United States passport renewal has been streamlined. On the data page you can find out if it’s about to expire and it’s a good idea to start the process within nine months of that date. The form is online, ready to print and be filled out by hand. The other option is to fill it out online first and then print it. It can be mailed or brought to an agency in person. The phone numbers and locations of U.S.pasport renewal agencies can be found on the Internet.

Application

The form you need is the application. The applications are different for each type, whether it is a renewal, first or replacement passport, or a name change. Once you have that form filled out, you’ll be able to bring it in person or mail it.

Identification

One requirement is that you have two pieces of ID. The first verifies your identity and it can be your driver’s license or old passport, a certificate of naturalization, or government identification. The second type of ID is proof of U. S. Citizenship, which can be your birth certificate, government or military ID. You’ll also need a copy of each type of identification that you mail or bring in.

Photos

You’ll also need color photos of yourself. Two identical copies are required and you must be facing forward with your full face showing. Once you have these and all the required documents, you’ll have to pay a fee. Adults are charged $110 to $140 and it is less for children.

Passport Cards

A passport card can be purchased, too. It looks something like a driver’s license and can be used if you travel often to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. However, it cannot be used if you are flying to those countries in a plane. The card is smaller and less expensive with fees that are only between $30 and $55, based on various factors.

Expediting

It could be that an emergency has arisen and you need a renewal quickly. In that case, you can expedite the process for an additional $60 fee, plus the cost of two-day postal service. You can bring it in personally but it will have to be mailed back. If you choose to mail it in, it’s advisable to also use two-day delivery, and mark “expedite” on the envelope. It’s also a good idea to opt for mail tracking.

Online Help

There are answers on the Net about what to do if you are traveling officially, how to get proof of citizenship and any other questions you may have. It could be that you want to know about how many visa pages you need or how to get a lost U.S. pass port replacement. All the instructions for how to fill out the applications are also provided online.