You are planning to travel abroad, only to find that your passport will or has expired. It’s time to apply for a renewal. In most countries around the world, the authority allows many various application methods, including online and at a physical site. When it comes to the question “Can I renew my passport in person?”, the answer is not simply “Yes” or “No”. It depends on when and why you need the passport. Although it is not as convenient as online and mail applications, there are times when you should renew in person. That’s what we are going to talk about in this passage.
Can I Renew My Passport in Person
The answer is YES when you are seeking expedited service or when your current passport is damaged. Generally speaking, new passport applications require applicants to visit the passport office to verify identity, citizenship, and a series of supporting documents, and gather biometric information. In many countries, you only need to renew online or by mail because there are records of your information and in-person verification is not necessary. However, in order to accelerate your renewal processing, sufficient reasons are needed. Therefore, you need to present to persuade the officer that you are in urgent need of the passport.
Additionally, some other countries allow applicants to renew passports in person for a routine service, such as Canada, but please note that some locations might be busy and require an appointment.
Last but not least, an expired passport is not always eligible to be renewed. You need to apply in person for a new passport if:
- it was issued more than 15 years ago.
- it was issued when you were younger than 16 years old.
- you have changed your name since the issuance of the current passport and cannot document the change.
- you are holding a limited-validity passport due to an emergency abroad, and frequent loss or damages.
How to Renew My Passport in Person
Documents and locations might vary slightly in different countries, but you will go through the following process.
Gather Supporting Documents
● Application form
Usually available on the website of passport office or passport acceptance facility, it is used to gather personal information and previous passport details. In the US, you need to bring Form DS-82 which can be filled out online and printed or downloaded and handwritten. In the UK, you can obtain a paper form from a post office while in Canada, you can download it here after completing it on the computer.
● Most recent passport
It can serve as proof of identity and citizenship. If you cannot submit it and have reported lost or stolen, bring a report from the police.
● Passport photo
The photo must present your current look. To avoid delays, make sure it is compliant with the official requirements. In the UK and Canada, 2 identical photos are needed.
● Proof of urgent travel
It is a must for Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service in the US. It could be air tickets, accommodation bookings, or documentation of the emergency of immediate family members, such as a death certificate, statement from a mortuary, or a letter from the hospital/clinic/doctor/medical professional.
● Proof of legal name change
If you have changed your name since the last passport was issued, it is suggested to change the name on the passport so as to ensure information consistency between your ID, traveling reservation and passports. Acceptable documents for legal name change are marriage certificate, divorce decree or other court orders.
Make an Appointment
This is usually required when applying for expedited service. Some countries support online appointments, such as Canada eService and UK booking system. Although walk-in services are open to all applicants in Canada, people who need a passport within 48 hours will be given priority. Therefore, it is recommended to make an appointment before visiting a Service Canada Centre or a passport office. The US Department of State allows you to schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778, or 1-888-874-7793 for hearing problems.
Attend an Appointment
After everything is ready, it’s time to attend the appointment at the scheduled time. Where to submit applications depends on how fast you want to receive the passport, and what passport form you fill. In the United States, passport agencies, passport centers, or passport acceptance facilities can accept your applications on behalf of the Department of State, such as post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other local government offices, etc. However, in-person services are only available in passport agencies and passport centers when you are going to travel in 14 days.
Fulfill Payment
Renewal fees and payment methods vary from country to country. Online payment is getting more and more popular in countries like the UK. You will pay with a Visa/Mastercard/Maestro credit or debit card while booking an appointment. However, paying online is not available in the US and Canada. US government allows paying by debit/credit card, checks or money orders. When applying in person in Canada, you can pay at the counter with a credit card or prepaid card, debit card, certified postal/bank cheque or money order, or cheque from Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government departments. Cash and personal cheques are not acceptable.
Renew My Passport Abroad
In most countries, US citizens must apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate while a few of them allow mail applications, such as Canada. Vise versa, Canadian citizens outside Canada and the US must submit passport renewal applications to the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.
Summary
In summary, to simplify the application, renewing a passport in person is not always necessary or permitted. It is usually applicable when applying for expedited or urgent services, when renewing a damaged or lost passport, or when renewing abroad. No matter which way you choose, getting all supporting documents ready is decisive to be approved, including the application form, current passport, and passport photos. Please remember to choose the right location to submit applications in case of being rejected or delaying your trip.
Erin Lo