How to mail in passport applications

[itutorfortravel]

I am in the process of sending in the applications to renew mine and DH's passports.

The forms are all filled out and I have our pictures, etc.

My question is this:

Do I have to send my application, picture, passport in a separate envelope from DH's or can I send them in one envelope to save on postage?

Also, I have attached the one picture to our applications but it says to send the other one unattached. Do I just leave it "floating" in the envelope or should I paper clip it, etc?

I just don't want there to be any confusion that everything has been sent in when they open my package. I'd also like to save money on postage by sending ours together but would like to hear from others that doing that doesn't confuse the issue with multiple pictures and applications mixed together.

Thanks!

 

[tiarasandcrowns]

We went to the postoffice and handed it to them.It was the best way to do it, and there is no extra postage.

 

[itutorfortravel]

Really? I don't have to mail it in?

Do you know if they in turn have to send it to the processing office and how many extra days that takes? I am trying to get our apps in as quickly as possible so I don't have to do the expedited fee. I still have about 9-10 weeks left, but I want to minimize transit time to / from the actual office where they do the processing.

One other question...can I write one check for both, or do I have to make separate checks?

 

[nenner1]

We went to the postoffice and handed it to them.It was the best way to do it, and there is no extra postage.

Make sure the Post office you take it to also has a Passport division. Not all do. In fact, not many do.

Although I worked at a passport office and I don't recall accepting renewal paperwork at all, instructions given were for the customer to mail them in.

Also not sure dealing with the line at my local PO is worth saving the 98 cents or whatever it is to mail it either .... lol!!!

 

[MartDM]

Hi,

I'm actually a passport processing agent and can tell you that if you submit through an agent, you may be charged the processing fee.

The renewal process is very simple so I'd do it yourself. You can mail the applications in the same envelope. Just make sure that they are assembled independently so nothing gets mixed up.

Just paper clip the extra picture & the passport onto the back of the renewal form for each person. That way they won't get lost or mixed up. They just don't want them staples or other permanent attachment that would take any time for them to disassemble.

You should have plenty of time to get them. The Dept. of State's standard blurb is that it takes 6 to 8 weeks however, most people are telling us they are getting their brand new passports that they process through our office as quickly as 3 weeks. A renewal shouldn't be any longer than a brand new one.

Hope this helps! You can also review the FAQs for the process at:

www.travel.state.gov