Passport Renewal in Washington, DC - Expedited Passports

It should go without saying that Washington, DC is one of the nation’s top cities for international travel. Politicians, business people and tourists alike pour in and out of the city’s three major airports, heading out to destinations around the world.

No matter which corner of the globe you’re heading to, it’s easy to find a flight out of DC — as long as you have a valid passport, of course! If yours has expired, don’t wait until you need it to renew it. Follow the instructions below so you’ll have your passport ready:

Passport Renewal by Mail

Most DC residents are able to apply for renewal through the mail. This eliminates the need to go to the post office, except to turn in your application. You are eligible for passport renewal by mail as long as you can answer “yes” to all of the following questions:

• Do you still have your passport in your possession?
• Is your passport still in good condition (not damaged or mutilated)?
• Was your current passport issued after your 16th birthday?
• Was your current passport issued less than 15 years ago?
• Was your current passport issued under the name you currently use, or can you provide legal documents to support a name change request?

If you meet the criteria listed above, see Passport Renewal by Mail for details on how to renew.

If you don’t, you can apply in person at one of 10 DC post offices that serve as passport acceptance facilities. See How to Apply for a New Passport for details on what to do.

Processing Time

If you apply for a passport renewal through the mail, be sure to allow at least six weeks for your application to be processed and the new passport returned.

You can get somewhat faster service by enclosing an additional $60 payment and writing “EXPEDITE” on the envelope you use to send in your paperwork. However, you should still allow at least three weeks for your passport renewal to come back.

The Washington, DC Passport Agency

Short on time? The Washington, DC regional passport agency accepts passport applications from travelers with emergency passport needs. You can use this agency if you have a travel itinerary that takes you out of the country in the next 14 days. Emergency passport services are also available if you’re leaving within the next four weeks and you need your passport to get a visa for your destination country.

The Washington Passport Agency is located on the first floor of 1111 19th Street, N.W. But wait! Don’t just grab your keys and start heading that direction. First, you’ll need to make an appointment. The passport agency does not accept walk-ins!

Also, it’s only open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, it doesn’t open until 9:00am but it still closes at 3:00. If you’re normally at work during those hours, you’ll have to request time off.

Once you’ve arrived at your appointment, you’ll still have to take a number, sit down and wait for an agent to become available.

If that sounds like too much of a hassle, you also have the option of using a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport. We personally deliver your application to the Department of State, resulting in processing times as low as 24 hours. Plus, we assist you with the paperwork by providing easy-to-follow checklists as well as personal assistance and attention. This reduces the chance of you making one of many common errors that could delay your application.

Need a passport renewal in a hurry? We’d love to help- Contact us today!

Image Credits: Some rights reserved by sdixclifford, Some rights reserved by thisisbossi

A friendly reminder, folks – just because your passport hasn’t expired yet, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can use it for travel.

That sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s true: just ask the Patton family of Ottawa, Canada. Although all four family members had valid passports (in the sense that they had not expired yet), Costa Rica refused to admit them when they arrived in the airport. Instead, they put them right back on the plane and sent them home. The reason? Costa Rica requires all visitors to have at least three months left on their passports, and three of the four family members had passports that expired before then.

The mishap was frustrating, emotionally grueling and expensive, costing them about $6,000. Unless the spotlight of publicity causes the airline and/or the travel agency that the family used to book the tickets to relent, they aren’t getting any of that money back, either. Both United Airlines and travel agency Travel by Jen are pointing the finger at each other as well as the family for not catching the mistake in time. (more…)

One of America’s oldest cities, Boston has been one of the country’s gateways to the rest of the world since before the US even existed.  Today at Logan International Airport, you can catch a plane that will take you directly to Canada. Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. Later this year, Japan Airlines will add service to Asia, as well.

Renewing Your Passport in Boston

Of course, to take advantage of these convenient international travel opportunities, you’ll need a valid passport. If yours has been gathering dust in a drawer for too long, here’s what you need to know to renew it.

The first step is figuring out whether or not you are eligible to apply for your passport renewal by mail. Take this quick quiz to see whether or not this will be an option for you:

• Is your current passport still undamaged and in your possession?
• Was your current passport issued to you after your 16th birthday?
• Was your current passport issued to you less than 15 years ago?
• Are you still using the name that your last passport was issued under, OR do you have legal documents to support a name change request?

If you answered yes to all of the following questions, you can apply for your passport renewal by mail. Here’s how:

• Fill out passport renewal form DS-82, and send it in to the address listed on the form. Also include the following items:
• Your current passport.
• One new passport photo
• If you need to change your name on your next passport, include legal documents like a marriage certificate or court order to support your request.
• A check or money order to cover the required passport fees. (more…)

Home to one of the fastest-growing international in the United States, Houston is a convenient place to start an international journey. Hundreds of international flights leave from George W. Bush Intercontinental Airport each day, carrying travelers all over the globe. Soon, when flights from Houston to Auckland, New Zealand commence, the airport will become one of only four in the world that offers service to all six continents.

In other words, living in Houston means living with the world at your doorstep. But to actually see it, you’ll need a valid passport. If yours has expired, no worries: this guide will help you through the process of getting a passport renewal in Houston, step by step.

Passport Renewal by Mail

Most Houstonians are eligible to apply for a passport renewal by mail.  You can replace an expired or expiring passport by mail as long as all of the following statements are true:

• Your current passport is in your possession, has never been reported lost or stolen and is not damaged.
• Your current was issued after your 16th birthday AND it was issued less than 15 years ago.
• If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, you have the necessary legal documents to support your name change request.

If you’re eligible to renew by mail, submit all of the following to the address listed on the passport renewal form:

• Your current passport
• A completed copy of passport renewal form DS-82
• One new passport photo
• A check to pay the required fees

Houston Passport Acceptance Offices

If you aren’t eligible to renew by mail, you’ll need to apply in person at one of the city’s 29 passport acceptance offices. These tend to be located in post offices and other government buildings; you can find the closest one to your home or work by visiting the Department of State’s website.

Houston Passport Agency

The standard processing time for a passport renewal application is about six weeks. If you pay an additional $60 expedite fee, you can cut streamline the process somewhat, but it will still take about three weeks to get your passport.

If you are traveling sooner than that, you can make an appointment at the Houston Passport Agency office, located in the Mickey Leland Federal Building on Smith Street. This office can issue emergency passports and passport renewals within 24 hours, but the downside is that the office is only open by appointment only and has limited operating hours between 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

A more convenient option is to use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport. We hand-deliver your paperwork to the Department of State for processing in as little as 24 hours.  Contact us today for quick, courteous passport renewal help!

When it comes to planning a trip, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  So, when do you need a passport?  Most trips outside of the United States will require one, unless your itinerary fits into one of the following exceptions:

• Closed-loop cruises, cruises that begin and end at the same US port. For these cruises, a birth certificate and driver’s license will suffice, though it’s better to have a passport in case you need to fly back home for an emergency or to another port if you miss the boat.
• Land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. For these trips, you can use either a traditional passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (assuming you live in one of the handful of states that offer them), a NEXUS card, FAST card or a SENTRI card.
• If you are a NEXUS cardholder, you can travel by air to certain Canadian airports with only a NEXUS card. Eligible airports are listed here.

If the trip you’re planning doesn’t meet one of the qualifications listed above, you need a passport. Additionally, if you frequently travel abroad or have close friends, family and/or business contacts living abroad, you should maintain a valid passport.

When to Apply

If you know you need a passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible.  If you don’t want to pay extra for expedited processing, allow more than six weeks for new passport to arrive. If you use the Department of State’s expedited processing option, expect to wait three weeks.

If your passport is expiring in the next nine months, be aware that many countries require you to have six months of validity left on your passport to clear customs, no matter short your intended stay is. Time your renewal application accordingly.

If you are traveling in two weeks or less, you can either make an appointment at one of the 24 regional passport agency offices, or use a private company like RushMyPassport. We make it easy to get your passport delivered quickly by providing hands-on help with the application and then personally delivering it to the Department of State for processing in as little as 24 hours. Contact us for help getting a passport or a passport renewal today!

San Francisco is an amazing place to live, but it’s also an excellent jumping-off point for international travel. In fact, San Francisco International Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the US. Flights leave every day for destinations all over the world, though the city’s West Coast location means that many of the most frequented destinations are Asian. In 2008, the airport was voted the Best International Airport in North America in the World Airports Survey.

So, if you live in San Francisco, you have a major incentive to keep your passport up-to-date. That means renewing it in a timely manner, preferably at least 9 months before it expires. Here’s how:

Passport Renewal By Mail

Most people are able to apply for passport renewal by mail. You can apply to renew your passport by mail as long as all of the following statements are true for you:

• You still have your current passport, and it hasn’t been damaged or mutilated.
• Your current passport was issued after you turned 16, and it was printed less than 15 years ago.
• Either your name has not changed since you got your last passport, or you can provide the Department of State with legal documents to back up any name change requests.

As long as you can renew by mail, all you have to do is print out a copy of passport renewal Form DS-82 and send it in along with your current passport, a check or money order for the renewal fees, one passport photo and if applicable, documents to support a name change.

If you aren’t eligible to renew by mail, you’ll need to apply in person at one of San Francisco’s 26 passport acceptance facilities, located in post offices across the state. The required forms and documents will vary; see How to Apply for a New Passport and Passport Replacement Services for details. (more…)

Government paperwork is not always written in the most user-friendly manner, and passport renewal forms are no exception.  Unfortunately, if you make a mistake filling it out or you don’t send in the required documentation, your new passport could be delayed. Here’s what you need to know to keep the gears of bureaucracy turning smoothly when you apply:

Passport Renewal Eligibility

Not everyone is eligible to renew their passport by mail. Read through the checklist on the first page of passport renewal form DS-82 to be sure that you are eligible for a passport renewal before you start filling it out.  You need to meet all of the following qualifications:

• Your passport has not been lost or stolen, and you can send it in with the application.
• Your passport was issued to you less than 15 years ago, and it was issued after your 16th birthday.
• You have legal paperwork (such as a marriage certificate or court order) to support a name change request, if applicable.

To clarify, your passport must also be undamaged. “Normal wear and tear” is okay, but what constitutes “normal wear and tear” is left to the discretion of the Department of State. If you have any concerns about the condition of your passport, it’s best to go ahead and apply in person using Form DS-11.

Filling Out the Form

Carefully read through the “Acts or Conditions” section on page 4 of the instructions. If any of these conditions apply to you, you must write a separate, explanatory statement and attach it to the passport renewal form. Having to attach a statement won’t necessarily bar you from getting a passport, but the Department of State will take it into account when they process your application.

Next, go through and carefully fill out the form using black ink, making sure that your writing is legible. Or, fill it out on the computer and print it. (more…)

For an entire decade, your passport has been one of your closest companions, accompanying you all across the world. However, all good things must come to an end one day. Passports issued after the bearer reaches the age of 16 will remain valid for ten years, though you will probably need to renew yours sooner than that. Many countries will not allow you past immigration unless your passport has at least 6 months left before it expires.

To avoid potential crises related to the “Six-month rule,” the Department of State recommends that you apply for a renewal at least nine months before the expiration date. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to renew your passport successfully.

Renewing By Mail

One nice thing about renewing your passport versus applying for the first time is that you can often complete the whole process by mail.  You may renew your passport by mail as long as you meet all of the qualifications:

• Your current passport has not been lost, stolen or damaged.
• Your current passport was issued after your 16th birthday, and it is either still valid or has been expired for less than 5 years.
• Either your current passport was issued under the name you are currently using, OR you can provide official documentation to back up your name change request.

To renew your passport by mail, fill out passport renewal Form DS-82 and send it in with the following documents:

• Your current passport.
• 1 new passport photo.
• Payment for the renewal fee.
• If you need to change your name, a copy of the relevant marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.

If you are not eligible to renew by mail, the procedure is the same as if you were applying for the first time. See How to Apply for a New Passport for details.

Expect to wait at least six weeks for your passport renewal to be processed, unless you decided to spring for expedited processing (an additional $60 fee). If you paid the extra fee, the Department of State will generally be able to finish processing your application in about three weeks.

If you need to renew your passport more quickly, you can make an appointment at one of the State Department’s twenty-four regional passport agency offices, or save time and save on travel by using a private company like RushMyPassport. We personally rush your application to the Department of State for priority processing, often in as little as 24 hours.

Let us help you renew your passport today!

After 10 years, your passport probably feels like an old friend. Unfortunately, after a decade of accompanying you all over the world, it’s time for your old friend to retire. Applying for a passport renewal in a timely fashion will keep you footloose and fancy free, ready to jet off somewhere exotic at a moment’s notice. Here’s what you need to know to make the passport renewal process go as smoothly as possible.

When to Apply 

You might be tempted to try to milk your current passport for as long as possible, but don’t. The Department of State recommends that you apply for your passport renewal nine months before it expires. This isn’t an attempt to squeeze extra money out of you-many countries actually require that your passport be valid for a full six months or they’ll deny you entry, even if you don’t plan to stay in the country that long.

Where to Apply 

The good news about applying for a passport renewal is that in many cases you can apply by mail. You are eligible to simply mail in your application if all of the following statements are true:

• You still have your current passport in your possession, and it hasn’t been damaged (normal wear and tear is generally okay.)
• Your passport was issued no more than 15 years ago, and it was issued after your 16th birthday.
• If you’ve changed your name since it was issued, you have legal documents like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to support that request.

If any of the statements above don’t apply to you, you need to apply in person, just like the first time. See How to Apply for a New Passport for details.

Required Documents and Fees 

If you are eligible to apply by mail, all you’ll need is a completed copy of passport renewal form DS-82 along with your current passport, one new passport photo and name change documents, if applicable.  Send these in to the address on the form, along with $110 for the passport renewal fees. Add an additional $30 if you would like a wallet-sized passport card in addition to your passport book, and another $60 if you need expedited processing.

Processing Time 

If you applied for regular processing, you may have to wait 6 weeks or longer to get your passport. For expedited processing, you should allow 3 weeks. If you need your passport sooner than that, you have two options. The first is to make an appointment at one of the country’s 24 regional passport agencies. The second is to use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport to expedite your application, no appointment or additional travel needed. We personally deliver your paperwork to the Department of State, for processing in as little as 24 hours!

Apply for your passport renewal today!

UNESCO’s World Heritage List is like a treasure map for adventurous travelers. Each dot represents either an important piece of human history, an amazing natural landscape, or both. This year, 25 new sites have been added so far. Just in case you need a reason to apply for your passport renewal, here’s a rundown of some of the most interesting:

Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe: For centuries, the powerful Kushite empire ruled from the island of Meroe. At one point, they even managed to take over ancient Egypt, ruling it for close to 100 years. When you visit this World Heritage site, you can see the remains of their kingdom.

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia: Welcome to the heartland of Colombian coffee! UNESCO says that this site is an “exceptional example of a sustainable and productive cultural landscape that is unique and representative of a tradition that is a strong symbol for coffee growing areas worldwide.” Take in the rugged mountain landscape, the ancient villages and the coffee plantations while sipping a cup of the delicious local beverage.

Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land, Japan: Consisting of the remains of ancient temples, government buildings and sacred gardens, this site is absolutely breathtaking. UNESCO says that “It represented the pure land of Buddha that people aspire to after death, as well as peace of mind in this life…Pure Land Buddhism developed a concept of planning and garden design that was unique to Japan.”

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, China: Here, the Chinese took what was already an incredible landscape along the Yangtze River, and over the years sculpted it to make it even more magnificent. UNESCO says that “the West Lake has influenced garden design in the rest of China as well as Japan and Korea over the centuries and bears an exceptional testimony to the cultural tradition of improving landscapes to create a series of vistas reflecting an idealised fusion between humans and nature.”

To visit any of these sites, you’ll need a valid passport. Apply for a new passport or a passport renewal at least 6 weeks before your departure date, and even earlier if possible. Passport renewals take at least 6 weeks to process unless you select expedited processing, in which case you’re looking at three weeks, more or less.

If you need faster service, RushMyPassport is the most convenient option available. We personally deliver your passport application to the Department of State, for processing in as little as 24 hours, with no need to make an appointment or travel to visit a passport agency office.