How to Renew an Expired US Passport on a Short Notice?

Planning for that much-awaited family trip to Europe?  Check your passports. Before even looking at the airfare, make sure you and your entire family is allowed to board the aircraft. Unless you are a frequent flyer, chances are high that the passport gets tucked away in some obscure corner of the bookcase almost forgotten, often lying dormant way past the expiry date.

Even though there are expedited passport services available, they are definitely not worth your tension and mental harassment.  In case you need to use these expedite services below is a detailed description of all the steps that you should follow. Fortunately, the entire process can be done through mail, which can save a big amount of your productive time

Step 1- Find a post office that can process your passport renewal application. There are certain post offices that have the exclusive rights to process such applications. The best way to do this is to check out the website of Department of State. Besides a post office, there are other institutions like a public library or county clerk offices, which can process the passport application.

Step 2- Get 2 passport size photographs and call up your local courier who handles passport services and schedule an appointment.

Step 3- The third and the most important step is to fill up the renewal form correctly. In most cases, people use the standardized DS-82 passport renewal form. In case you are below 16 years of age, you are required to fill up a DS 11 form.

Step 4- You can get the forms from any USPS branch, which provides express passport service or get a print out from the online portal. If you take the printout, remember to take only one side print out. Fill out all the information in black ink.

Step 5- Get the perfect passport size photo. The measurements should ideally be 2cm X 2cm. The photo should not be older than 6 months.  Failure to provide the correct photo may result in the application being rejected

Step 6- Visit the post office where you have previously made an appointment and carry all your documents like your old passport, proof of citizenship, employee identification card and all other documents mentioned on thee form. Ensure that you are not late for the appointment.

Step 7- Make your payment depending upon, which group of passport holder you belong to. If all your documents are found to be genuine and acceptable, you can expect your passport in a week’s time or may be even less

Passport is one of the most vital documents of identification beyond the borders of your country. Always carry it safely with you wherever you go during your overseas trip.