If you are a big traveler, you suffer a stone in your stomach, as you say Good Bye to your passport. You drop your beloved passport into the black hole of the mail box. You feel a lost at sea imbalance.
Another love it or hate electronics. You can now renew your US passport on line. This update/innovation means no mailing of a passport to the State Department and no paper application. Plus no worry that an interloper will masquerade as you on their journey to Rome.
Some U.S. passport holders will be able to renew on line. You fill out an on line form and enter a credit or debit card. You must be 25+ and be renewing a passport issued between 2009 and 2015. You must reside in a U.S. state or territory. Here is the step by step approach noting areas where the less electronicistas might encounter confusion. Warning once renewed on line the old passport is invalidated.
- Confirm you meet the requirements Read all the conditions on the link. Especially note: passport should not be mutilated— you are renewing a regular tourist passport— you have a minimum of 8 weeks before you travel. Passport must be a ten year one, and expiring 2009-2015. Finally you need to know how to create a digital passport photo. Don’t panic, if you have your photo taken at ‘official’ shops, the purchase should include the digital version in your phone.
- Create your account This is easy, like most on line accounts with a password etc.
- Start your application This is straightforward and includes an 877 number for help if needed.
- Enter your most recent passport info There is a 3 minute video ‘teaching you’ how to take this photo. Honestly, I thought it complicated. It is easier to pay a few $ and get the photo at a drugstore or Staples etc. Ask for a digital photo so you have it ready in your phone or computer. Original photo. See number 4. You cannot use a photo of a photo.
- Enter travel plans Again do not wait if you plan to travel soon. There are expedited services to explore at $60. Most countries require 6 months minimum from date of your departure.
- Upload digital photo
- Sign and pay Here be vigilant. Once you click pay, you need a receipt and it will arrive by email. You now need to respond to that email. Check spam!!
- Enroll in email updates This is important. The Agency will notify you when your passport is in process, finished and mailed OR if the need more information.
So for non electronic ladies out there, you can delete this article. Or go to your local library, Apple store or 10 year old friend to learn to renew electronically. The wait is currently about 8 weeks, officially. Unofficially, with expedited, 2-3 weeks.
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