Renewing a Passport by Mail
It is not possible to renew your passport at the post office, as we have already stated. Due to the large number of U.S travelers, passport renewal is expensive and time-consuming. However, it is impossible to travel to most countries without a passport. The U.S government has a better option for passport renewal: renewal via mail.
The renewal process via mail requires that you post a form (DS-82) along with a passport photo and a fee to State Department. The renewal process can take up to one month. However, renewal by mail is only possible if all statements are valid:
- The original passport (expired) is still in the person's possession.
- A passport that is expired cannot be damaged.
- It was only issued to a person who wasn't a minor (16+).
- It is your current name. There was no legal name change.
A renewal form (DS-82)is used instead of applying for a passport (DS-11). The person does not need to attach as many documents as they would with a DS-11. A renewal only requires that an old passport, a passport photo and a passport fee be enclosed. A court order would also be required if a person has changed their name. The State Department will need to receive a DS82 and a renewed passport within a month.
How to handle a lost, stolen, damaged, or stolen passport
Individuals who are unable to renew their passport via mail due to unpredicted reasons will have to reapply for it. Passport service must be notified immediately if a passport is lost or stolen . This will prevent someone from using your passport. Passport service will cancel your passport if they are notified. Also, it is a good idea to inform the police so that identity fraud is not committed. A passport that has been lost or stolen more than once will have a shorter validity. Passport services will issue passports with a shorter validity period (1-10 years) if more than one passport is lost.
A different procedure applies if a passport is damaged. When applying for a replacement, damaged passports must be provided. Online and paper applications can both be used to replace damaged passports. Online applicants will need to mark their passport as damaged in order to apply for a replacement. Paper applications would require a section 6 explaining why and how it was damaged.
Any passport that has been lost, stolen or damaged while on holiday overseas would need to be reported to the nearest Consulate or Embassy. While documentation for return home would be provided, a new passport would need to be requested when the original one is returned.
To apply for a new passport applicants will need to complete a DS-11 form and provide any supporting documents - identification, citizenship, passport photos, and a fee. In this instance, a mail option is not available. An appointment would be made with the passport acceptance facility to review the application and provide supporting documentation. You will then have to sign the application under oath with an administrator and pay a fee.
How do you take a Passport Photo that is Correct?
An incorrect passport photo is the most common error in applying for a passport. This will lead to rejection immediately. It is important to be familiar with passport photos and to use professional services such as our reliable U.S passport photo maker.
These are the things applicants need to know and avoid in order to have their photo accepted. The first is the photo specification.
- For US passport , the photo must be 2x2 inches (51x51mm).
- Clear white background color is required
- Photograph must be in color
- Image is not affected by shadows and is therefore focused.
- When applying traditionally, the photo must be printed on high quality paper.
Photographers must look forward when taking photos. Photos of people smiling or frowning are not allowed. If the subject has a medical condition, religious belief, or is wearing headwear, such as scarves, caps and hats, they must remove them for the duration of the photo. If glasses are an integral part of the person's identity, they can be kept. People must wear casual clothing for passport photos . No uniforms or white clothes are allowed.
People often believe that a passport photo is the most important part of a passport application. However, this is incorrect. Wrong photo can not only delay your application, but it also could result in the rejection of your application. It is important to be aware and avoid common errors. Common mistakes include:
- The applicants are not looking forward.
- Smiling is a sign that someone is happy.
- The image contains shadows.
- A cap or hat is worn by a person.
- Poor focus means blurry pictures
- Photo with colorful background
- A person uses social media filters to enhance their photo.
- Incorrect sizing,
- The image shows a person holding something.
- The image is blocked by hair
- Piercings can obstruct your image
- The face is not visible from one ear to the other.
- The face is not visible from the chin to the forehead.
Learn more about the requirements and guidelines for U.S. passport photos. AiPassportPhoto is a great way to obtain a passport photo.