How to Renew Your Passport at the Post Office

If you do not have much time to renew your passport, you can choose an alternative, i.e., use a postal delivery service. It can also be the best option when you’re on a business trip in another state and your passport will expire soon.

Luckily, there are thousands of post offices you can visit in every state across the United States, such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS. And they definitely offer passport renewal services. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the expedited passport delivery service they provide.

So, how do you renew your passport at the post office, and what must be completed?

Passport Renewal Overview

Passport renewal is an extension of the passport validity period while the passport is still valid. Every time a passport is extended, the validity period will be in accordance with that specified in the previous passport.

• • If your passport was issued when you were under 16 years old, it will be valid for 5 years.
  • If your passport was issued when you were 16 years old or older, it will be valid for 10 years.

The best time to extend your passport is at least nine months before it expires, especially if you have plans to travel outside the United States. However, you will need your valid passport when dealing with airlines, entering other countries, and returning to US ports of entry.

In the case of having a valid visa, you can still use it, but you cannot use your expired passport for travel.

When you renew your passport, the number on the new passport will be different from the number on your old one.

When Should You Renew Your Passport?

Before flying to travel outside the United States, you must first check your passport to see if it is still valid. The following are a few conditions when you really have to renew your passport:

• If your passport is expired

The main reason you have to renew your passport is because it has expired. The validity period will depend on the age at which you obtained your previous passport.

For those of you who are younger than 16 years old, your passport may only be valid for a few years after it is issued. For those of you who are older, you may not need to renew it.

If you are traveling outside the United States, be sure to check whether your destination has any validity requirements. In European countries, for example, your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining before you leave. If you don’t discover it beforehand, this may result in being denied boarding.

• If your passport is expiring soon

It’s a good idea to renew your passport early before the passport expires for those who will travel internationally, as recommended by the U.S. Department of State and USA.gov.

• If your passport is damaged

If you leave your passport in your trouser or jacket pocket, and accidentally wash it, you can still renew it as long as it experiences normal wear and tear, and is not seriously damaged. If yours is damaged, it needs to be replaced with a new one, especially if the book cover is damaged.

• If your passport is full

Some countries require you to have two to four blank pages to enter. And if your passport is still valid, you can apply for an extension of your passport. The standard passport book is 28 pages, while the extended passport has 52 pages.

Can You Renew Your Passport at the Post Office?

Yes, of course! Almost all postal delivery providers offer passport renewal services. But there are some requirements you should meet since not everyone can renew their passport.

Actually, you do not have to go to the post office when renewing your passport. But if you prefer to do so, it’s fine. You can buy it and select the postage yourself. Then you can directly drop off the envelope containing your application since passport renewal can be handled entirely at the post.

Here’s the step-by-step process to renew your passport at the post office!

Step 1: Check the eligibility for passport renewal

You can qualify for renewing your passport at the post office if you can answer “yes” to five of the following questions:

1. 1. Is your passport renewal application in your possession?
   2. Is your old passport undamaged other than normal “wear and tear”?
   3. Was your old passport issued when you were 16 years old or older?
   4. Was your old passport issued within the last 15 years?
   5. Was your old passport issued in your current name, or can you document your name change?

If there is a question with the answer “no,” then you’re not eligible to renew your old passport. You can instead apply for a first-time passport.

Note: Only adult passports can be renewed through the post office. It means that minors cannot do it.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents

If you’re exactly eligible to renew your passport, what’s next is to prepare any documents to complete your application package. Here’s what you should do:

• • Fill out the Passport Renewal Application Form (DS-82) here → pptform.state.gov/?Submit2=Complete+Online+%26+Print
  • Print and sign the form.
  • Have your passport photo. This can only be done by scheduling an appointment at your designated post office location.
  • Calculate the fees for passport renewal.
  • Select an envelope. It’s best if you choose an envelope large enough to fit your application documents without folding it.

After all of them are completed, you can collect them and put them in an envelope, including your current passport, signed application form, renewal fees, and name change documents, if necessary.

Last, you can write the address in the envelope containing the location for your state. The earlier you submit your application, the faster the process is.

Step 3: Mail your passport renewal application

After your application is ready to ship, you will have to select one of the postal delivery services. If you use USPS, you can choose one of the following:

• • USPS Priority Mail® Service with Signature Confirmation
  • USPS Priority Mail® Service with Delivery Confirmation
  • USPS Priority Mail Express® Service (for overnight delivery requests)

Step 4: Follow the progress of your application

When mailing your application with USPS, you can track your application progress through the USPS Tracking tool, which can be accessed on the USPS website.

On average, it may take up to four weeks from the time you file your application until its status changes to “In Process.” During these weeks, your application will be delivered to a mail facility, your payment will be processed, and your application will be scanned and delivered to the U.S. Department of State.

Then, you can check the processing status of your application on the Department of State website, approximately 5–6 weeks after you submitted your application.

Okay, those are the steps you can take to renew your passport at the post office.

How to Get Your Renewed Passport Faster

Of course, you have to pay additional fees if you want to get your renewed passport faster. If you’re willing to pay more, the U.S. The Department of State will renew your passport in just 10 weeks.

This method is good for those who want to travel internationally in the near future. You can also contact the Department of State Passport Agent at 1-877-487-2778 if you have an urgent travel or emergency.

If you use USPS, you can use Priority Mail Express and pay $60 for expedited service. You may take your renewed passport within 10 weeks.

The Best Tips to Smoothly Renew Your Passport at the Post Office

You may need extra effort if you want your passport renewal application to run smoothly. To make it easier for you, there are several things you can do, including:

1. Schedule an appointment at the post office

At every post office that provides passport extensions, there are often specially trained staff to assist with applications and questions regarding passports.

Of course, this person will handle your application. So, make sure to meet in person so you can explain in as much detail as possible if you have questions.

Unfortunately, these staff may not be available all the time, or the passport service at the post office may be busy. What you should do is make an appointment first. Make sure to check the post office’s peak hours before scheduling.

2. Re-check your documents

Before going to the post office, you must double-check the documents required for passport renewal. If you leave even one document behind, be prepared to waste your time, and your passport renewal may be delayed.

3. Have your photo taken early

Most post offices provide passport photo services. If you don’t want to waste time, you can just take your photo at the post office while processing your application at the same time.

However, having your photo ready at the time of your appointment can eliminate an extra step in your passport renewal process.