Should the renewal application be sent via certified mail?

by Arlene
(Stoughton, MA)

Question: I have everything ready to MAIL but want to know the best way to mail all the renewal documentation including my original passport.

Do you recommend US postal service? Do you recommend Certified mail with return receipt? Can the documents be sent via Regular Mail? Is FedEx or UPS a good option?

Answer: You are strongly encouraged to mail your passport application and any personal documents using a traceable delivery method. This will minimize the risk of your documents getting lost.

A traceable delivery method lets you confirm the receipt of your package at the intended destination. Traceable delivery methods include:

* USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation
* USPS Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation
* USPS Express Mail (for overnight delivery requests) traceable delivery method

USPS Certified Mail and USPS Registered Mail are also forms of traceable mail but take longer to reach the mailing destination than Priority or Express Mail service.

Please Note: Your application for a passport renewal will be sent to a PO Box. Therefore, the traceable delivery method used must be able to deliver to a PO Box address.

Also, in order to protect the contents of your mailing from the elements throughout the delivery process, you are encouraged to send your passport application and any personal documents using a secure means of packaging, such as a Tyvek envelope.

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How many pages of the form do I send in
by: Anonymous

Question: So logic would tell me to only send in the actual "application", which is 2 pages. Should I also include pages 1-4 of the instructions?

Answer: You are absolutely right. You only need to send the actual application pages and keep the first two instruction sheets.

filling out the application
by: Anonymous

Question: I watched a YouTube video that said to fill the application out in all capital letters and to use only a black ink pen.
When I filled my application out I used a dark blue pen to do the application and only capitalized the first letter of every question, Will my application still be processed if I didn't use a black pen to fill it out or capitalize every letter in the application.

Answer: Passport application forms are meant to be machine-readable. The problem with the blue ink is that it may not be read and the lower case letters may not be recognized, depending on the handwriting. Errors in reading the forms may result in errors on the passport itself.

Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Personal Check
by: Iris

Question: I plan on using a personal check for payment but my address on the check is not my current address and my first name is shortened on the check, Will this be a problem with processing my payment?

Answer: It should not be an issue. Just make sure to write the applicant's full name at the back of the check.

Can multiple renewal applications be mailed together?
by: Anonymous

Question: My husband and I are renewing our passports at the same time. I was wondering if both renewal applications could be mailed in the same envelope. It would save money but would it cause confusion?

Answer: You may place each application set in separate envelopes and mail them together in one larger envelope.

Social Security number
by: Anonymous

Question: Is it necessary to include my social security number on the form? I’m really not comfortable mailing this information.

Answer: Yes, it is required.

Is it possible to drop middle names
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. My kids have very long middle names and I used their full names in their passports. I was wondering when it’s time to get them another passport, can I drop their middle names or does it need to stay on since it was already there when I applied the first time?

Answer: Since minors do not present IDs for passport applications, the basis for their names will be their birth certificates. Since the birth certificates have the middle names, the passports will likely be issued with them as well.

Folding documents
by: Anonymous

Question: I am not finding anywhere on the website that is required to not fold your documents when mailing them in. I see other comments saying it does. Please provide a screenshot of what you're seeing and a link.

Answer: The Department of State does not specifically say that applications cannot be folded. But forms are machine-readable and creases may affect this. This is why we recommend placing the application in an envelope large enough to fit the documents without folding.

Infant SSN just received
by: Rebecca M

Question: Hello. We completed our passport appointment for our infant and at the time did not have her SSN yet. We have received it and I see her passport is still In Process. We have not heard from the agency via email or mail about sending in her SSN to complete the passport application. Is there an address we can send the SSN and be proactive? We leave in one month abroad. We paid at the passport appt for rushed service. Many thanks.

Answer: The SNN is not required for a passport application to proceed. There is no need to send additional information (SSN) unless passport services contacts you for it. You may call 1-877-487-2778 for more imformation.

Form stapled together
by: Anonymous

Question: I brought my documents to UPS and I asked them to staple my picture to my form and I noticed that he did stapled by mistake the second page with it. I didn't want to remove the staple to avoid demanding my picture. Will I have any problems with that? He put 2 staples.

Answer: It should not be an issue as long as the data on the pages were nor covered by the staples.

Where to mail
by: Derrick

Question: Hi I’m just trying to figure out where do I mail my form after I get it notarized? I live in Madison Wisconsin.

Answer: Hi, Derrick. I am not sure what form you needed to have notarized. If you are referring to DS-82, please mail your application to the following address:

STANDARD SERVICE (8-11 weeks):

National Passport Processing Center
PO Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

EXPEDITED SERVICE (5-7 weeks, additional $60):

National Passport Processing Center
PO Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

Folded renewal application
by: April

Question: I didn't know I wasn't supposed to fold my application. My photos are not creased. It has already been sent via registered mail along with all my documents and old passport. What will happen now? USPS says the Post Office received it but it is not showing on the government website yet. Will I have to resend it unfolded?

Answer: Forms are machine-readable and creases may affect this. Passport services will contact you if you need to send a new form.

Passport
by: Dee

Question: How long does it take for the state to pick up at the PO box for a passport?

Answer: Mailing times vary across the country so there is no definite answer to your question. As long as you entered the right address on the envelope, your application should safely arrive at a processing center soon. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport Card
by: Anonymous

Question: If I have a passport card but am not planning to renew it and only planning to renew my passport book, is it okay to just mail my passport book and not the card?

Answer: Yes, it is okay.

Waimanalo Postal worker should be reprimanded
by: Patrick Minvielle

Question: I recently attempted to submit an application at the Waimanalo post office for my disabled son. The postal worker was disinterested and rude. Went home to get his state ID as the copy I had was deemed unacceptable by her. Upon returning, I was told to go to 7-11 to make a copy of ID as the Waimanalo Post office's machine not working. Went to 7-11. Machine not working. Returned to post office. Requested documents back and left. Postal worker then displayed some sense of surprise.

Told her I was leaving and that she'd already wasted enough of my time and that I'd find another way to submit my son's application. She could've scanned any and all information on the on-site computers. It's supposed to be a Federal Gov't entity. The person should've been reprimanded and sent home with no pay for the day. Not likely that'll happen. Just like the likelihood of this being read by USPS.

Answer: We're sorry to learn about your experience. You may file a formal complaint through the NPIC so they are aware of the incident.

USPS
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I mail my renewal application from any USPS location?

Answer: Yes, you may. We recommend using a traceable mailing service so you can track your application until it arrives at the processing center.

Return envelope?
by: Clinton

Question: Should I include a self-addressed return envelope if I am mailing in my renewal application or will they mail it back to me? They mention a $17.65 delivery 1-2 days but is this optional?

Answer: Hi, Clinton. There is no need to send a prepaid envelope with your application. The 1-2 day delivery is optional but highly recommended since regular mailing may take weeks.

Certified mail not picked up
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I sent my passport renewal via certified mail. The USPS tracking site says it arrived at the post office on 6/15, and that it has not been signed for/picked up yet. It is now 7/8. When will it be picked up?

Answer: We are not privy to delivery and pickup schedules. What we know is that it may take up to 6 weeks for the application to begin processing.

Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Renewal application
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I sent my passport renewal application on March 5th. I did not, however, use certified mail. I do not have a way to track the application. I called Monday, and the agency said the application was not in the system, but not to worry because they are behind. I am worried though because we leave for Mexico in 6 weeks. When should I report the old, expired passport as lost and reapply? I’m afraid to wait much longer.

Answer: You may submit a new application in person at an acceptance facility. Make sure to pay for expedited service to get the passport in 4 to 6 weeks.

Passport renewal application
by: Anonymous

Question: If I send my passport renewal application via USPS 2-day priority mail would it be able to be delivered to a PO Box address?

Answer: The Department of State recommends that you send your application through USPS’ Priority Mail Express to ensure that it gets to the processing center without delay. They deliver to PO boxes.

Traceable Mail
by: Anonymous

Question: I forgot to use traceable mail when I mailed off my passport renewal due to a name change. I placed it in a USPS collection box instead. It's been a little over a month now and my application is listed as not found on the passport application status portal. I called the customer service number and they told me just to wait. I'm worried that my documents are lost or the passport would take too long to arrive to the passport center. Should I just reapply and say my previous passport was lost?

Answer: It takes several business days for an application to be entered into the tracking system. It is highly likely that your application was received. Please give it a few more days and take action only when you confirm that your passport application is lost.

Should the renewal application be sent via certified mail?
by: Anonymous

Question: Is certified mail deliverable to government passport p.o. box?

Answer: Yes, it is.

Certified mail question
by: Anonymous

Question: Can a passport renewal sent through certified mail be delivered to the Government P.O Box?

Answer: You may use USPS Certified Mail but it may take longer to reach the mailing destination than Priority or Express Mail service.

Self Address Envelope
by: AnonymousAJ

Question: Do I have to include a self-addressed envelope with my renewal application to have my passport returned to me?

Answer: There's no need to send a self-addressed envelope if you're sending it to the processing center directly.

Need ASAP
by: M Kim

Question: I am a flight attendant who travels every week overseas for work. Therefore
it is so very important to have it as soon as possible.

Answer: At this time, passport services only provide expedited service for life and death emergencies. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 regarding your situation.

Can the application be printed on both sides of a single page?
by: Anonymous

Question: Can the application be printed on both sides of a single page?

Answer: No. Please print each page in a separate piece of paper.

More than one application
by: Anonymous

Question: Can you send more than one application in one envelope? (wife and I)

Answer: Yes, you can. We recommend placing each application set in separate envelopes then send both together in a larger one.

Photo incorrect
by: Anonymous

I went to our main post office in Anchorage with my application ready to go. Little did I know, the photo of my wife had some of her hair covering her eye brown and could have caused our application to be declined, wasting more time. Make sure that the photo is showing all of your face. USPS was not the company taking the photo. Next time I will be going through the USPS.

I folded mine
by: Anonymous

Nowhere on passport website does it say documents can't be folded.

Here's a verbatim quote from the State Department's website:

"When mailing your passport application from the United States, please use:

-An envelope large enough to fit the application without folding
-Mailing by the United States Postal Service (USPS)
-A trackable delivery method. The method used must be able to deliver to a P.O. Box address."

Envelope size
by: Anonymous

Question: Can you fold the application and use a smaller envelope?

Answer: You cannot. Please send the application in an envelope enough to fit the documents without folding.

Fed Ex & UPS NOT OK!
by: Anonymous

Fed Ex or UPS CANNOT be used to deliver to a P.O. Box. ONLY US Postal Service (USPS) can be used to deliver to a P.O. Box. Certified Mail First Class is the least expensive traceable option with proof of delivery via the Certified Tracking number for a fee of $3.50 plus postage.

FedEx OK or Not?
by: Anonymous

Question: You did not answer if sending the for renewal by FedEx is OK or not.

Answer: You may send the application through FedEx but you are strongly encouraged to mail your passport application and any personal documents using a traceable delivery method. This will minimize the risk of your documents getting lost.

A traceable delivery method lets you confirm the receipt of your package at the intended destination. Traceable delivery methods include:

* USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation
* USPS Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation
* USPS Express Mail (for overnight delivery requests) traceable delivery method

Wrong application submitted
by: Anonymous

Question: I submitted the wrong application. My recent passport that expired was issued to me before I was 16 years old. I did not fill out the Form DS-11. When will they send me back the wrong application/expired passport/check? I filled out Form DS-82.

Answer: You will receive a letter notifying that you sent the wrong application form. It will also provide instructions on how you can send the correct form. If you wish to speak to a customer service representative, you may call 1-877-487-2778.

Certified Mail Tracking Number
by: Anonymous

Question: I can see that the passport was mailed last Wednesday via certified mail. How can if find out the tracking number for the return of my passport?

Answer: There is no tracking number for the passport's mailing after processing is completed. You may, however, check the status here: http://uspsg.net/status/

Passport renewal application was not certified
by: Anonymous

Question: I mailed my passport renewal on February 25th and asked for tracking but once I got home, I noticed on the receipt that they didn't add tracking. It just said estimated arrival Feb 28th. Should I worry that I have no way of tracking my application? What can I do? Just wait?

Answer: You may use your Last Name, Date of Birth and the last 4 digits of your SSN to check the status of your application. Please note that it takes several business days to enter your application in the system. I suggest that you check by the end of the week.

Stapling material
by: Anonymous

Question: Should application pages 1 and 2 be stapled together? Also, should check also be stapled to application when paying by mail?

Answer: You can staple the pages together but do not staple the check. Instead, write your name and birth date on the back of the check so it can be identified in case it gets separated from the other requirements.

What if tragedy strikes?
by: None Disclosed

Question: I just sent my passport renewal with my previous passport, certified copy of my wedding license since my name changed, and all my current contact info, including SSN as requested on the renewal form, through the mail. I used Priority mail (traceable) in a Tyvek envelope. However, I am paranoid about what will occur if my mail is lost or stolen, since this has happened to mail coming to me and sent from me in the past - even when dropped off at the Postal Office itself. How can this method of mailing all our most valuable information together be considered safe? USPS takes NO responsibility when they lose mail or have mail stolen. What are the recommended steps to take if my packet is ‘lost?’

Answer: Since you used a traceable delivery method, it is highly unlikely that your parcel will be lost. You can keep track of your documents and follow-up if need be.

Also, you can check the status of your application here: http://uspsg.net/status/

Mailed to wrong center
by: Anonymous

Question: What if I mail my renewal to wrong passport center?

Answer: There is a chance that your application will be processed by that center. If not, it will be sent to the correct processing center.

po box with signature
by: Anonymous

When mail is sent to a po box that needs to be signed for, a note is put in the po box and the owner then has to come to the window and sign for the mail.

In the case of a large firm like this, the P O will create a manifest with all the pieces on a page and the pick up person will sign for all the pieces on one page.

Question #20
by: Anonymous

Question: What do I write in block # 20 if I don't have any travel plans as of yet?

Answer: You do not need to fill in #20 if you do not have travel plans.

Sending Passport Renewals
by: Anonymous

Question: One of the methods of mailing documents you list includes a signature required service - yet you know that this is going to a PO Box. Why even include this method of tracking when it is not an option?

Answer: USPS Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation is an acceptable form of delivery. The confirmation will be signed.

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Should the renewal application be sent via certified mail?

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