| Things just aren't what they used to be when it | | | | typically this should cost you no more than $20. |
| comes to travel, now more than ever you must | | | | Renewing your passport step number three: |
| have a current valid passport to travel just about | | | | Renewing your US passport via the mail. You can |
| anywhere. For most of us it's very easy to get in | | | | renew by mail if you meet all of the following criteria. |
| trouble when it comes to your passport and not | | | | One, your current U.S. document is undamaged and |
| checking to see if it's expired or going to expire soon. | | | | can be turned in with your application. Two, your |
| Correct United States documentation is often the | | | | current documents were issued to you after the age |
| last thing we think of when planning international | | | | of 16. If it was issued to you before you turned 16 |
| travel. If you have found yourself in that far too | | | | you can not renew it via the mail. Three, it was |
| often predicament of having upcoming travel plans | | | | issued to you with in the last 15 years. If it has been |
| and an expired or in correct documents here are | | | | over 15 years since it was issued to you you can not |
| some tips that can help. | | | | renew it via the mail. Four, it was issued under your |
| Renewing your passport step number one: Find your | | | | current legal name. If you have changed your name |
| old papers such as your birth certificate. If you don't | | | | legally since the last issuance you can not renew it |
| have your old passport it can be a nightmare to get | | | | via the mail. If you meet all of the above criteria |
| a new one because you must surrender your old | | | | renewing via the mail is a fairly simple process. You |
| document before the authorities will issue you a new | | | | can download and submit via mail along with your |
| one. So if you don't have it, start looking if you still | | | | current passport, photos and a check. Form DS-82 |
| can't find it contact your local United States | | | | from the State Department's website. Routine |
| Department of State office immediately, there are | | | | issuance takes typically 4 to 6 weeks via the mail. If |
| special lost forms you must fill out and this can add | | | | you pay for expedited service you can typically |
| significant time to the process of getting your new | | | | receive it via the mail in 2 to 3 weeks. |
| one. | | | | As you can see the process is not as simple as |
| Renewing your passport step number two: Get an | | | | driving down to your local post office in getting it. |
| up-to-date photo taken. You'll need two copies of | | | | Give yourself plenty of time to get all the paperwork |
| the new photo and you can get these in thousands | | | | done correctly and have your new documents mailed |
| of locations. One of the easiest and most | | | | to you. There is nothing worse than missing a |
| cost-effective places to get a photo taken is Kinko's. | | | | wonderful trip because of passport issues. |
| Most Kinko's locations offer photo services and | | | | |