Do you have to be going outside the country to renew a passport?

I'd like to renew mine, but I am not going anywhere anytime soon. The website says it needs proof of departure. Can't they just renew it?

If they do require it, that should do it. If they don't, oh well. I think the theory is that they try to process the most urgent ones first.

I should hope that they'll let you get it renewed. If not, try to fake the reason on the form. It might be worth it to buy a ticket to the carrib just to get clean papers.

You've misread something there...

It doesn't seem like you need any proof of departure for a new passport.

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html

You're correct in that there is no requirement for proof of departure (unless you apply in person for an emergency-type passport).

until after departure...not to be snarky, just mentioning the obvious. :D

Its only for an expedited ticket.

Buy a -fully refundable- airline ticket using a credit card to "safe", non controversial country.

Make the date a few weeks out (short enough that you need expediting, but not unreasonable so that expediting wouldnt help).

Apply for the passport, make copies of the ticket etc etc.

Get a refund for your ticket.

I did this several years ago when I needed a passport quickly (for possible but unconfirmed) work travel and it worked like a champ.

If you are not going anywhere in a hurry you don't need an 'expedited' delivery. So just renew it normally and you don't need any proof of future travel. We did ours not long ago.

How long did yours take?

four or five different times, and none has taken longer than six weeks to get. And mostly they've come in two to three weeks. Now that everyone is going to need a passport to cross into Canada, that will probably change.

I work for a member of Congress and assist travelers with passports that haven't arrived when departure is at hand. They are taking much longer, whether expedited or not. If your travel date is getting close (2 weeks), call your Rep or Senator as that is one of the constituent services. Don't even try to call passport numbers listed on the website-you'll be very frustrated.

as opposed to applying at a post office or library. If you live in or near a major metropolitan area you are near an office.

Just the fact that you are who you say you are? Or are they doing a homeland security check these days? When people move within the U.S., they don't change their address on their passport, do they?

you need a birth certificate or proof of naturalization and photo ID (your driver's licence) or an expired passport. Your address isn't printed on the passport.

http://www.unitedstates.org/passport.php?source=google

You must apply in person if this is your first passport, or if your passport has been lost, stolen or issued more than 15 years ago. Unless you plan to travel within two weeks, you may apply at any of the 7,000 Passport Acceptance Facilities nationwide, including many post offices, public libraries, courthouses, and other government offices.

If you're traveling within 14 days, however, you must instead make an appointment to visit a Passport Agency in one of the following cities: Aurora, Colo.; Boston; Chicago; Honolulu; Houston; Los Angeles; Miami; New Orleans; New York; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Seattle; Stamford, Conn.; and Washington, D.C. These agencies accept only urgent applications.

What To Bring
You can begin the application process at home by downloading and completing the Application for a U.S. Passport, form DS-11. To view and print the form, you'll need to have Adobe's free Reader software installed. An even easier option is to fill out the form electronically and save it to your computer to print - no cramped handwriting required. Don't sign the form until asked to by the official handling your application, who will want to witness your signature.

In addition to the completed application form, you will be required to provide the following documentation:

* Proof of U.S. citizenship (show one of the following documents):
o Certified copy of your birth certificate.
o Naturalization certificate (if born outside the United States).
o Certificate of citizenship.
o Consular report of birth abroad (if your parents were U.S. citizens).
o Your expired passport.
* Proof of identity. A driver's license or old passport will fulfill this requirement.
* Two identical photographs. These must be photos taken within the last six months, in black and white or color, and 2 inches square. They must be full-face pictures taken by a company that specifically offers passport photos. Special passport photo stores, many camera shops, and some drug stores and copying service companies offer passport photo services. The photos cannot be altered or retouched in any way.