Once granted, US passports for adults expire within ten years. It is a good idea to know how to renew it beforehand, especially when you are abroad. If you are in the Philippines currently and ready to renew your US passport, keep reading as this article will explain the requirements, renewal procedures, passport photo taking steps, cost, status-checking methods, renewal appointment, and related FAQ that you will need for your reference.
Can I Renew US Passports in the Philippines?
Yes, of course! With compliance with Philippines specifications on US passport renewal, you can renew your US passport if needed. If your condition is compliant with all US passport renewal requirements listed below, you can even increase the life of your passport in the Philippines by mail without making an appointment and going to the US Embassy or Consulate nearby. If any of the criteria below can not be met or you expect other special services, you must apply for a new passport in person.
US Passport Renewal Requirements in the Philippines
The US passport is an important validation for holders to get admission to foreign countries. Therefore, it should follow official standards set by the involved parties. Key criteria are listed below for your information.
- Your old passport should be intact. Any damage or wear and tear is not allowed in the renewal process. If it is damaged, too shabby, or even lost, you need to apply for a new US passport rather than replace your most recent one.
- You cannot renew an older passport if it was issued before you were 16 years old. Those who are under sixteen years old are not qualified for the US passport renewal in the Philippines.
- You can only renew your most recent US passport book/card that was issued less than 15 years ago.
- If your name has been changed from the one printed on your old passport, you are not allowed to replace your US passport directly in the Philippines. Name change documentation should be submitted together with your renewal application form. In this way, your personal information would be aligned and verified on the new passport.
- After it is issued, you have your US passport valid for ten years. Despite of this, it is suggested that you plan on its renewal at least nine months before the expiration date. Never wait until the last day, or you will have no much time to go through the renewal process in the Philippines.
- The passport photo that you are going to submit for renewal should be taken within six months. Your most recent photo is important as an identification to renew your US passport in the Philippines.
How to Renew a US Passport in the Philippines
If your eligibility was determined, the following steps will be of great help in making it clear and completing the US passport renewal process in the Philippines. You should plan on your passport renewal at least 10 weeks before you need your US passport in the Philippines as it would take four to six weeks to complete the whole renewal process.
- Access the official website. You will see the interface shown below.
- Click the guiding links in the listed order to see more details.
- Click the gray bar with a “+” and scroll down to get more information. Download the DS-82 application form from the website or click here to download the PDF form to your computer.
- Use the Form Filler Tool on the website to fill out your form online. Alternatively, in case the Form Filler Tool does not work due to technical problems, type rather than handwrite your information in the text fields of the downloaded PDF form in the last step.
- Enter your passport number and other required information on the application form and print it out in single-sided paper.
- Provide your eligible passport photo by attaching it to a designated area of the form with four vertical staples as indicated in the box.
- Sign and date your DS-82 form before you send it to the mail.
- Calculate your renewal fee at Passport Fees as shown below and check out how much it cost, how to pay for the service, and how to fill out your check.
- Enclose a money order/check that is payable to the “Department of State” for the appropriate amount calculated from the last step.
- Enclose your renewal documentation including your most recent passport and the application form. If you have changed your name, also submit related documents as proof of identity (e.g., your most recent ID card, marriage certificate, or court order).
- Mail the required documents mentioned above in a protective envelope, preferably a Tyvek envelope for the sake of better protection for the essential items inside.
- Keep track of your application status by enrolling in email updates at U.S. Passport Application Status.
How to Make a US Passport Photo in the Philippines
Among the information needed during the US passport renewal application, a 2×2 inch recent color photograph attached to the form is the key one to identify the applicant. The online photo processor, AiPassportPhotos would make passport photo taking much easier. To be specific, AiPassportPhotos edits the applicant’s photo from the original version to the one that meets official requirements. Here are simple steps to use the online tool.
- Take a color picture by following the tips listed in U.S. Passport Photos.
- Visit AiPassportPhotos’ website.
- Select Country of Issue on the dropdown menus. In this case, you should select “United States.”
- Select the required passport type.
- Click the “Upload” button to upload a photo that you want on the US passport.
- Wait for seconds for the generator to process your original image and you will get an acceptable passport photo that is examined, resized, and improved effectively by the tool.
- Save the printable picture template on your phone or laptop.
US Passport Renewal Cost in the Philippines
In the Philippines, it would take US$ 130 for US passport renewal services. Click here to visit secure payment site.
How to track your US Passport Renewal status in the Philippines
Keep track of your application status at U.S. Passport Application Status, so that you would save yourself some time to resolve any issues with your application as soon as possible.
How to Make an Appointment to Renew US Passport in the Philippines?
If your application conditions are not suitable or eligible to conduct online, you shall make an appointment to ask for in-person passport replacement services instead. Walk-in service is not available for US passport renewal, so it is recommended to schedule your appointment ahead of time by calling the U.S. Embassy Manila’s Visa Information and Appointment Service at (+632) 8548-8223 or (+632) 7792-8988.
FAQ
📌Can I go to the U.S. consulate without an appointment?
No. To remind you again, walk-in service is not acceptable for US passport renewal service in the Philippines.
📌Can a US citizen use an expired passport?
According to this official notice, U.S. citizens will not be allowed to use their expired U.S. passport for direct return to the United States after June 30, 2022. If U.S. citizens overseas have a U.S. passport that has already expired, they should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport.
📌How early should I arrive for my US embassy appointment?
The whole entrance process before service consultation will take 15-30 minutes. To be specific, after stepping into the embassy, you are supposed to go through a body search like what you take in an airport. You will get a ticket with a number on it and be escorted to the Visa Services waiting room on the first floor.
📌How to add pages to my passport in the Philippines?
More pages can only be added on a new US passport. You can do so by selecting the option for a “large book” on your passport form when applying for renewal service. Adding new pages on an existing passport in the Philippines is not allowed.
Conclusion
To renew a US passport in the Philippines is essential for US citizens, especially for those who have been granted one for a long term and want to travel around freely in the Philippines and other countries. Therefore, it is always a wise choice to learn how to renew it in this country and make a plan for it before it is about to expire.
Dolores Xiao