How much is it to renew passport at post office

Similarly to summer holidays, nothing lasts forever, this also applies to a passport. Although 10 years seems like a long time – everything has its expiry date. What’s not an option when renewing a passport is renewing it in a passport acceptance facility, including the post office. The post office only accepts first-time passport applications.

In this article you will learn:

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How much is it to renew passport at post office

Renewing a Passport by Mail 

As established above, passport renewal using the post office is not an option. And due to the massive number of U.S  travellers, although passport procedure is time-consuming and expensive, people don’t have much choice as without a passport, travel to the majority of countries is not possible. Hence, for passport renewal, the U.S government came up with an improved option that speeds up the whole process – renewal by mail.

Renewal process by mail is a procedure that requires you to post a form (DS-82), a new passport photo and an old passport along with a fee to the State Department. This renewal procedure usually lasts up to a month. Renewal by mail is, however, only possible if all these statements are valid:

  • A person is in possession of the original (expired) passport,
  • An expired passport is not damaged,
  • It was issued when a person wasn’t a minor (16 years +),
  • It is in your current name – no legal name change was made.

Using a renewal form (DS-82) rather than applying for a new passport (DS-11), a person is not required to enclose as many documents as they would for a DS-11. Renewal only demands to enclose an old passport, a new passport photo, and a passport fee.

In a situation where a person changed their name, a court order proving a name change would be also needed. A DS-82 will have to be sent to the State Department, and a renewed passport would be sent within a month.

Find out more about passports from these articles:

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  • How to Renew Your Hong Kong Passport
  • How to Get a Passport in Oklahoma
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What to do when a Passport was Lost, Damaged, or Stolen 

For individuals that are not able to renew their passport by mail, due to unpredictable causes, then the passport would have to be reapplied for like it was applied for the first time.

In a situation where a passport was lost or stolen, passport service needs to be informed immediately, in case someone tries to use your passport. When passport service is informed they invalidate the passport for travel. It is also recommended to let the police know, so no identity fraud is committed.

Passports that were lost/stolen more than once, will result in shorter validity of the next passport. When losing more than two passports, then passport services issue passports for a shorter period of time (1-10 years).

If a passport was damaged, then a different procedure is applicable. Damaged passports would have to be given in when making an application for replacement. Replacement can be completed both online and by paper application form. Applicants would need to make sure their passport is marked as ‘damaged’ in the online application, whilst the paper application would require a section 6 to be filled in explaining why and how the passport got damaged.

Passport that was lost/stolen/damaged during holidays overseas, would have to be reported to the nearest Embassy or Consulate. Return home documentation would be provided, but a new passport would have to be applied for when returned home.

When applying for a new passport, applicants would need to fill in a DS-11 form, and provide all supporting documents – identity, citizenship, new passport photos, and pay a fee. A mail option, in this case, is not applicable. A person would have to make an appointment with the passport acceptance facility and let an agent review the application along with supporting documents. Then you would have to sign the application with an administrator under oath and pay a fee.

How to take a Correct Passport Photo?

The most common mistake when applying for a passport, that will result in instant rejection, is an incorrect passport photo. Therefore, it is essential to familiarize yourself with passport photo guidelines and to use professional services, such as our reliable U.S. passport photo maker.

Here are things that an applicant needs to know, and needs to avoid for a photo to be accepted. First of all photo specification is: 

  • Photo’s size must be 2×2 inches for US passport (51×51 mm),
  • Background color must be clear white,
  • Photo must be in color,
  • Image does not have any shadows and is focused,
  • Photo must be printed on quality paper when applying in the traditional way.

When taking photo applicants must face forward, with their eyes open, and mouth closed. Smiling is not permitted, and photos won’t be accepted if a person is smiling or frowning.

Head-wear (including; scarves, caps, hats, headbands) must be removed for the duration of the picture unless the person has a medical condition or religious belief.

Glasses may be kept on, if they are part of a person’s identity. In terms of clothing, people have to wear casual clothes for passport photos – no uniforms or white clothing is permitted. 

When taking a passport photo, people often think that it is the least important element of a passport application. This is not the case. Wrong Photo can not only delay the application but also reject it. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of common mistakes. These common mistakes include:

  • Applicants in not facing forward,
  • A person is smiling,
  • Shadows are present on the image,
  • Person is wearing a cap or a hat,
  • poor focus – picture is blurry,
  • Photo has colorful background,
  • Person is using social media filters for their photo,
  • Incorrect sizing,
  • Person holds something in the image,
  • Hair obstructs the image,
  • Piercings obstruct the image,
  • Face is not visible from ear to ear,
  • Face is not visible from chin to forehead.

If you want to learn more about requirements and guidelines for U.S. passport photos, or have a professional software take care of taking your new passport picture, have a look at Passport Photo Online – one of the easiest and fastest tools to get a legitimate passport photo.

Sources

  • [1] https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm

How much is it to renew passport at post office

Karolina’s passion for law, technology and photography led her to PhotoAiD S.A., where for the past 3 years she has been an expert in the implementation of passport photo compliance procedures in +80 countries around the world.

Can I renew my passport at the local post office?

If your passport needs renewal, you are in luck now, because you can apply for this document at a post office. Renewing your passport at the post office is one of those perks that can make your life a lot easier, especially if you don't live very close to the passport acceptance center.

How much does a US passport cost 2022?

The fee for an adult passport book is now $130 and the fee for minors is now $100. There is no increase in the fee for a passport card or expedited service. In addition, the 1-2 day return delivery fee is increasing from $17.56 to $18.32 starting Monday, January 10, 2022.

Is it cheaper to get a new passport or renew?

Renewing your passport application is cheaper than new passport applications. A new passport application costs $130 for the application and $35 for the execution fee. Passport renewals, on the other hand, are only $110.

How much does USPS charge for a passport?

The cost for an adult passport book is $110 plus a $35 processing/acceptance fee; the adult passport card is $30 plus a $35 processing fee. Both are good for ten years. The cost for a minor's passport book is $80 plus a $35 processing/acceptance fee; the minor passport card is $15 plus a $35 processing fee.