how to renew a passport, PLEASE help. (solved, thanks for all the help)

[somethingwitty]

edit. sorry, didnt realize it posted, then I spent a bunch of time composing and speaking on the phone...here's what I meant to say, thanks for any help.


I need to renew my passport, but searching "passport renewal form" brought up a lot of hits, many of which confused my feeble mind. So I turn to you, ATOT, to dumb it down for me.

-my passport was issued in may of 92 and expired in may of 97. I was born in sept of 82, so I was almost 10 at the time.
-It was issued by the Passport Agency, Washington DC, but I'm in philadelphia, PA now for school-I REALLY hope that isnt a problem of any sort?
-I'm traveling on the 26th of december, so I'd like this renewed by dec 21st. I'm going with a group, and I dont currently have an itinerary or plane ticket on me. (may be able to get a copy of something if it's required)
-I have a passport photo, my SSN card, and a drivers license (as well as my old passport).

So, given that's what I have so far, what do I need to do? I'm looking to do this in person if possible, not by mail.

I've been told I can go to the post office w/ what I have and *some* form I dont currently have and request they expediate the renewal...Do I need itinerary/tickets for that? Also, will they accept a credit card, or do I need some form of certified payment? Any idea how much this costs, including the request to expediate?

Also, if anyone's in the philly area, have you ever done this at the 30th street postoffice? If I got there at about 12:30pm how long should I expect to wait? is there some seperate line, etc?

As you can see, I have this vague idea what to do-but I really need some of the specifics filled in.

Thanks for any help

 

[Buddhist]

american or foreign?

-M.T.O

 

[jpsj82]

assuming you mean a US passport

 

[somethingwitty]

thanks for the help so far. I updated my original post to explain my specific situation. sorry bout the blank post before.

 

[kranky]

jpsj82's link pretty much has all the answers. But if you can't find it,

PHILADELPHIA Passport Agency
U.S. Custom House
200 Chestnut Street
Room 103
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2970
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., local time, M-F, excluding Federal holidays
Automated Appointment Number: (215) 418-5937

NOTE: Philadelphia Passport Agency serves customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel.

An appointment might be required.

Also, somewhere in Philly will be an independent business or two that expedites passport services for a big fee, so they might be your last resort.

 

[McPhreak]

I was in the same boat as you not too long ago. It's actually a pretty painless process. Just go down to you Post Office and pick up a renewal form, fill it out and submit it with your updated picture, and your old passport. On the form, there will even be a question about when you're planning on going to vacation. Just put the date in and as long as it's a reasonable length of time away, they'll send you your passport before then. As for it being expired, doesn't make a difference. Mine was expired too.

 

[kranky]

I think you are too close to the deadline for mailing it in through the routine process. Who knows how long the backlog is at this time of year?

 

[jpsj82]

Also where are you going?
Some countries make you get another visa before leaving this country (which could be a whole other form and more money). Not all countries do this though.

 

[somethingwitty]

Thanks for the help. I followed jpsj82's link and found the philly office someone pasted in already. I figure I'll call and make an appointment for sometime after the 12th (to be within the 2 week period).

Thanks again.

 

[somethingwitty]

going to israel, pretty sure a passport is all I need...

 

[jpsj82]

you are right, no visa needed.

ISRAEL - *Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for tourist or business stay of up to 90 days. Notarized consent from parent(s) required for children traveling alone, with one parent, or in someone else's custody. Consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Israel, 3514 International Dr., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/364-5527) or nearest Consulate General: CA (323/852-5500 and 415/844-7500), FL (305/925-9400), GA (404/487-6500), IL (312/297-4800), MA (617/535-0200), NY (212/499-5400), PA (215/546-5556) or TX (713/627-3780). Internet: http://www.israelemb.org

 

[RossMAN]

I was in a similar situation. I went to a US Post Office in downtown Portland, Oregon, didn't have my old passport with me, filled out the forms and paid for EXPEDITED PROCESSING which was $110 total I think - well worth it if you have a $1300 plane ticket to Australia that is NON-REFUNDABLE.

10 days later my new passport was delivered to my PO Box.

There are third party services such as PassportExpress.com but I decided to stick with the USPS and I'm glad I did.