Sending passport through mail

Sending a passport through the mail can be a convenient and cost-effective way to return your passport to the U.S. Department of State or to a passport acceptance facility. However, it's essential to follow the proper procedures and guidelines to ensure the safe and secure delivery of your passport. Here are some tips to consider:

Using a Trackable Shipping Method

• Use a trackable shipping method, such as USPS Priority Mail or FedEx, to ensure that your passport can be tracked and monitored during transit.
• Make sure to keep a record of the tracking number and the shipping carrier's contact information.

Using a Secure Envelope

• Use a secure envelope or package that is specifically designed for shipping sensitive documents, such as a USPS Priority Mail Express envelope or a FedEx envelope with a tamper-evident seal.
• Make sure the envelope is addressed correctly and includes the recipient's name and address.

Marking the Envelope as "Passport"

• Clearly mark the envelope as "Passport" or "Official Government Document" to alert the postal service and any handlers that the contents are sensitive and require special handling.

Using a Passport Return Envelope

• If you are returning your passport to a passport acceptance facility, you can use a pre-paid return envelope provided by the facility. This envelope is specifically designed for shipping passports and is usually trackable.

Additional Tips

• Make sure to sign the envelope and include your return address on the outside of the envelope.
• Keep a copy of the documents you are sending, including the passport, in case the original is lost or damaged during transit.
• Consider using a shipping service that offers insurance and tracking, such as USPS Priority Mail Express or FedEx, to ensure that your passport is protected in case it is lost or damaged during transit.

Passport Return Times

• The U.S. Department of State recommends allowing 6-8 weeks for passport processing and return. However, expedited service is available for an additional fee, which can reduce the processing time to 2-3 weeks.
• If you need your passport urgently, you can use a expedited shipping method, such as USPS Priority Mail Express or FedEx, to ensure that it arrives quickly.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your passport is sent securely and efficiently through the mail.