Looking for which form to renew your passport? Find out how to use the DS-82 Passport Renewal Application Form.
Every five years, passports need to be renewed regardless of what country it belongs to. You need understand how to renew your passport and the complications as well as limitations that might arise as a result.
If you are a just a leisure traveller, you have ample time to submit these documents, but if you have to make an urgent overseas trip, you need to understand the ins and outs of the entire process when it's time for passport renewal.
Given in this guide is a complete set of instructions which you must follow in order to qualify you to travel again according to US travel laws:
1. What is DS-82?
If you are an eligible candidate for a United States passport that's about to expire or has expired already for the last five years, you can submit the DS-82 form which renews your passport and allows you to travel anywhere you want.
Just like other state forms, the DS-82 form contains a 2-D barcoded encryption for recognition. You can also easily print out the pdf version and submit it to any regional passport agency in the vicinity.
2. Requirements for Passport Reapplication
In order to re-apply, there are some prerequisites that must be met:
Your original U.S. Passport remains intact and presentable which is to be submitted with your application for renewal.
- Candidates must be issued a U.S. Passport when they were 16 years or older.
- Your U.S Passport was issued in the past 15 years.
- Your U.S. Passport was issued under your current name or you have changed your name but have submitted all the necessary legal documents beforehand.
- A legitimate Marriage Certificate is required in case there has been a change of name since your last application
- Passport fees ranging between $170 and $200 depending on what you apply for
- Passport photographs should be fresh and recently taken. Two pictures are needed and they should not differ from each other.
- The issuing date of the passport does not exceed 15 years from date. (15 years from what date? Needs explanation)
- An unrestricted passport which is not marred by a criminal record or non-compliance of government regulations.
- Proof of citizenship of the United States.
3. Passport Expedition
If you face the need to travel urgently on a short notice but do not have the paperwork ready, you can always opt to expedite your passport.
When you submit your passport related documents via mail response times can be long sending it to a registered passport handling agency assures you are provided a passport in the least amount of time.
In this case, you need to take the following into account:
Print and fill out two different copies of the passport processing authorization letter, both of which will be submitted to the Department of State.
Keep your signature consistent throughout as signing with different names or signatures could delay your acceptance and slow down the application time of the passport. Try not to fill the form online, instead use a pen with dark ink; if you print it out, it has the tendency to look like a forged document and may be rejected. A handwritten one looks much more genuine.
4. FAQs
Q1. How long does it take for the DS-82 to be processed?
The processing time for a regular DS-82 passport renewal takes about 4-6 weeks, depending on a number of factors.
Expedited passports arrive earlier; it takes approximately 8 days to process your application form and you get delivery of your passport within 2-3 weeks. You can also easily obtain your passport from the nearest passport agency present in your region.
Q2. How important is my Social Security number?
Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6039E) requires you to provide your Social Security Number (SSN), if you have one. You will have to apply for a number if you do not have one.
You can contact your local social security administration for more information on how to apply for a number.
If you are a resident abroad, then you need to provide them with the name of the country and the relevant details such as your identification number there, as well as your address and such. Failure to do so means the IRS can enforce a $500 penalty. If you have any queries regarding overseas passport applications, give them a call ahead of time.
Q3. Where can I renew my passport?
Usually, post offices are the place to go for passport renewals but you can also get renewals done at your nearest regional passport agency. Just so you know, passport offices have all required documents including DS-82 forms to get your passport renewed.