badly damaged or mutilated and was issued less than 15 years ago (after 16), you will renew it by mail.
renew by mail
Renewal by mail is the easiest way to get your next passport. in fact, renewing by mail is required if you meet the criteria and do not need to apply for a new passport in person.
Online renewal requires you to use Form DS-82. you can use this form if your most recent passport book/card:
- can be shipped with your application (not lost, stolen or subsequently found)
- is in good condition and not mutilated or damaged
- is issued after age 16
- was issued less than 15 years ago
- is in your current name or if you changed your name due to marriage or court order (and you can present certified documentation to support this change)
- was not limited from the normal 10-year validity period (due to excessive loss/theft, default, etc.)
If all of the above is true, you can easily renew by mail. You will need to include your most recent passport, form ds-82, an updated passport photo, payment for the new book and/or card, and any documentation that supports the requested name change.
fees for a renewed standard passport are $110 (adults)/$80 (under 16 years) for the passport book, $30 (adults)/$15 (under 16 years) for the passport card and $140 ( adults)/$95 (under 16) 16) for both the book and the card. Please note that the passport card cannot be used for air travel; only valid for land/sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda and the caribbean.
Renewal by mail is by far the easiest method, but it does take some time. the average passport renewal requires 4-6 weeks for routine service. however, if you need to have your passport in hand even sooner, you can choose the expedited option on your ds-82 form.
mail delivery
If you are renewing by mail but want/need your passport in hand faster than the typical 4-6 weeks, you can expedite your application. this involved additional fees, but you will receive the new book or card in about 2-3 weeks.
To accelerate by mail, you will need to follow the same process as above, to renew by mail. however, in addition to your normal processing fees, you will need to include a $60 expediting fee with your application. you must also write “expedite” on the outside of your envelope when you mail the package. To get there as quickly as possible and start the renewal process sooner, you can send your envelope to the passport office.
If you want to speed up the process even more, you can include another $15.89 for overnight return service. this ensures that once your passport is ready, it will be sent to you via overnight service rather than regular mail. this could potentially reduce the time it takes you to receive your new passport by another few days.
apply in person
If you are required to apply in person, you will need to use Form DS-11. applications can be completed at an acceptance facility. these are found in many post offices, public libraries, municipal offices, and court clerks. To find the nearest acceptance center and schedule an appointment, search here.
If you apply in person, you will need to bring a few things with you. these include:
- us evidence citizenship (bring a photocopy with you)
- your government-issued ID (bring a copy of this too)
- a passport photo that meets the application requirements (some facilities acceptance services, but be sure to ask in advance)
- your completed ds-11 form
- applicable fees
When you apply for your passport at an acceptance center, you will need to pay additional fees. you can expect to pay $145 (adults)/$115 (under 16) for passports, $65 (adults)/$50 (under 16) for passport cards, and $175 (adults)/$130 (under 16 ) for a book and a card.
As with renewals by mail, in-person passport applications can be expedited. this requires the same $60 rush fee, which will speed up the process from 4-6 weeks to approximately 2-3 weeks. If you would like to upgrade to overnight delivery once your passport is ready, you can also pay the $15.89 expedited shipping fee at the time of application.
get your passport as soon as possible
If you’re traveling internationally in less than two weeks, or have a life-threatening emergency that requires you to travel out of the country immediately, there are ways to expedite the process even faster. of course, it will cost you.
Traveling in less than 2-3 weeks and can’t wait for standard expedited passport service? then you will need to apply in person at a passport agency or center. there are several of these throughout the country, and they will be able to help you obtain your passport book and/or card before your trip.
You will need to bring the same documentation as the original application or renewal, as well as any applicable fees (including the issuance fee). You will also need to provide proof of immediate international travel in order for the agency or facility to process your application as soon as possible.
If there has been a life-threatening emergency and you need to travel out of the country immediately (within 72 hours), it is possible to get your passport in as little as 24 hours. you will have to call the usa uu. state department to make your emergency passport appointment. their number is 877-487-2778 or 202-647-4000 if calling after hours.
For your emergency passport service, you will still need to provide the same documentation and fees as the expedited services listed above. You will also need to bring proof of the emergency. this may include:
- signed (and translated) death certificate
- morgue statement
- signed letter from a hospital or medical professional
US passport services
If you want to take some of the stress out of getting your passport (especially if you need it quickly) and don’t mind paying an extra fee to do so, check out passport services. there are some available that guarantee your passport in as little as 24 hours.
processing times across the us. uu. state department remain the same. however, these passport processing companies will take care of all the legwork of the process for you; Some, like passportsyvisas.com, are located in Washington, DC and are licensed by the United States. passport agency.
services can range from $89 to $250, plus state department processing fees.
There are also companies that aim to make your passport renewal process even easier. one company, itseasy, makes it really simple. you can use your smartphone to take your passport photo through their app. the app will resize the image appropriately and everything else, and offer a digital or print-and-ship delivery service.
The app will also help you choose the right application form, navigate questions, and provide a prepaid/trackable shipping label. then they will review all your documents for you to make sure nothing has been forgotten or left out. Once they’ve done their part, they’ll safely deliver your documents to the state department for processing.
the fee for a service like itseasy ranges from $89 to $269 per passport application.
There are several ways to obtain a valid passport. Whether you’re renewing by mail, getting emergency processing in person, or anything in between, there are plenty of options available. If the standard 4-6 week processing is too much for you, you can even get a passport in as little as 24 hours. then you’ll be ready for your next international adventure!