WHAT YOU NEED:
1 Passport Photo that meets requirements (see my previous blog post about HOW TO TAKE AND PRINT YOUR OWN PHOTOS UNDER $1)
Scissors or hard edge and blade if printing your own
Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Envelope
Original Passport
Stapler to staple your photo to the application
Check or money order
A certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed
PASSPORT PHOTO REQUIREMENTS:
(taken from their website)
You must provide one photo with your passport application. All photo policies apply to both adults and children under age 16. They have a few exceptions to their photo policies for infants.
Photo Basics
Submit a color photo, taken in last 6 months
Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
Use a plain white or off-white background.
COST for renewal:
$7.95 for Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Envelope
$110 for Passport Renewal
$30 for Passport Card
what to include in envelope:
1. Original Passport
2. Filled out DS-82 for with one passport photo stapled to form
3. Check or money order
4. A certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed
SHOULD YOU GET A PASSPORT CARD?
Why not? It's only $30 and it is valid for domestic air travel, international land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It is not valid for international travel.
WEBSITE WITH MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION:
Make sure to check this website in case anything is updated:
NOTE:
Your original passport, new passport and passport card will arrive in separate packages. You only need to print and send the actual application, not the first few pages of instructions. It can take up to 10-12 weeks to get your new passport so plan ahead! You can get it expedited for an extra cost and they recommend to include a prepaid return label for overnight delivery. See the instructions for more information.
TRACK YOUR APPLICATION STATUS:
Once you send off your application check your status using this link:
HAPPY & SAFE TRAVELING!