Time for us to renew passports. :( On state department website, it says that if you want additional pages added when you renew, you need to submit a request in writing on why you need the additional pages. On the actual DS-82 form, there is just a box to check to say you want additional pages. When they look at our passports with two sets of pages added, I am sure they will recognize that we need the additional pages in our new passports; or, do I need to include an additional explanation?

My questions for recent renewers are:

1. Do we have to pay the normal $110 fee or do we need to pay the $82 for extra pages, too?

2. If we have to pay $192, can it be on one check or do we need two.

3. Can I put both Arlene and my applications in a single envelope? If so, can I write one check for amount?

4. Is there anyway to pay by credit card when doing renewal by mail?

5. Do I have to include any payment for return postage?

thanks,

When we have renewed, each application had to go in a separate envelope, with a separate check and we had to include return postage. Don't know about the rest.

Marc,
I renewed in November 2011. I just checked the box at the top. I had added pages about two years ago. Had quite a few pages left but it was due to expire in Oct 2012 and given the six month rule so many countries use I took advantage of a window in 11/2011 to 12/2011. I do not have a record of the details of what I paid other than did it by check for $122.72. I think I paid for expedited handling and mail just because it seemed to make sense. From the amount , which included the expedited mail, I do not think I paid the $82.00 for extra pages. I for one would write two checks as that is not that big a deal. I would put both in same envelope.
Not sure this helps much but is my experience that is fairly recent.

I got the new passport in about three weeks. The old passport came by separate mail about a week later.

We had same exerience as Ralph just last month. I sent 2 checks in 2 FedEx envelopes and did not pay for or explain extra pages, just checked the box. I think the need to explain was only if you had not previously requested extra pages but I dont know where I saw that. I added the extra $ for expedited return and got both our new passports back in about 2 weeks with the extra pages. The old ones came back regular mail about a week after that.
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Helen

Helen, so you just paid the $110 for each passport (plus expedited shipping)? Seems silly to pay for two mailings but I guess I will go with the flow.

We sent ours separately as well.

Yes, Marc thats what I did. I guess we all paid for 2 mailings because the price difference didnt justify worrying about it? I really dont know why I did it that way, just seemed prudent. Dont want to get caught without a passport in hand with so many great trips to go on!
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Helen

how lucky we are to even contemplate needing a passport, much less extra pages

You are so right, Diane

Sent my passport, that expires in Nov, priority mail. I checked the 52-page book - old passport was also a jumbo.


BAD news is picture is HIDEOUS, even worse news is that it looks like me!

And even much worse news is I'm afraid no country will let anyone who looks like that picture enter their country!

Duplicate post

Every country will let you in. There will be billboards welcoming you. The crowds will cheer your great courage. And garner you with riches. Because you are the passport king.

Nice try Coffeecup BUT:
Compared with my picture Mitch McConnell looks like a matinee idol =- it's that bad!

Ted, why didn't you shop around and keep getting new PP photos till you got what you wanted? Slap on some make up, or better yet, get Saint Kathy to do wonders? :D

I am approaching my next pp photo in 4 years. I figure by that time if I still need a passport, I won't care what it looks like!

For some reason, I usually get my passports in the humid summer heat. My photo looks like I'm melting on this last one..... horrible. My passport is getting full with added on pages, so it might be time for a new one after my next trip, wherever that may be!!

Mailed passport application Monday, April 16, had passport back Monday, May7,and old passport with Brazil Visa came same day but in own envelope.

I didn't get expedited service and new passport is a jumbo for regular fee of $110.

Good service! But they could have saved a bit if both passports were in same envelope.

Oh well, postal service needs all the buisness it can get.

Mailed mine in around Dec 6 - sent extra $$ for extra pages. Got a call a few days later - no extra $$ needed for extra pages. Would I rather send a new check or use a credit card? Gave credit card on phone. Passport back within a week. Old passport arrived a few days later, with voided check enclosed.

Reused a recent passport photo - it's never going to land me a spot on Dancing With The Stars

Cheers, Anne

Don't be sure about that, Anne. They are going to run out of B-list actors and retired athletes by season 25 and you might a call. You have my vote already.

Got my passport renewal in less than 4 weeks (without any expedited handling request) - really fast! Love the new watermark pictures on the pages - very patriotic!

Now for the hassle of getting all the airline accounts, etc. updated with the new number...wish we could keep the same old number like we do with our drivers license.