Renewing Your U.S. Passport: Everything You Need to Know

If you're a U.S. citizen planning to travel internationally, you'll need a passport. A passport is an internationally recognized document that verifies your identity and citizenship. Most people choose to renew their passports every ten years, but it's important to know that passports expire after five years for adults and three years for children under the age of 16. So, if you're planning a trip and your passport is approaching its expiration date, you'll need to renew it before you go. Texas Passport Center is ready to help if you need to Renew Expired Passport in Houston. 

Here's everything you need to know about renewing your U.S. passport.

The Renewal Process

The renewal process is pretty simple. You can renew your passport by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility or Regional Passport Agency. If you qualify, you may be able to renew your passport by submitting Form DS-82, which is available on the State Department website. However, if you do not qualify for Form DS-82, you will need to submit Form DS-11, which must be completed in person at a passport acceptance facility or Regional Passport Agency. 

To renew your passport by mail, simply complete the proper form (DS-82 if you qualify; DS-11 if you don't) and submit it, along with your most recent passport, two identical color photographs taken within the last six months, and the appropriate fee. You can find more information about acceptable photographs here. Once your application is processed, you'll receive your new passport in the mail within 4-6 weeks. 

If you need your new passport sooner than that, you can schedule an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency or select an expedited service when submitting Form DS-11 in person at a passport acceptance facility. Be aware that there is an additional fee for expedited service—but it's worth it if you need your new passport in a hurry! 

Note: If your current passport is lost or stolen, you will need to submit Form DS-64 instead of Form DS-82 or DS-11 when applying for a renewal. 

What You'll Need to Renew Your Passport     In addition to the proper form (DS-82 or DS-11), you'll need to submit the following items when renewing your U.S. passport: 

     -Your most recent U.S. passport 

     -Two color photographs were taken within the last six months 

     -An application fee 

If you're renewing by mail (using Form DS-82), you'll also need to include a check or money order for the appropriate fees; if you're renewing in person (using Form DS-11), you can pay with cash, check, or credit card. For more information on fees and how to pay them, visit the State Department website. 

Conclusion:  

Renewing your U.S. passport is a relatively simple process whether you do it by mail or in person—but it's important to understand exactly what's required before starting the process. By following the steps laid out above, you can ensure that your renewal goes smoothly and that you get your new passport in plenty of time for your upcoming international travel plans!

Texas Passport Center is a passport services agency that provides an additional fee to hand-carry passport applications to the Passport Agency. We specialize in providing our services to Houston and the surrounding regions of Texas. Our team of experts are available at 713-730-4530 to answer any questions you may have about passports and visas. 

Name: Texas Passport Center

Address:410 Pierce St.Suite 310, Houston, Texas

Contact No:713-730-4530