How to Renew an American Passport in Canada

The American Passport is one of the most coveted documents for international travel and serves as proof of US citizenship. It was ranked 7th out of 199 passports by the Henley Passport Index, allowing visa-free travel to 188 countries.

American citizens in Canada can apply for a passport renewal by mailing an application to either the National Passport Processing Center in the USA or to the US Embassy in Ottawa or the closest US Consulate General. This is a special exemption available to US citizens residing in Canada only.

Are you eligible for a Passport Renewal

You are eligible to renew by mail if:

• You are in possession of your prior Passport.
• Your prior Passport must be undamaged (other than normal wear and tear).
• You received your last Passport when you were 16 or older.
• You received your last Passport within the last 15 years.
• You received your last Passport under your current name, or you can document your name change.

The application process

You can proceed with the DS-82 form if you fulfill all these requirements.

Some important points to remember when mailing either the National Passport Processing Center or the US Embassy in Canada are as follows:

When mailing your application to the National Passport Processing Center, your fees are to be paid via US check or cashier check made payable to the US Department of State. The application is to be sent with the following:

• The dated and signed DS-82 application
• A valid photo
• The payment
• The current/expired Passport
• Proof of name change (if applicable)

The US Embassy or closest US Consulate General are to be paid via Pay.Gov. Items to be included along with the application are:

• The dated and signed DS-82 application
• A valid photo
• A copy of the Pay.Gov payment verification
• The current/expired Passport
• A self-addressed Canada Post XpressPost envelope that will be used to mail your new Passport when ready and
• Proof of name change (if applicable)

Fee payment

The application fees for routine services are as follows:

Product: Passport Book - Form: DS-82 - Application Fee: $130

Product: Passport Card - Form: DS-82 - Application Fee: $30

Product: Passport Book & Card - Form: DS-82 - Application Fee: $160

Expedited services will set you back an additional $60.

The different mail-in methods and when to use them

The official advice is to mail directly to the National Passport Processing Center in the US when you have travel plans more than 12 weeks away and to either the US Embassy in Ottawa or the closest US Consulate General when your travel plans are within 12 weeks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, renewing an American passport from Canada is a manageable process that requires careful attention to the necessary documentation and procedures. By adhering to the guidelines provided by the US Department of State, eligible individuals can efficiently update their passports through a straightforward mail-in renewal process.