You see, renewing an American passport can be done by mail if you have an undamaged passport and if a few simple other rules are complied with. If you were over the age of 15 when you got your last passport, if the passport is not over 15 years old and if you have not had a name change since you got your passport, you are eligible to apply for a passport by mail.

You can apply for a passport card, if it is your first passport card by mail and if you meet all the mail-in qualifications. If you are behind in child support, you will not be able to get your passport. If you are mailing your papers, it is best to mail them in a secure envelope. You will also want to mail them in a traceable manner.

It will be necessary to apply in person if you are renewing a lost, stolen or damaged passport. The first step in the process is the application. You will need to fill this out, but not sign it until asked to do so by the accepting agent. You will also need to provide a valid social security card.

Proof of citizenship can be done by showing your existing passport. You may also present your naturalization papers or a certificate showing your citizenship. The valid and certified birth certificate is probably the most common type of documentation showing that you are a citizen of the United States.

Personal identification is required to receive an approved passport. Documentation can consist of a valid and current driver's license, a military identification card, a naturalization certificate, government ID card or an unblemished passport. A less commonly used form of identification proof is to ask someone with valid ID to vouch for you.

Identification documentation needs to be prepared in a specific defined format. Each document must be photocopied on a single page of standard letter size white paper on one side only. You can enlarge the size of the print, but you cannot shrink the size of the copy to less than actual size.

The passport fees must be sent in with the passport renewal application. These fees vary and you need to understand them. In order to purchase additional services related to the receipt of the passport, you will need to add additional fees. Some of the extra services include overnight delivery fees and expedited fees. Checks, credit cards and money orders are accepted forms of payment.

Your renewing an American passport application must be accompanied by 2" by 2" color photo. The picture can't include any head covering, such as a hat or scarf. Full face view is required. The photograph must show you in your normal appearance. If you wear glasses, the glasses should be in the photo. The same is true of hairpieces, wigs and hearing aids. If you wear tinted glasses by doctor's orders, you will need to submit that information along with the other U.S. passports documentation.