While everyone loves to travel, getting the documents required to visit your favorite international destination is often perceived as a nightmare scenario by many people. Passport renewal is a particularly big headache for even the most seasoned travelers. Whether it’s wading through government bureaucracy or picking out a photo that captures you at your best, passport renewal can spark feelings of dread for anyone.

Despite seeming like a long and drawn out affair, passport renewal can be an easy process if you approach it in an organized way and follow the proper steps. With our guide for how to renew a U.S. passport, you’ll be sipping on Mai Tais in Ibiza in no time.

Research the Necessary Documents and Fees

When it comes time to renew your passport for your next flight, you need to fill out form DS-82. The form is available on both the State Department’s website and at your local post office. Form DS-82 allows you to renew your passport by mail. In addition to filling out the form, you also pay a $130 fee.

You’ll also need to bring a new passport photo and your current passport. If you’re requesting a name change, you must also provide supporting documentation, such as a court order or marriage certificate. However, if you need to expedite the renewal process, you must pay an additional $60 fee to the State Department. And, you’ll have to pay a $20 fee to USPS for Priority Mail. Expedited passports typically arrive in 5 to 7 weeks, while standard service takes around 8 to 11 weeks. But, wait times tend to fluctuate.

Determine if You Need to Renew in Person

While you may be able to renew your passport by mail, sometimes you might be required to visit a passport acceptance facility in person. The State Department currently operates over 7,300 passport acceptance facilities throughout the country. Many of these facilities can be found in local post offices, county courts, and public libraries. The State Department requires passport holders younger than 16 to renew their passport at an acceptance facility.

Additionally, if your last passport was issued when you were a minor of 16 years or younger, you’ll have to renew your passport in person.  If it has been over 15 years since you were last issued a passport, you’ll also have to go in person. Lastly, you must also go in person if your most recent passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.

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Try to Renew Your Passport Online

The State Department’s online passport renewal tool was launched in 2022 following an executive order by President Biden. While the program remains in its infancy, travelers who meet certain conditions can renew their passport in just a few clicks. In order to renew your passport online, you must be over 25 years old, still be in possession of your current passport, and your last passport must have been issued 9 to 15 years ago. Lastly, you’ll have to upload a JPEG photo of yourself to the website. You’re required to pay the $130 application fee by either credit card, debit card, or ACH payment.

Choose a Good Passport Photo

While everyone is an amateur photographer these days thanks to the popularity of smartphones, a simple passport photo is the best way to go. The State Department lists several conditions for acceptable passport photos, including that they be 2 x 2 inches, digitally unedited, and taken within 6 months of use. Generally, the agency recommends that you take a photo with a blank background and a neutral facial expression.

Selfies are also not allowed. Experts recommend that you either get your photo taken by someone else or photograph yourself with your phone using the rear-facing lens and the automatic camera timer. Although it may seem a tad old-fashioned, many post offices and pharmacies also offer passport photo services.

Understand Expedited Passport Services

Have you ever needed to renew your U.S. passport in a hurry? If so, you know how complicated it can get. Many times, desperate travelers turn to passport expediting companies in order to get their passport more quickly. However, State Department officials warn travelers to be wary. Sure, many legitimate services can help you gather documents and submit them to the State Department. But no service can accelerate the processing time required to renew your passport, and beware of anyone who claims to be able to do so. Additionally, the documents you need to renew your passport can contain very sensitive information, and you don’t want to share that info with just anyone. Travel experts caution the public to do their research before you share any personal information.