Passport is a globally recognized travel document and it allows the passport holder to travel abroad and return to the US. A valid US passport can be used to enter any other country in the world. When a US passport is expired or about to expire, one needs to apply for its renewal in the passport renewal form-DS-82. US citizens have the option to go for both passport book and passport card at a time. Some US citizen may have dual citizenship; means the US citizen may have the citizenship of another country of his choice. There are plus points and minus points in having dual citizenship. But, when it comes in the renewal of a passport, dual citizenship will never be a problem. This is because the US administration allows dual citizenship.
Why replace a us passport ?
When somebody lost his/her US passport, it is mandatory that he/she has to go for a new one as soon as possible. A US citizen without a valid passport or with a mutilated or altered passport is at risk of getting prosecuted under the US law.
Why is a US passport to be renewed?
It is always advisable to renew your US passport well in advance before it gets expired. Since the process of renewals comprised of many steps and even a small mistake could lead to inordinate delay in the process of renewal of a US passport. There is a us passport renewal guide available which gives the details of how to submit an application for US passport and the procedures to renew it.
When somebody wishes to renew his passport he should know the basic requirement of the same. They are as follows;
He was at least 16 years old when he was issued the current passport.
His passport was issued less than 15 years ago and it is in good condition (not mutilated or torned)
You must submit your current passport to the authorities with passport renewal application –from DS-82 with other passport requirements.
Two recent passport size photos to be attached with the passport renewal form.
If there is a significant change in the appearance, the applicant has to attach a copy of his/her driving license as identity proof.
If a US passport is expired or about to get expired, it is always advisable to renew it an s soon as possible for several reasons;
Almost all countries require a passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. If your passport gets expired when you are on a trip to a foreign county, it would become a big problem. An expired passport will not be considered as a proof of identity in the US. More over, a person will find it difficult to re-enter the US with an expired passport.
The normal wait period to get a us passport renewed is 2-4 weeks. Passport renewal form can be had from the government’s official site. It can be sent by mail .Before submitting it to the concerned; the applicant has to make sure that the passport renewal form is attached with all relevant documents such as current passport, two recent passport size photos and other required documents. It is not necessary that one has to personally hand over the renewal application to the concerned authority. He/she has the option to send it by post and he/ she will get the delivery of the passport by way of post or courier within the stipulated time frame.
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