Renewing your US Passport
1. Find it – Yeah, believe it or not, this sometimes may be the hardest step…Whether it’s in your parents house, a lockbox, your personal filing cabinet, or your sock drawer…you will definitely need to find your passport, and make sure to get your hands on it quickly for the following steps.
2. Check the expiration date – On the inside cover of your passport where your picture is you can find the expiration date at the bottom of the page. Check first to make sure the expiration date is not at least six months after the return date of your trip– #Protip – You don’t want to get to the airport all ready and not be able to go because your passport expires before six months!
3. Go to Post Office: Yes, it’s as easy as going in person to your local post office! But, first check that your local post office has passport services, and their hours for it. You might also need to call in advance to make an appointment at some locations.
Once you arrive for your appointment it’s a quick process— you will be in and out of there within minutes!— Phewph!!!
4. Make sure to bring these docs:
– Your old passport
– Photo ID (eg. a drivers license)
– A copy of your Photo ID
For more info about the documents you will need, or if you don’t have these docs, click here and choose collect documents.
5. How fast will it arrive? – You have three delivery choices.
- Standard Delivery: Passport will arrive in around 6-8 weeks. This option is the least expensive, but the most timely. (There is only enough time for this option during the summer season, and even then only if you renew immediately after applying for the trip.)
- Expedited Delivery (Recommended): Passport will arrive in around 2-3 weeks. Although this is a little more expensive, we recommend this option to ALL participants! (It may cost in the $150-200 range.) This way you won’t have any worries and will be all set to go on this #free adventure!
- Same Day Delivery: Passport is ready within 24 hours. This option should be a last resort! (To use same-day service applicant must call a regional Passport Agency 2 weeks prior to your trip to schedule an appointment. It’s also not guaranteed, but you can try. Ask us for a letter if you need help, get stuck and are in this situation. Expect it to cost over $400.)