Is Your Passport Up To Date?

Passports need renewing every 10 years, so if it's been awhile since you have used yours, check the expiration date. The process for passport renewal is much simpler now than in the past--no long wait at the post office required. With a valid passport now required to enter even neighboring countries like Mexico and Canada, it makes sense to keep your passport up to date so you can be ready to travel any time the opportunity arises.

Our Passport Photo Service prints your passport photos while you wait. There's no need to make an appointment, just walk right in and within five minutes your pictures will be ready!

How To Apply for a Passport

Before embarking on any international travel, your first task on what might very well be a long to-do list is to get your passport. Once you have your passport you can renew it by mail, however if you don't have a passport you will need to apply in person. Following the simple instructions in the following article will set you on your way.

NOTE: If applying for a passport for a minor under the age of 16, please read this page. If applying for a minor between the ages of 16 and 17, please read this page.

Step 1: Passport Application

Complete and submit Form DS-11, which is the application for a U.S. passport. You can get this form at your nearest Passport Acceptance Facility (more on that in a moment) or online at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html.

You will need passport photos taken before applying for your passport. The standard U.S. passport photo is 2 x2 inches, and takes about five minutes at our store. You don't need an appointment, just walk in and we'll take your picture right away. Click Here to read more about our Passport Photo services.

Step 3: Proof of Identity and Citizenship

Locate and bring proof of identity and of your U.S. citizenship. These must be original documents, photocopies are not allowed. Proof of identity can be a valid driver's license or state non-driver's I.D., military I.D., government I.D., or a Naturalization Certificate. Proof of U.S. citizenship can be a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship.

Step 4: Application Fees

The fees will be a $75 application fee, as well as a $25 execution fee. The application fee goes to the State Department. The execution fee goes to the Passport Acceptance Facility. Application fees must be paid with check or money order. Execution fees can be check, money order, credit card, or cash. A full list of fees can be located here.

Step 5: Apply in Person

Finally, you will need to apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. Gather the materials listed above and go to your nearest convenient facility to apply for your passport. Following is a list of local Passport Acceptance Facilities:

Burlington Post Office
11 Elmwood Ave - Burlington, Vermont - (802) 863-6033

Chittenden Superior Court
175 Main St - Burlington, Vermont - (802) 863-3467

Colchester Town Clerk
835 Blakely Rd - Colchester, Vermont - (802) 264-5520

Shelburne Town Clerk
5420 Shelburne Rd - Shelburne, Vermont - (802) 985-5116

Shelburne Post Office
495 Falls Rd - Shelburne, Vermont - (802) 985-3615

Williston Town Clerk
7900 Williston Rd - Williston, Vermont - (802) 878-5121

Charlotte Post Office
161 Ferry Rd - Charlotte, Vermont

Milton Town Clerk
43 Bombardier Rd - Milton, Vermont - (802) 893-7344

Clinton County Clerk of Court
137 Margaret St - Plattsburgh, New York - (518) 565-4700

Plattsburgh Post Office
10 Miller St - Plattsburgh, New York - (518) 563-1450

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How To Renew Your Passport

While it's much easier to renew a passport than it is to apply for your first passport, there is still a bit of a process that you will have to observe, and it can still be a lengthy process. Following the simple instructions in the following article will get you back "on the road" in no time.

Renew By Mail

You can now renew your passport through the mail. Most passport holders can renew their passports by mail as long as they meet certain requirements:

• Your current passport is undamaged.
  
• You received it within the last 15 years.
  
• You were at least 16 years old when it was issued.
  
• You still have the same name as is on your old passport (or can legally document your name change).

To renew by mail you must submit Form DS-82, which is the application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. You can dowload a copy of this form at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html. Note that renewal passports may only be sent to addresses within the United States or Canada.

With the application you will need to enclose two identical passport size photos and enclose the appropriate fee (Click Here to see a list of current fees).

If your name has changed since your last passport you can still renew your passport by mail. You will need to include a certified copy of the legal document specifying your name change by marriage license, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court order. Name changes by any other means would require you apply for renewal in person.

If you need rush service, you may request expedited service. Click Here to read the State Department's instructions for expedited service, or for emergency travel. Mail your application and supporting documents in a padded envelope to the address listed on your application.

Renew In Person

If you cannot renew by mail, you will need to apply for your passport renewal in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility.

Proof of Identity and Citizenship

Locate and bring proof of identity and of your U.S. citizenship. These must be original documents, photocopies are not allowed. Proof of identity can be a valid driver's license or state non-driver's I.D., military I.D., government I.D., or a Naturalization Certificate. Proof of U.S. citizenship can be a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship.

Passport Photo

You will need passport photos taken before applying for your passport. The standard U.S. passport photo is 2 x2 inches, and takes about five minutes at our store. You don't need an appointment, just walk in and we'll take your picture right away. Click Here to read more about our Passport Photo services.

Application Fees

The fees will be a $75 application fee, and it goes to the State Department. Application fees must be paid with check or money order. A full list of fees can be located here.

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VT Enhanced Driver's License

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a federal law that regulates which documents U.S. citizens can use when they travel in the Western Hemisphere. Beginning June 1, 2009, only WHTI approved documents can be used for entry to the United States. The law requires most U.S. citizens entering the United States by sea or land have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.

As a cheaper alternative to using passports to cross the Canadian border, the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles is now issuing an Enhanced Drivers License. The EDL is available only from the Montpelier DMV branch, at a cost of 25.00 in addition to your normal drivers license fee. This license is ONLY good for return entry to the United States, keep in mind, so you would still need your regular passport to visit countries other than Canada and Mexico.

For more information, visit: http://www.aot.state.vt.us/dmv/LICENSES/EDL.htm

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International Travel Information

If you're travelling abroad, you can learn about any country-specific information at the U.S. State Department's website.

What are the entry requirements? Where is the U.S. Embassy located? Learn about laws and regulations, immigration practices, health conditions, political situations, and even average road conditions by clicking the following link: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html

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