Renewing your passport is one of those travel tasks that seems simple—until you realize you forgot something important. If you’re handling everything by mail, it’s easy to overlook a key document, like your current passport or a required supporting document. And let’s be honest, dealing with passport paperwork isn’t exactly thrilling, so mistakes happen.
If you’ve just mailed your renewal and had that “Wait… did I include everything?” moment—don’t panic. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to do next so you can fix the issue and (fingers crossed!) avoid any major delays.
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Common Mistakes and Their Consequences
Forgetting a key document—like your current US passport, proof of citizenship and identity, passport photo, or evidence of name change—can seriously slow down your renewal.
Here’s what happens: If the National Passport Processing Center gets your application and something’s missing, they’ll send it back to you for resubmission. That means extra wait time, often pushing you well past the standard 4-6 week processing window.
Important Note: If you mailed an incomplete application that included your original passport or other supporting documents, you’ll have to wait for those to be returned before you can reapply. Unfortunately, there’s no way to speed up this part of the process.
Moral of the story? Double-check everything before you seal that envelope. A few extra minutes upfront can save you weeks (or even months) of unnecessary delays.
What to Do If You Forgot a Required Document
If you just realized you forgot something in your passport renewal application, here’s what you need to do next:
Step 1: Wait for Your Application to Be Returned
Unfortunately, there’s no way to fix the mistake mid-process. The National Passport Processing Center will return your application, so keep an eye on your mailbox. When it arrives, check for any instructions they’ve included and make sure you know exactly what is missing.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents.
Before you resubmit, triple-check that you have everything you need:
- Proof of Citizenship: A previous passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
- Proof of Identity: A driver’s license or government-issued ID.
- Passport Photo: Make sure it meets the State Department’s guidelines (because yes, they will reject it if it doesn’t).
- Proof of Name Change: A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Step 3: Reapply.
Once you’ve got everything together, resubmit your application. If you’re on a tight timeline, consider expedited processing to avoid further delays. You can:
- Request expedited service by mail (expect about 2-3 weeks).
- Visit a Regional Passport Agency if you have urgent travel plans.
- Use a passport expediting service to handle the process for you.
The key takeaway? Mistakes happen, but catching them early and acting fast can save you a lot of time and stress.
Your Options for Expedited Processing
If you’re running out of time and need your passport renewed fast, don’t panic—you have three options to speed things up:
Option #1: Expedited Service by Mail
For an extra $60, you can request expedited processing, which cuts your wait time down to 2-3 weeks instead of the usual 4-6 weeks.
But here’s the catch—2-3 weeks can still feel like forever if your trip is right around the corner. If you’re in a real time crunch, you might need to consider one of the other options detailed below.
Need the step-by-step process? Check out our guide: Expedite Passport Renewal – Forms, Fees & Processing Times.
Option #2: In-Person at a Regional Passport Agency
If you’re truly in last-minute mode, your best bet is to apply in person at a Regional Passport agency.
Here’s how:
- Step 1: Make an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778 or scheduling online.
- Step 2: Gather everything you need:
- A completed and signed Form DS-82,
- All required supporting documents, and
- Payment for renewal processing fees.
- Step 3: Show up on time for your appointment.
For full details, check out our guide: How to Apply for Expedited Service at a Regional Passport Agency.
Option #3: Use a Passport Expediting Service
If dealing with the renewal process yourself sounds overwhelming—or if you want to avoid mistakes that could slow things down—a registered passport expeditor might be the way to go.
These services do a thorough check of your application before it gets submitted, making sure all documents are included and filled out correctly. If time is tight, this can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Not sure which service to use? Here’s how to find the best one: 5 Criteria for Choosing the Best Passport Expediting Service.
Comparing Passport Renewal Options At a Glance
To make things easier, I’ve put together a quick comparison chart so you can see the differences between the three passport renewal options at a glance.
| Option | How Long Does It Take | Step-by-Step Guide |
| Expedited Service via Mail | 2 to 3 weeks |
1. Complete Form DS-82. 2. Double-check that it is signed. 3. Include passport photo and payment. 4. Mail to National Passport Processing Center with “EXPEDITE” written on the envelope. |
| Regional Passport Agency | Best for travel within 2 weeks; possible same-day service |
1. Schedule an appointment (urgent travel). 2. Gather required documents. 3. Visit the agency with documents. 4. Receive passport within 8 business days or same day. |
| Use a Registered Passport Expediter | 24 hours to 2 weeks, depending on needs |
1. Find a reputable expediting service. 2. Gather application materials. 3. Transfer documents to expediter. 4. Expediter submits application. 5. Receive passport via overnight shipping. |
The best option depends on your travel needs. For a more in-depth look at each option, including step-by-step instructions and resources, check out our comprehensive guide: Expedite Passport Renewal – Forms, Fees & Processing Times.
Passport Renewal: Final Steps for All Expediting Options
Once you’ve submitted your passport renewal application, be sure to track its status so there are no surprises:
- If you applied by mail or at a Regional Passport Agency: Use the U.S. State Department’s online passport status system. You’ll need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- If you used a private expediter: These services usually have their own tracking systems. Check their website or contact customer service for updates.
Keep in mind the estimated timeline for receiving your passport based on the method you choose. Also, don’t worry if your supporting documents (like your old passport) don’t arrive right away—they typically show up about 10 days after you get your new passport.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting something in your passport renewal application isn’t the end of the world, but it can slow things down—and no one wants to deal with unnecessary delays. If you realize you left something out, don’t panic. Just follow the three steps I outlined above to get your application back on track as quickly as possible.
And if time isn’t on your side? You’ve got options. Whether you expedite by mail, visit a Regional Passport Agency, or use a passport expediting service, there’s always a way to speed things up. Personally, I’m a big fan of anything that saves time and avoids extra hassle—so if a passport expeditor helps get things done faster and stress-free, it’s worth considering!
At the end of the day, a little planning ahead goes a long way. Double-check your documents before you send your application, track its progress, and if you do run into an issue, act fast to fix it. The sooner you sort it out, the sooner you’ll have your passport in hand—and one step closer to your next trip abroad!
Safe travels, Laura
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