Jaunted

A New Passport:
A new passport can mean your very first passport or one provided to replace an expired passport that was issued more than 15 years ago, a passport provided to replace one that was issued when you were under 16 years old, or a replacement for a lost or stolen passport. If you can wait at least two weeks to receive your passport, you have the most options. Regular processing and shipping ($97 total) will get your passport to you in 6-8 weeks. Expedited service ($60) and shipping will cost extra, and can generally get your passport to you in two weeks.

Official passport agencies require appointments, and are not the way to go if you're not in a rush--there are only 14 of them around the country, anyway. This search from the Gov' will help you locate an authorized "passport acceptance" agent in your area, most commonly a post office. If you frequent the post office, think of which one in your locale has the nicest staff and smallest crowds, double check that it provides passport services, and go there. Before setting off, study this page and try to print out and fill out the forms you need at home before leaving. It will make your life much easier. Don't forget to bring those passport photos. You must also mentally prepare yourself for looking terrible in them, for it is a basic law of nature.

If you need your passport in under two weeks, you can either make an appointment at an official passport agency--and you must have an appointment--or go through an expediter. If there's an expediter with an office in your city, you can apply in person. If not, you apply through the mail but must also leave your house to see an "acceptance agent" (like a notary public). The expediter of choice for discerning, jet-set New Yorkers with ample cash is It's Easy. You could also call them It's Gonna Cost You.

Passport Renewal & Name Change:
A passport renewal is for undamaged passports, issued within the last 15 years to those aged 16 or older at the time of issuance. Most name change requests follow the renewal procedure. However, if you are applying for a name change on your passport less than a year after it (the passport) was issued, there is a separate procedure.

You can renew a passport by mail and do not have to stand in line anywhere. You must include an application form, your passport, photographs, and payment for $67 in the mailing, plus additional materials if requesting a name update and/or expedited service. If you need a renewal in less than two weeks, expediters such as It's Easy and ZVS can help you.

Name Changes:
If your name has legally changed (say, due to marriage, divorce, or waking up one day and deciding to start anew, via court decree, as Rainbow Peacemuffin Flowerchild) within a year of the issuance of your current passport, you can also apply by mail. However, if you got your passport more than a year ago and just got married/divorced/reborn, follow the procedure and links above for "renewal." These processes require different forms. Again, expediters can help you if it is urgent.

[Photo: UiBriain]