How to Renew your Passport

Global travel is common for many attorneys who head overseas for international depositions. Attorneys who specialize in intellectual property law must ensure their passport is current at all times. Last-minute international depositions do occur, so attorneys need to be able to quickly book an international flight. This is why it is important to be mindful of processing times on passport renewal and renew early. Renewing your passport is a straightforward process, if you plan ahead, and it is recommended that you apply early.

How long does passport renewal take? There are two processes available to renew: routine and expedited.

• Routine processing is eight to eleven weeks
• Expedited processing is five to seven weeks

Expedited processing is available for an additional $60 fee. Processing times begin the day the application is received at a passport agency rather than the day you mail your application or drop off your application at the acceptance facility, for example.

What are the passport renewal fees? The total fee to renew* your passport is $130. The total to renew your passport in the expedited five-to-seven-week timeframe is $190. Accepted forms of payment include check or money order, made payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

*Note that if you are a first-time applicant, the total fees are $165 for routine processing, or $225 for expedited processing, because there will be an additional $35 execution fee.

Can you renew your passport by mail? Yes, you can, if your current passport meets these five criteria:

• Your current passport is in your possession and will be submitted with your application
• Your current passport is not damaged (normal wear and tear is ok)
• Your current passport was issued when you were age 16 or older
• Your current passport was issued within the past 15 years
• Your current passport bears your current name OR you can include documentation of your name change

What forms and documents do I need to renew my passport by mail? You need to complete Form DS-82 and print it single-sided. Double-sided forms will not be accepted and processed. Below is the full list of forms and documents required for passport renewal by mail.

1. Completed Form DS-82 (single-sided)
2. Most recent U.S. passport
3. Name change documents (if applicable); examples below
   1. 1. Certified copy of marriage certificate
      2. Certified copy of divorce decree
      3. Certified copy of court-ordered name change

You will also need one passport photo meeting the specific requirements stapled to the application with 4 staples vertically in corners as close to outer edges as possible, and your check or money order drawn on a U.S. financial institution for the renewal fee.

Can I FedEx my application? No. All U.S. residents must use USPS to mail the renewal application and accompanying documents. If any service other than USPS is used, the application will be returned to you. You may, of course, use USPS Priority Express for faster shipping. You may also pay an additional fee of $18.32 to have your passport sent to you via expedited shipping. Simply include that fee in your check or money order. You do not need to include a pre-paid envelope. The $18.32 will pay for 1- to 2-day delivery.

What if I am not eligible to renew my passport by mail? You must apply in person if you are not eligible to renew by mail. For example, you will apply in person if your current passport was issued over 15 years ago, or has been lost, damaged or stolen.

What forms and documents do I need to renew my passport in person? If you are applying in person, you will use Form DS-11. You will need to bring additional documents to apply in person. The complete list of documents you need to apply in person is listed below.

1. Form DS-11
2. Identification document (ID) such as passport, driver’s license, certificate of citizenship
3. Proof of U.S. citizenship (ONE of below, original or certified, physical copy)
   1. 1. Valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
      2. U.S. birth certificate
      3. Consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth
      4. Certificate of naturalization
      5. Certificate of citizenship

You will also need to include a photo-copy of your proof of U.S. citizenship, and a photocopy of your ID. The photocopy requirements must be followed to avoid processing delays –

1. Front and back
2. Legible
3. Printed on standard white 8.5″x11″ paper
4. Single-sided

You will need to include a passport photo as well, but in this case do not staple to the form. You will need to include the check or money order drawn on a U.S. financial institution for the renewal fee, with the application and accompanying documents.

Where do I submit a renewal application in person? The U.S. Department of State’s website includes a Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page. You can use this page to locate the location nearest you where you can submit your application.

How early should I renew my passport? Check your current passport’s expiration date and set an alarm to apply for renewal 7-9 months prior to that date. Most countries require at least three months’ validity on your passport to enter. However, there are countries that require at least six months’ validity on your passport to enter. You can check entry requirements at the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Renewing your passport is an uncomplicated process and so long as you organize your documents and keep them handy, it should require very little of your time. The only tedious part would be waiting to receive your new passport, which you can alleviate somewhat by expediting the processing time. Passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue, so this is not a process you need to go through too often.

Even if you are traveling abroad for your international depositions, your court reporting team shouldn’t have to! Look for an international court reporting agency with reporters, videographers, interpreters and technology specialists living all over the globe. These experts will have the relevant experience your case demands, as well as the details on all the best local spots to see during your trip.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions all around the world for over ten years and has written the definitive International Deposition Guide. With the world now open for international travel again, reach out to International at Planet Depos to get your upcoming international depositions on the calendar. You can also schedule online.