Rush My Passport!

In most cases, when you apply for a passport renewal you don't have to apply in person. You can simply send off your passport renewal application and wait for your new passport to be returned. But how long will you have to wait?

Regular Passport Processing

If you applied for your passport renewal with regular processing, you should allow at least 6 weeks for your application to be processed and your passport to be returned to you.

Expedited Passport Renewals

If you can't wait 6 weeks or longer for your new passport to arrive, the government offers expedited service for an additional $60.00. Instead of waiting 6 weeks or more, you can expect to wait 2 to 3 weeks or longer for your passport if you request this option.

For the fastest service, the Department of State recommends that you also pay for overnight delivery to the passport office. The cost of this will vary depending on which carrier you use. They also recommend requesting overnight delivery from the passport office, at an additional cost of $14.96.

To check the status of your passport renewal, visit the Department of State's web site. Please note that it may take up to a week from the date you send out the application before you will be able to track it.

Other Expediting Options

If the government's expedited passport processing is not fast enough for you, there are a couple of options that can help you get your passport renewal more quickly.

If you make an appointment at the nearest Regional Passport Agency office, you should be able to get your new passport issued the day of your appointment, provided that you have all of your paperwork in order.

You can also use a private passport expediting company. For a fee, these companies forward your application to the Department of State so that you don't have to go through the trouble of making an appointment. Processing times vary according to the company and the options you choose, but they are often significantly faster than the government's expedited processing.

Applying for a passport is not as easy as it sounds. It's easy to make mistakes on the paperwork, and even a small mistake can delay your application. Of course, with a private expediting company tracking your order, we can minimize these delays and often catch mistakes before they happen. However, if getting your passport as quickly as possible is important to you, we encourage you to review the top 10 causes of passport processing delays:

The Top 10 Reasons For Delays in Getting Your Passport

1. Birth Certificate is not State Issued with a raised seal. If you are unsure if your birth certificate will be accepted, order a certified long form birth certificate from office of vital records in the area where you were born, or visit www.vitalchek.com.

2. Documents were not "sealed". All applicants for a new passport must appear in person at a post office or county clerks office to have their documents "sealed".

3. There are no bar codes on the application. Application forms DS-11, and DS-82 require bar codes.

4. DS-82 was not signed. You must sign the second page of the passport renewal application.

5. ID is too recent. If your govt. issued ID was issued less than six months ago, you must submit additional forms of ID. To assist you, here are some examples of acceptable forms of ID.

6. Incorrect Shipping. All packages must be shipped to our office using FedEx.

7. The check was written for an incorrect amount. Verify the correct amount with us, and look over these examples of correctly made out checks before you send yours in.

8. Damaged Passport. If your passport was damaged , you must include a brief statement addressed to the U.S. Passport Agency Representative, stating how your passport was damaged. Use form D-64 for this.

9. Name Change. If your name has changed you must include your original proof of name change. Acceptable documents include marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and other court documents referencing the name change.

10. Child Support. If you owe more than $2,500 in child support you will not receive a passport.

Is it time to renew your US passport? Fortunately, in most cases your US passport renewal can be processed by mail, sparing you the hassle of having to go to the post office and submit your application in person. You are eligible to renew by mail so long as all the following statements are true:

* You still have your US passport and it's still in good condition.

* You were 16 years old or older when you got it and it was issued less than 15 years ago.

* Your old passport has your current name on it or you have legal documentation (such as a marriage certificate) to support your name change.

Applying by mail can be a real timesaver, but you will need to assemble all of the paperwork yourself. Any missing documents, and you have to go through the whole process all over again. This US passport renewal checklist will help you assemble your application materials. Here's what you need:

* Your old US passport

* A completed copy of US passport renewal application form DS-82

* 2 passport photos taken within the past 6 months

* A Tyvek envelope (or other secure, padded envelope) to use for packaging

* If your name has changed since your passport was issued, you also need a copy of your marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.

* A check or money order for the appropriate passport fees

Other tips to make sure your US passport renewal application is processed without delay:

* Write legibly, in black ink, or type your application and then print it.

* When you mail it in, do yourself a favor and get a tracking number !

Child passports only last for 5 years, so if you get a passport for a young child, there is a good chance that you will have to renew it at some point. passport renewal for children is different from passport renewal for adults.

Unlike adults, who are allowed to renew their passports by mail, children must appear in person at a passport office to renew their passports. Children must also have the consent of both parents in order to apply for a passport renewal until they turn 16. Teens ages 16 and 17 need parental consent from one parent.

Parental consent can be proven in one of the following ways:

* Both parents accompany the child to apply for his or her passport renewal.

* One parent accompanies the child and brings a notarized statement of parental consent from the other parent.

* One parent with sole legal custody can provide consent for the child as long as the parent brings proof that they have sole custody, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree with only one parents' name on it, or a court order.

* If neither parent is available to accompany the child, another person can bring the child in with a notarized written statement or affidavit from both parents (or one parent with sole legal custody).

In addition, you will need the following documents:

* Proof of your identity, such as a government-issued photo ID, as well as a photocopy of this ID.

* Proof of your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate, adoption decree or court order.

* Proof of the child's citizenship, such as the child's current passport, a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate.

* 2 passport photos

Once you have everything together, head down to your local passport acceptance facility (often a post office or library), fill out passport form DS-11 and sign it when the passport agent tells you to, pay the applicable fees, and your child's passport renewal should be processed within the next 6 weeks (if you use regular service).

Always Be Prepared

Passports are becoming the way of the future. Where you may have only seen seasoned travelers holding a passport in days gone by, now almost everyone has one.

For a Canadian like myself, I can't even enter the United States without a passport anymore. You never know when something may come up where you desperately need to go somewhere. Or you may want to plan a vacation, without destination limits. What if you lose your passport?

There are a few things you can do if you are stuck and need to either apply for a first passport or if your renewal date came up quickly and you are behind oh getting it renewed, or as mentioned above, you realize that you need it now and you just can't find it.

Some Interesting Facts

Approximately 20% of Americans who apply for a passport will have their application suspended. Making an error on the application can make the process last up to 3 months!! That is not helpful when you need it NOW!

Using an expedited service can help to speed up the process. These services can cut the wait times from 6 weeks to 3 weeks. However, if you need a passport faster then that, you can check out some private passport expediting companies.

Also, the rates to apply for a new passport or passport renewal are going up $35 starting July 13, 2010! That leaves a few more days for you to prepare and apply early enough to beat the raise in price.

Helpful Hints

Having the essential items on hand when starting the application process will speed it up as well. If you are applying for the first time, you will need to go in person to the clerks office and show:

* Proof of Citizenship
* Proof of Identity
* Photocopy of the ID you submit
* Application form DS-11 (do not sign until you are told to at the office)
* 2 passport photos
* Money to cover the cost (cheaper before July 13th)

If you just need to renew your passport, then all you have to do is qualify to do it by mail is to:

* make sure your passport is not lost or damaged
* make sure your passport is not 15 years old (and you were over 16 when you received it)
* make sure you have legal documentation for any name changes

Then all you need to do is:

* Fill out the passport renewal Form DS-82.
* Send it with your old passport
* 2 passport photos
* Any legal name change documents.
* And the money needed for the process

This is for the regular process, which will take about 6 weeks. You can pay the extra money and have it expedited, but that will still be around 3 weeks.

The other option is to use a private expediting service for your passport renewal and you can have your new documents within 24 hours!

Definitely peace of mind.

About the Author:

Ruth is a married working mom of 5 beautiful children. You can find Ruth at Mom's Musings on Twitter, her personal blog Mom's Musings and on Hubpages as ruthcpatton.

The US Department of State recommends that anyone who anticipates the possibility of having to travel overseas to be with friends or family acquire a US passport and keep it up to date, just in case. However, sometimes family emergencies overseas can be difficult to anticipate. A relative living in another country could suffer from a sudden illness or accident, or something could happen to a family member on an international vacation.

If you need to leave the country in a hurry due to a family emergency, here's how to get an expedited passport or expedited passport renewal:

* Go ahead and make travel arrangements/book your flight. You'll need the itinerary to get an expedited passport.

* Call 1-877-487-2778 and make an appointment at your nearest Regional Passport Agency office.

If you're applying for a new passport, renewing a passport that was issued before you turned 16 or is more than 15 years old, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, bring the following documents to your appointment:

* Proof of identity, such as your driver's license, a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate, military ID or other government-issued photo ID.

* In addition to your original ID, bring a clean, legible photocopy.

* Proof of citizenship, such as a previously issued passport, certified birth certificate with raised seal, certificate of citizenship or naturalization certificate.

* 2 passport photos

* A copy of your itinerary showing that you plan to leave the country within the next 14 days (or 3 weeks, if you are traveling to a foreign country that requires a visa)

If you're applying for a passport renewal and your passport is in your possession, in good condition, was issued after you turned 16 and is less than 15 years old, bring the following:

* Your US passport

* 2 passport photos

* A copy of your itinerary as per above.

Once you get to the passport office, you'll fill out the appropriate passport application forms. As long as all your paperwork is in order, your expedited passport should be issued within the next 24 hours. If you can't make it to a Regional Passport Agency office, you can also use a passport expediting company to submit your documents on your behalf for an additional fee.

Accidents happen. Sometimes, they happen to your passport. The list of potential perils is legion: an accidental trip through the washing machine, a meeting with an unfriendly dog or even a chance encounter with a lawnmower.

However it happened, if your passport is damaged or "mutilated" you need to get it replaced before you travel again. There are few things worse than arriving at the airport for an international trip only to be turned away, but that's what will happen if you try to leave the country with a damaged passport. Here are the steps for replacing a damaged passport:

* Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, like a post office or library.
* Bring proof of identification, such as your driver's license, naturalization certificate, or other government or military ID with your photograph. Bring both your original ID and a clear photocopy
.
* Bring proof of citizenship, such as your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.
* Please note, you cannot use your damaged passport as proof of identification or proof citizenship.
* Bring two passport photos to submit with your application.
* Fill out passport application form DS-11 and form DS-64. On form DS-64, describe what happened to damage your passport.
* Pay the required fees to get your replacement passport issued.

It can take 6 weeks or longer for your new passport to be issued. If you don't have that much time, you can pay an extra $60 to order an expedited passport. An expedited passport will generally arrive within 3 weeks if you also pay for overnight delivery to and from the passport office. You can also apply for an expedited passport at a Regional Passport Agency with an appointment if you are leaving in less than 14 days.

Most colleges offer study abroad opportunities for students. After all, what better way to learn about the language and history of a place than to actually go there? Depending on where you're going and how long you'll be there, study abroad programs have a variety of different requirements. However, one requirement is a constant: a US passport. If you got your current passport before you turned 16, take a look at the expiration date. Passports issued to children aged 15 and under are only valid for 5 years, so it may very well be approaching its expiration date. If it expires less than 9 months from the time your study abroad program starts, you'll need a US passport renewal.

If you got your current passport before you turned 16, you don't have the option of US passport renewal by mail. Instead, you'll need to apply in person at a post office or other passport acceptance facility. Bring the following documents with you:

* Proof of identity, like your driver's license or another form of government-issued photo ID, your current passport, naturalization certificate, or military ID.

* A legible photocopy of your ID.

* Proof of citizenship, like a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised or embossed seal, your current passport, a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship.

* 2 passport photos

* Passport fees: $135 if you just want a passport book, $165 if you want both a passport book and a passport card.

* Passport application form DS-11

Once you've submitted your application, all you have to do is wait. It usually takes the Department of State about 6 weeks to process your application. If you request expedited processing with your application, you can pay an additional $60 fee to have it processed in 3 weeks. If you need it more quickly, you'll need to either call 1-877-487-2778 and make an appointment at the nearest regional passport agency or use a private passport expediting company if that's not feasible.

Once you have your passport, you can relax-it's good for 10 years, and next time you need a US passport renewal, you'll be eligible to renew by mail!

Having a passport for travel outside of your home country is becoming increasingly necessary for this day and age.

Application for a passport always requires some organization on the applicant's part. There are documents to collect, photos to be taken and fees to be payed.

Depending on what country you live in, the exercise of securing a passport for international travel can differ, sometimes being straight forward, and sometimes more complicated.

Here's an overview of 5 different countries and some of the requirements laid out for a first time passport applicant and/or someone renewing his or her passport.

England: In England the documents needed are two recent identical photographs, your completed request form and proof of citizenship, or in the case of a renewal, your current or last passport. The cost of of a British passport is 77.50 in pounds and 112.50 for a fast track delivery that will arrive in one week. A British passport is valid for 10 years. An interesting fact about British passports is, if you were born on or before Sept. 2, 1929, your passport is free.

Greece: A Greek passport is exclusive to Greek citizens. You must apply in person at a police department. The requirements include, a special portrait photo, an issuing request and the fee. It will take 3-9 business days to be delivered and the cost is 84.40 in Euro's. A Greek passport is valid for 5 years but unlike other countries a passport in Greece cannot be renewed. You must request a new one at the end of the 5 years.

USA: To apply for an American passport you must apply in person with the completed form, evidence of citizenship and two identical photos. The US offers a passport book and a passport card. The passport card is the wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings and sea ports-of-entry from a select number of other countries. The card provides a less expensive, smaller,alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. To obtain both forms of the passport when applying the fee is 95 US dollars for the book and 25 US dollars for the card. Processing time currently is 4-6 weeks. Possibly unique to the US and a few other countries, you can also opt to get an expedited passport through a secure, government approved company, that can deliver your passport to you in as little as 24 hours, in some cases.

Ghana: In Ghana you must provide proof of citizenship, your completed request form, 4 current passport photos, evidence of profession and other documents for specific circumstances. The fee is 10.00 Ghana Cedi, which is the national currency. You are eligible to apply for a Ghanian passport if you are a citizen of Ghana by birth, marriage, or naturalization. You must submit your request and accompanying documents in person to an Immigration office. There are several warnings on the government website, some of which are, to insist on a receipt for your submission, and to refrain from signing any documents unless the government official witnesses it. The processing time is about 30 days.

New Zealand: Citizens of New Zealand are the only ones entitled to apply for a passport. Necessary documents are proof of citizenship, and identity, such as an original birth certificate, as well as two recent identical photos. Submitted documents must be handwritten and will not be processed if filled out by a computer. The cost to apply for a New Zealand passport is 150.00 in New Zealand dollars. The wait time is approximately 10 days. Urgent processing can be done in as little as 3 days, however, the price doubles to 300.00 New Zealand dollars then. New Zealand passports used to be valid for 10 years but after 2005 they are now valid for 5 years.

As with the landscape, people, and customs of the many countries of the world, when compared, there are some similarities and resemblances and there are also things that are unique and different and distinctly characteristic of one place. Passport requirements also, seemingly, bare some resemblances the world over, but also have some tweaks and differences depending on the country you live in.

About the Author:

Tanya is a married, work-at-home mom with 2 fabulous kiddos. You can find Tanya on her personal blog Dreams, Diapers & Dilemmas, Twitter, Facebook and Hubpages.