The Easiest Way To Renew Your Passport Doesn't Require An Appointment
By Nicole Cord-Cruz
VACATIONS
It's smart to renew your passport well before it expires — ideally, nine months in advance. And believe it or not, the easiest way to renew is the old-school way: snail mail.
To enter some countries, your passport needs to be valid for six months beyond your travel dates. However, passport processing takes six to eight weeks, so you need cushion time.
Unless your passport expired over 15 years ago, you've lost or mangled it, or it was issued when you were under 16, you don't need to renew it in person. Instead, do it via mail.
Simply submit a completed Form DS-82, a photo that meets the requirements, and a check or money order for the $130 fee. If you want to opt for the expedited service, add $60.
The State Department has been testing its online passport renewal process, but at this time, only a select group of U.S. citizens can qualify. Snail mail is still easier for now.