Sorry for the dumb question but I am renewing my passport and don't want to make any mistakes. ( I had to get my picture re-taken thrice because I kept smiling too much to please the photographer at AAA). I will be mailing the app and my old passport by certified mail so it can be tracked as they suggest. But is there any requirement as to how I should fold it for mailing, and the type (size) of envelope? I can't find anything about that. I would like to fold it in half and send in a 5.5" x 8.5" Manila envelope, is that OK? And do they really want my photo stapled to the app with four staples? And only one photo? This requirement seems to have changed since my past passport ten years ago ( when we were also allowed to smile in the photo).
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I just renewed recently, and I don’t believe it’s okay to fold it or use a standard envelope. Just use a size that will accommodate everything without folding, and you’ll be fine. As for one photo, stapled in four places, and no smiling, that’s what they asked for, so that’s what I did. Lucky me…no expedited service, yet the new one arrived in less than two weeks (a day or two before government shutdown…yay). Old passport arrived back a couple of weeks later.
Posted by
OP
Bainbridge Island
3255 posts
So I should use a full-size Manila envelope?
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Just buy one of the document-size envelopes the USPS sells…thicker than a normal manila envelope, so should protect your docs better. They’re cheap.
Posted by
TX, USA
529 posts
I too just renewed my passport. I purchased a large padded envelope. One that was just large enough to accommodate my paper work without folding. Yes, staple the photo in the four places indicated on your paper work. I sent it certified and signature required. Once I was notified it had reached it's destination, I signed up for updates. I knew exactly when my passport was processed and being returned to me. It took far less time than indicated on the website. My old one was returned a few weeks later.
Posted by
OP
Bainbridge Island
3255 posts
OK, thanks. I am glad I asked!