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Need help to renew a U.S. passport? Getting a passport renewed is easier than getting a new one. There are fewer requirements and you can apply for a passport renewal by mail as long as you meet all the criteria. This article will provide info and ideas to help you get your passport renewed quickly and easily.

You can apply for a passport renewal if your present passport is not damaged and you were 16 or older when it was issued to you. Also, it cannot be more than 15 years old. Finally, the name you put on the application should match that in your current passport or you must submit a document proving your name was changed legally.

It is recommend that you ititate the renewal process 9 months before the expiration date. With regular processing, it takes four to six weeks for the renewed passport to be sent to you. The reason you should apply so early is so that your passport always has at least six months validity. This is a requirement that many countries have before they will issue entry visas.

How do you get your passport renewed? The steps include: complete application form DS-82 and send it in together with two passport photos, your present passport and payment for the processing fee.

Passport photos should be 2×2 inches, identical, with a white or off-white background. No black and white photos are accepted. The photos should show a full-face view and you should be dressed in normal street attire. If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.

Remember to send evidence of your name change if you are required to do so. The address you send the package to is on the application.

What do you do when you need to renew your passport quickly? There are a few options available to you. One, you can simply request expedited service when you mail in the application for renewal. Include an additional $60 for this service and use a two-way overnight delivery method. It takes two to three weeks to expedite a renewal this way.

The quicket way to get your passport renewed is to submit the application form at a regional passport agency or applying through a private passport expediting service. Either way you can get your passport renewed as quickly as the same day. Mail delivery time is not included in this calculation nor the time it takes to travel if you plan to visit an agency.

Regional agencies process rush passport renewals for applicants who need to renew a passport in 24 to 48 hours. While the State Department tells applicants to call in order to schedule an appointment at the nearest regional agency, many travelers have been able to renew a passport fast without an appointment. Some were even attended at a different agency than the one that serves their state.

If you are unable to get to the regional agency but need to get your passport renewed in 48 hours or less, the only alternative is to authorize a private expediter to represent you. Unless, of course, you want to cancel your travel plans. If this is the risk you are running, know that you have a choice. An expediter can renew your passport quickly.