What Documents Are Required To Renew Us Passport

by Craig W. Long Same Day Passport Services Available

Your Passport is your travel authorization. Your Passport allows you to travel to other countries and the United States. Although it is easy to obtain a passport, you will need some things. Here are details on passport requirements to allow you to travel worldwide. Below are the general documents for renewing an expired passport in Houston, with brief explanations for each.

Documents Needed to Renew a Passport | Getaway USA

You Must Be A US Citizen

Passports can be applied for by citizens or non-citizens of the United States. Green card holders often email us asking how to apply for a US Passport.

If they have not first been naturalized as citizens of the United States, this is impossible. The applicant must prove they are a US citizen to obtain a US passport.

Complete The Appropriate Application Form

Each Service requires a separate passport application form. The appropriate form must be completed entirely. You may be delayed if you do not answer any questions.

However, applicants should not knowingly give false information. The instructions included with each form will help you navigate the process. Applications are short and take only a few moments to complete. Black ink is required for filling out the printed documents.

Texas Passport Center offers an online service for renewing an expired passport in Houston. Our experts will verify the accuracy of the form once you have completed it. Texas Passport Center meets all government standards and has high accuracy.

All Relevant Documents Must Be Submitted

Each Service has its application form and supporting documents. The most common documents requested are:

You must prove your US citizenship to receive a passport.

Birth Certificate from The United States: This must be either an original or certified copy of a long-form certificate with the names of your parents, which was issued by the municipality where you were born. Hospital birth certificates are not acceptable.
Previous US Passport: Both expired, and current passports are accepted. You may need to provide proof of citizenship if your appearance has changed significantly since the Passport was issued.
Original or certified copy of a US naturalization Certificate.
You could submit an original consular record of birth abroad (Form FS-244) or certification of the birth report (Form DS-1350) if you were born to a US parent.
File search: You can request a file search from the Passport Agency if you have previously received a passport but it has been lost or stolen. This form must be submitted along with an additional $150 fee.

You must provide proof of identification. All forms of identification are acceptable:

A naturalization certificate
An old US passport
A valid driver's license
A current government ID card
A recent military ID card

Photocopy of ID: You must bring your identification with a copy of its front and back.

Passport photo: Nearly any professional photo service will take your passport photo. However, it must be 2x2 inches in full color with a white background. Your head should be 25-35 millimeters in length, measured from the chin to the top of the head. Also, the photograph must be at least six months old. It should be taken from the front.

Name change document: If your last travel document was issued after your name changed, you could apply for a name modification on your Passport. Several factors will determine the passport application and supporting documentation that you submit.

Marriage Certificate - This is the most common reason to request a passport name modification. A marriage certificate is required as evidence in this instance. You can usually indicate name changes in a marriage license section, which is unnecessary for every state. Some marriage certificates only contain names before marriage. If the marriage certificate includes both your maiden and your husband's names, it is substantial proof that your name has changed. Some states offer a "longer" and "shorter" marriage record. The "short form" is usually used only for informational purposes and should not be used for official purposes. The "long" form is required for passport name changes.
Divorce decree - If a person has been divorced and adopted a new legal identity, they can submit either the original or certified copy of the order to prove it. The state may give the document a different name, such as Dissolution of Marriage Records. In some states, certified copies can only be obtained through the Vital Records Bureau. However, they are available in other states through the County, City, or Town Clerk's Office.
Adoption Decree - A Decree of Adoption - A legal agreement signed by a judge. This document is a declaration that an adoption process has been completed. This document is the legal basis of the parent-child relationship. The child's health and well-being are the sole responsibility of the new Passport. This document establishes the child's new identity and states their name.
Court Order - A court order is required for individuals who wish to legally change their name for reasons other than divorce, marriage, or adoption. The procedure involves filling out an application form and paying a fee to the county clerk's office. Some states require that the applicant publish legal notices in local papers. This process could take up to three months.

You will be notified by mail if additional documents are required. Each passport service has its list of approved primary documents and secondary documents. Pay close attention to each document's specifications to avoid delays.

Pay Your Passport Fees

Passport fees can be either mandatory or optional. The fees will vary depending on which passport service you need and how quickly you need your travel document. You can pay by Bank Checks (personal and certified), cashier's, traveler's, and money orders payable at the "US Department of State."