Is your current US passport about to expire?
This can be a bit of a shock if you are about to book a vacation. You must make sure you have at least six months before the expiry date in order to take an international flight. Although the renewal process is fairly simple, it can take several weeks. You need to make sure you have all the required documents, including the renewal fee.
So, let’s find out how much does it cost to renew a passport?
Qualifying For Passport Renewal
Before you start looking into the process, you need to make sure you qualify. The last thing you want is to start the process and find out that you are excluded. This includes if your current travel document has expired for several years.
Reasons for renewal exclusion are:
- Your passport was issued before you were sixteen years old.
- You are under sixteen years old.
- Your passport was issued more than fifteen years ago.
- Your passport has been stolen, lost, or damaged.
- You have legally changed your name since the old passport was issued.
In the cases stated above, you will need to apply for a new travel document rather than a renewal. This process is usually fairly simple as long as you have the required documents. However, you will usually need to pay a slightly higher fee.
The Process for Adults
A US Passport Book is dark blue and contains your identification and travel information. It is used to verify your identity when you travel internationally by air, car, and sea. This travel document is usually valid for ten years and can be renewed up to five years after it expires.
The Fee
The renewal fee for a passport is usually $110. You need to have this ready at the time of application and upfront, and it’s not possible to pay in installments. This fee is for the standard process, and it typically takes between eight and ten weeks.
If you forgot to renew your travel document before booking your flight, you might need to speed up the process. In this case, it’s possible to choose the expedited service. You will usually receive your renewed travel document in between four and six weeks.
Expediting will cost you extra…
However, you need to be prepared to pay a little extra for the expedited service. The additional fee is $60, which is paid to the US Department of State. This means that the total cost of renewing your passport would be $190.
Adding a Passport Card
A United States passport card is a national identity card that is around the size of a credit card. It is issued by the US Federal Government and is available exclusively to US citizens. This is an optional form of proof of identity and US citizenship.
Applying for this document makes it easier to reenter the United States at the end of your trip. You can also use it as an alternative form of identification if you don’t happen to have a driver’s license. The card can be used for domestic flights and can be slipped into your wallet to make it easily accessible.
Valid for 10 years!
Like your passport, this card is valid for ten years. You can get both travel documents renewed at the same time to save yourself time and trouble. The fee for adults is $30, and the process is very quick and easy. When filling out the DS82 Passport Renewal application, you simply need to check an additional box. You will then be charged an extra $30 when you pay the renewal fee.
The Breakdown of Fees
The amount you need to pay depends on the service that you choose. It’s important to consider your needs carefully when applying for the renewal service. If you’re not in a hurry, you can save money by choosing the standard service.
The breakdown of fees is as follows:
- US Passport Renewal Book standard service – $130
- US Passport Renewal Book expedited service – $190
- Book renewal and card standard service – $160
- Book renewal and card expedited service – $220
The Shipping Service
When calculating the total fee, you also need to take the shipping cost into account. You can arrange to have your renewed documents sent back to you by the United States Postal Service. There are three main services to choose from, each of which comes with a different fee.
There will be no additional fee if you choose Standard Priority Mail. If you select this service, this is the option the Passport Agency will use when sending your renewed travel documents. However, you will have to wait up to a week. If you choose USPS Priority Mail, it typically takes three days.
Extra fees are involved for faster delivery…
Alternatively, you can choose USPS Priority Express Mail, which is an overnight service that takes one to two days. The extra fee for choosing USPS Priority Mail is $17.13. You will have to pay this additional fee along with your other renewal fees at the time of application. This would take the total fee to $147.13 with the standard renewal service.
Accepted Payment Methods
The available payment methods for the renewal service will depend on how you apply. In-person, most payment methods are accepted. However, you will have to line up at your local consulate, which can take a couple of hours.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at your nearest post office branch. When you hand over the application form, you will need to use cash or a credit card to purchase a money order. It’s important to note that you cannot pay the fee directly.
Take note of the process…
If you don’t have time to visit a post office branch, you can mail your application to a PO Box. If you choose this option, you have to pay the fee using a money order or check. It is essential to calculate the fee correctly; otherwise, your application will be rejected.
The Six-Month Validity Rule
Your travel documents need to be valid for at least six months to travel to most countries. It starts from the date that you enter the country. This is intended to make sure your travel documents won’t expire while you’re visiting another country.
Many airlines tend to deny boarding if your travel document is valid for less than six months. Even if you managed to book the flight, your travel can still be denied. If this happens, the cost of your flight and any other travel expenses will not be refunded.
Emergency Travel
If you have an emergency situation, you may need a new passport immediately. This includes cases where a loved one dies in a foreign country, and you need to attend the funeral. If your current passport is about to expire, you might not have time to wait for it to be renewed.
In this case, you may be able to apply for an emergency travel document. It is important to note that this is a temporary document that is only valid for a couple of weeks. In life-or-death situations, you may also be able to apply for immediate renewal.
Let’s Help You Renew Your Passport!
There are a few facts you’ll need to know, starting with How Much Does A US Passport Cost? And for your all-important photos, check out Where To Get A Passport Photo, Does Walmart Take Passport Photos, Does Target Take Passport Photos, and Does CVS Take Passport Photos, including Does Walgreens Do Passport Photos, and Does Costco Take Passport Photos in 2023?
Before you plan your trip or book your flights, you might be interested to know Can You Travel With An Expired Passport, as well as Do You Need A Passport To Go To Cancun, Do You Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii, and Do You Need A Passport To Go To St Thomas?
But that’s not all! We’ve also covered beautiful tropical destinations such as Do You Need A Passport To Go To US Virgin Islands, Do You Need A Passport To Go To The Bahamas, and Do You Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico?
Final Thoughts
If you want to travel to an international destination, you need to have a passport. It is essential to make sure that this document is in good condition and up to date before making travel plans. If your passport is damaged or about to expire, you need to apply for a new one straight away.
In most cases, you will qualify for renewal instead of needing to start the process over again. This will save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. Make sure you have the fee ready and allow enough time before you travel.
Happy Travels and Enjoy!
