A valid passport is definitey an essential partner for travelers. When it comes to the expiration of a passport, should you renew it or apply a new one? This is a considerably important decision because the two options have significant differences. In this article, we will look into the major differences between passport renewal and new passport and the deciding facotrs for them. If you are unsure about what you should do, look through the article and you will find out the answer.
Passport Renewal
Passport renewal refers to updating your exsisting passport when it is about to expire or has been expired. The renewed passport retians your identity information and has a new validity period. That means it is only suitable for those who have already held a passport. In addition, they must meet some specific requirements to get a renewal. Otherwise, they would fail to qualify and have to apply for a new one. Now let’s see the qualifications and process for the application!
Who is Eligible for Passport Renewal
To qualify for a passport renewal, you should meet all the following requirements:
- Possession of a passport: You can not have a passport renewal if your passport has been reported as being stolen or lost.
- Good condition: Your passport must be still in a good condition, which means it should have no damage or alteration except for normal wear and tear.
- Age for application: You must be 16 years old or above.
- Issue date: Your existing passport should be issued within the last 15 years.
- Name change: Your current name must be consistent in the one on your passport. If you change your name after the passport was issued, you should provide supporting decumentation for proof, such as a marriage certificate.
- Full pages: When the pages of your passport will be used up soon or have been full, you should apply for a renewal to the passport authorities.
How to Renew Your Passport
When you qualify for renewing your passport, the process is rather easy and you should just follow the below steps:
- Make sure that you have prepared well all the documents required for the renewal, including your identification document, your current passport, an application form and two passport photos.
- Submit the above documents to the passport office in person. You can choose finish this job by mail. Remember to pay the fees.
New Passport
Obviously, to apply for a new passport means obtaining a completely new passport. Compared to renewing the passport you have had, getting a new one generally involves a more comoprehensive procedure. Here we will help you make clear who can acquire a new passport and how to accomplish it.
Who is Eligible for a New Passport
When you conform to any one of the following scenarios, you need to apply a new passport:
- You have not had a passport before and it is your first time to apply for one.
- You are under 16 years old. People under the age of 16 have to apply for new passports if theirs have expired.
- Your passport is damaged beyond the normal wear and tear. In this case, you are required to provide your damaged passport and a signed statement considering the damage.
- Your passport is lost or stolen. To avoid information misuse, you must report to the relevant departments and apply for a new passport as soon as possible when facing such a situation.
- Your existing passport was issued 15 years ago. If your passport has expored for an extended time, you will need to have a new one as well.
- You changed your name after you got your current passport and can not provide a legal paperwork for the change. If your documentation is not sufficent enough, you will have to get a new passport with your new information.
Actually you can also apply for a new passport even though you have already had a valid passport. However, it is likely to make things more complicated, which is not recommended.
How to Apply for a New Passport
The biggest difference in terms of the process between a new passport appliacation and a passport renewal lies in the required documents. New passports need more application documents. So what should you prepare for when you need to get a new passport?
- Gather all the required documents in advance. Such documents vary in different countries, but they generally include items such as a completed application form, your identification document and its copies of front and back, several passport photos and other supporting documents. For example, the required documentation for a new US passport includes a complete DS-11 form, two passport photos, the proof of your identity and US citizenship, and other additional documents like a signed statement for your damaged existing passport. While Indian citizens need to submit documents including proof of address, identity, photos for Indian passport application. It is crucial to check if you have all the necessary documents before you submit your application.
- Submit all the documents to the passport office personally and pay the application fees. Then your application will be under review. If it is approved, you will receive your new passport.
Passport Renewal vs. New Passport
The choice between renewing your passport and applying for a new one ultimately depends on whether you meet the above requirements or not, which is their main distinction. Besides, there are other factors needed to be considered when you are going to make a decision.
Processing Time
Renewing a passport is normally processed faster and simpler than getting a new one, because it requires less verification and security checks. Furthermore, passport renewal can be accomplished through mail while a new passport application must be done in person in the passport issuance facility.
Cost
Although different countries have different charge standards for the fees of passport renewal and obtaining new ones, a renewal usually costs less than a new application. The loss of damage of your passport may cause additional fees as you need to prepare other documentation. Thus it is considerably important to check with the passport authorities for the exactly required fees and payment methods.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between passport renewal and new passport applications is essential for starting a pleasing journey. Factors like the condition of your existing passport and the timeframe are all what you need to take into consideration to make a right choice. Hope this article will be helpful for you!
Erin Lo