US Passport Renewal Question

[bamnutsak]

3 hours ago, vinci said:

if one lives in Thailand with a Thai address, we send the application to the U.S. embassy by mail, do they send your passport back by mail to your Thai home address?

Yes.

 

They, the embassy, send your new and old passports to you from Bangkok to your Thai address. That's why you buy the Thai Post EMS service for 100 baht.

 

 

[Felton Jarvis]

Okay, I submitted my 130 USD payment to the US Embassy for a new passport. Here is part of the email reply I received:

"This payment does NOT complete your passport renewal application. In order to renew your passport, you must mail/courier ALL of the following items to the Passport Renewal Location indication in this payment confirmation. Please review the full instructions for completing the DS-82 U.S. Passport Renewal Application on the Embassy/Consulate's website.

1. An original, signed copy of your completed DS-82 U.S Passport Renewal Application form
2. A new 2 inch X 2 inch passport photo on white background
3. Your current expiring passport
4. A printed copy of this confirmation email
5. (Optional) A self-addressed, pre-paid envelope if you wish to have your new passport returned to you by mail
 

The last item is confusing. HOW ELSE would I receive my new passport?  teleportation??? 

[HappyExpat57]

13 minutes ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Okay, I submitted my 130 USD payment to the US Embassy for a new passport. Here is part of the email reply I received:

"This payment does NOT complete your passport renewal application. In order to renew your passport, you must mail/courier ALL of the following items to the Passport Renewal Location indication in this payment confirmation. Please review the full instructions for completing the DS-82 U.S. Passport Renewal Application on the Embassy/Consulate's website.

1. An original, signed copy of your completed DS-82 U.S Passport Renewal Application form
2. A new 2 inch X 2 inch passport photo on white background
3. Your current expiring passport
4. A printed copy of this confirmation email
5. (Optional) A self-addressed, pre-paid envelope if you wish to have your new passport returned to you by mail
 

The last item is confusing. HOW ELSE would I receive my new passport?  teleportation??? 

 

Be careful about option 5. I DON'T REMEMBER WHERE I SAW IT, but I thought one of the requirements was to obtain a money order to cover the cost of them returning the passport through the mail because they were no longer accepting self-addressed postage paid envelopes. Double and triple check that last bit.

[HappyExpat57]

This is the latest I could find:

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/instructions-for-ds-82-passport-card-application/

[bamnutsak]

20 minutes ago, Felton Jarvis said:

5. (Optional) A self-addressed, pre-paid envelope if you wish to have your new passport returned to you by mail
 

 

Not sure where you got this but that may be the old procedure. When we could (optionally) go back to the ACS to pick up our new passport or buy a prepaid Thai Post EMS slip in the ACS lobby, circa 2019 I think?

 

 

The new procedure is

 

Step 8: Return envelope, an insured return envelope is required when you are applying for U.S. passport in Thailand. Please pay Thailand Post Courier Pass Back envelope fee 100THB here. (If the page appears in Thai, you may use a translate function into English at the top right corner of the page.)

The fee is non-refundable and the mailing information cannot be amended after paid; ensure providing the applicant’s full name and accurate returning address on both shipping and billing address. Then, includes a payment confirmation email in your application package. An actual envelope will be delivered to U.S. Embassy in Bangkok for returning your document.

The tracking number will be provided in a separate email from the vendor. You may trace your passport after the processing time has passed by using the tracking number here https://track.thailandpost.co.th/.

 

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/instructions-for-ds-82-processing-by-mail-and-online-fee-payment-for-u-s-citizens-residing-in-thailand/

 

 

https://th.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/checklist-DS82-by-mail-online-payment-38-THB.pdf

 

 

Edited October 31, 2023 by bamnutsak

[HappyExpat57]

Did you ask the folks I pointed you towards what they would charge just to double check your passport package? I'm sure they wouldn't charge the whole figure I quoted you if you explain you just want someone to help get you through the goal posts of success here.

[Felton Jarvis]

11 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

 

Not sure where you got this but that may be the old procedure. When we could (optionally) go back to the ACS to pick up our new passport or buy a prepaid Thai Post EMS slip in the ACS lobby, circa 2019 I think?

 

 

 

I got it from the American Embassy yesterday. It's not likely that it's old.

[Felton Jarvis]

30 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Did you ask the folks I pointed you towards what they would charge just to double check your passport package? I'm sure they wouldn't charge the whole figure I quoted you if you explain you just want someone to help get you through the goal posts of success here.

I contacted Paul Aslett who did not seem to want to deal with it since he told me that I would not need their service.

I just sent him another email asking about paying the balance of the 10 thousand baht fee. I don't know if he will answer me or not. He seemed rather arrogant. Good advice on your part, though. Thanks so much.

[zzzzz]

register here:https://www.thailandpostmart.com/ 
than go here and pay:  https://www.thailandpostmart.com/product/1013460000929/Courier-Pass-Back-envelope/
include the email they send you confirming payment with your package to Bangkok>

it was not rocket science 

 

Quote

10 thousand baht fee

WTF: to Help you with submission?>   wow

Edited November 1, 2023 by zzzzz

[Felton Jarvis]

17 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Did you ask the folks I pointed you towards what they would charge just to double check your passport package? I'm sure they wouldn't charge the whole figure I quoted you if you explain you just want someone to help get you through the goal posts of success here.

I heard from the guy at the agency you recommended and he seemed to be saying that I could pay 5000 baht, to have them

process my passport renewal. It was difficult to talk to someone who seemed hostile and disinterested.

[Felton Jarvis]

On 10/29/2023 at 2:31 PM, HappyExpat57 said:

They also do US passports. They recently did mine. Give them a call or send an email. I'll pm you with the address.

I can't seem to determine the exact address for this company. Did you say it was in Soi Buakow?

[Felton Jarvis]

On 10/29/2023 at 8:58 AM, thaitom said:

I am trying to order the courier pass back envelope, I am on the product delivery page,   could someone tell me what address to use for product delivery ?  Thank you.

I had the same problem. I couldn't order anything because I kept getting arcane messages in Thai, which I couldn't read.

 

[bamnutsak]

55 minutes ago, Felton Jarvis said:

I had the same problem. I couldn't order anything because I kept getting arcane messages in Thai, which I couldn't read.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1303983-mailing-us-passport-renewal/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1304572-us-passport-renewal-bangkok-note-prepaid-envelope-cannot-be-accepted-if-you-are-applying-for-a-us-passport-in-thailand/

 

 

You use the address you want your old & new passports mailed to. Thai Post will send this envelope to the US Embassy, which will be used to mail to you.

 

Some say, in those threads, I think, that you can buy this "package" at a Thai Post office. Thai Post will mail it to the embassy, but provide you with a receipt which you need to include in your mailer to the Embassy.

 

 

 

 

 

[Felton Jarvis]

2 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1303983-mailing-us-passport-renewal/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1304572-us-passport-renewal-bangkok-note-prepaid-envelope-cannot-be-accepted-if-you-are-applying-for-a-us-passport-in-thailand/

 

 

You use the address you want your old & new passports mailed to. Thai Post will send this envelope to the US Embassy, which will be used to mail to you.

 

Some say, in those threads, I think, that you can buy this "package" at a Thai Post office. Thai Post will mail it to the embassy, but provide you with a receipt which you need to include in your mailer to the Embassy.

 

I’m going to try to buy this package. I live not far from a Thai Post office here in Jomtien. Maybe they will understand what I want if I show them a picture from their website.  I’m glad I started the process early because I am not having much luck navigating the websites. I DID manage to pay the 130 USD fee for renewal, though.

 

 

 

 

[thaitom]

5 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1303983-mailing-us-passport-renewal/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1304572-us-passport-renewal-bangkok-note-prepaid-envelope-cannot-be-accepted-if-you-are-applying-for-a-us-passport-in-thailand/

 

 

You use the address you want your old & new passports mailed to. Thai Post will send this envelope to the US Embassy, which will be used to mail to you.

 

Some say, in those threads, I think, that you can buy this "package" at a Thai Post office. Thai Post will mail it to the embassy, but provide you with a receipt which you need to include in your mailer to the Embassy.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you

[Felton Jarvis]

On 10/31/2023 at 5:21 PM, HappyExpat57 said:

Did you ask the folks I pointed you towards what they would charge just to double check your passport package? I'm sure they wouldn't charge the whole figure I quoted you if you explain you just want someone to help get you through the goal posts of success here.

I also contacted an American firm in Bangkok and got this response:

 

Thank you for reaching out to Baan Thai Immigration Solutions. We do process US passport applications. If you need assistance in completing DS-28, our company can definitely assist you. Our service fee is THB 10,000 + 7% VAT.

 

We look forward to being of assistance and thank you again for connecting with us. 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Martin David Juarez

Immigration Specialist

www.BTISolutions.co

208 Bangkok Building, 208 Wireless Road, Suite 1102, Lumphini Sub-district, Pathumwan District, Bangkok 10330

 

Basically the same price except for the 7 percent VAT. If I am not mistaken, the UK firm said they could do it for 5000 baht since I had already paid my Embassy fee.  I'm going to double check this and be sure before I proceed. All things being equal, this could be better for someone who lives in Bangkok rather than Pattaya.

[mogoso]

It isn't a hard process. Print out forms. (DS-82) Get photos done. Go to the gov pay on line (www.pay.gov) and pay your 130 dollars.( use a credit card) Print out the you paid email sent to you.Go to Bangkok Bank get a cashiers type check for 100 baht Put forms, email you paid, check for 100 baht, photos, and your old passport in a envelope. Go to post office and mail it to the Address given I think it's Telegraph road but it's on the page of the embassy somewhere. I did it last year for me and this year for my wife. They say up to 6 weeks or more. Mine was 2 weeks my wife's over three weeks

Edited November 7, 2023 by mogoso

[skatewash]

3 minutes ago, mogoso said:

It isn't a hard process. Print out forms. (DS-82) Get photos done. Go to the gov pay on line (www.pay.gov) and pay your 130 dollars.( use a credit card) Print out the you paid email sent to you.Go to Bangkok Bank get a cashiers type check for 100 baht Put forms, email you paid, check for 100 baht, photos, and your old passport in a envelope. Go to post office and mail it to the Address given I think it's Telegraph road but it's on the page of the embassy somewhere. I did it last year for me and this year for my wife. They say up to 6 weeks or more. Mine was 2 weeks my wife's over three weeks

The best advice is to follow the detailed and comprehensive instructions provided by US Embassy Bangkok's website:

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/adult-passport-renew/

Using those up-to-date instructions one would become aware that the details on getting the passport returned to you by mail have substantially changed (what you outline is the old procedure and no longer works).  Also, one would see the current estimate for how long the process takes in total is "up to six to eight weeks."

But, I do agree that the process is not particularly hard.  It's step-by-step.

[zzzzz]

UPDATE  my Renewal 

32 days after i sent my passport and application to Bangkok

 

Application Status: Mailed

The U.S. Department of State has mailed your passport book on 11/14/2023.

We sent your passport book to you using Prepaid Delivery.

 

Your new passport and supporting documents are mailed in separate packages at different times. You should expect two separate mailings: one with your new passport and one with your supporting documents. We will provide another status update on the date we mail your supporting documents. This update will not include the tracking number for your passport.

Please allow two weeks for your U.S. passport to arrive at the mailing address you provided on your application

 

** If you submitted your application at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the mailing date in this status update is the date your passport was mailed to the U.S. embassy or consulate where you applied and not the date it was sent to you. Your passport may take up to seven business days to arrive at the embassy or consulate where you applied. The U.S. embassy or consulate will deliver the passport to you once they receive it, based on local procedures.

 

 

[bamnutsak]

53 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

32 days after i sent my passport and application to Bangkok

 

 

I think they use next-day shipping for the U.S./Passport Agency (Portsmouth NH?) --> USEMBBKK, so I think you'll end up well within the five-six week range most here have experienced over the last few months.

 

Maybe two days to get to Thailand, and two days for EMS from Laksi/or BKK to your location in Thailand.

[zzzzz]

received it today  41 days  from initial  ems to Bangkok
new one is very high tech and 50 pages ( pages 8-50 for visas- no pages for endorsements )  vs old one 52

[Felton Jarvis]

I have also been made aware that Integrity Legal is opening an office in Jomtien on Soi 7, right in back of Immigration.

I have an inquiry out to Ben Hart about the costs involved in the renewal of a US passport. The new office has GOT to be the most conveniently located legal office in Pattaya.

[Jingthing]

47 minutes ago, Felton Jarvis said:

I have also been made aware that Integrity Legal is opening an office in Jomtien on Soi 7, right in back of Immigration.

I have an inquiry out to Ben Hart about the costs involved in the renewal of a US passport. The new office has GOT to be the most conveniently located legal office in Pattaya.

I'm sure it won't be cheap. If you get more information on exactly what they do for passport renewal clients and of course the cost, please post it.

[Felton Jarvis]

58 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I'm sure it won't be cheap. If you get more information on exactly what they do for passport renewal clients and of course the cost, please post it.

Most legal offices seem to be charging 10 thousand baht, which includes the 130 USD passport fee. If Hart is charging more than that, his British competitor in Soi Buakow will continue to get the business.  I won't pay more just because Ben is an American.

[zzzzz]

2 hours ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Most legal offices seem to be charging 10 thousand baht, which includes the 130 USD passport fee. If Hart is charging more than that, his British competitor in Soi Buakow will continue to get the business.  I won't pay more just because Ben is an American.

why would anyone pay an agent?   it is quite simple if you follow the directions which are not difficult!!!

FYI: even thou they offer email notification., i got ZERO emails  :-)

[Jingthing]

8 hours ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Most legal offices seem to be charging 10 thousand baht, which includes the 130 USD passport fee. If Hart is charging more than that, his British competitor in Soi Buakow will continue to get the business.  I won't pay more just because Ben is an American.

What British competition? They really do  US passports? I'm surprised.

[Felton Jarvis]

10 hours ago, Jingthing said:

What British competition? They really do  US passports? I'm surprised.

https://thaivisa-express.com/

 

This company was discussed earlier in the thread.

[Joebuzzz]

On 10/29/2023 at 7:40 AM, movsrus said:

The US consulate in Chiang Mai is useless.  The 200 million dollar building under construction near the Super Highway is just a listening post to ease drop on China.

 

Parking was hard to find at the old consulate and will be even harder at the new one. Getting the consulate staff to help is an exercise in frustration. 

 

It's just another example of how our government wastes money. For the few benefits US citizens get it would have been more cost efficient to keep what they have.

 

Case in point with passport renewal. Could they have made a more unworkable process for renewal?

Basically, the entire United States Government has become useless to the average citizen.  Nothing but a bunch of taxpayer paid office slugs.

[Felton Jarvis]

On 11/25/2023 at 9:56 AM, zzzzz said:

why would anyone pay an agent?   it is quite simple if you follow the directions which are not difficult!!!

FYI: even thou they offer email notification., i got ZERO emails  :-)

I got an answer from Benjamin Hart on the cost of processing my Passport renewal. He says the fee is 5350 baht.  I DID mention to him that I had already paid the 130 USD Passport fee and had a receipt. Not sure if he figured that into the price or if that is going to be the fee charged for all Passport renewals.

[zzzzz]

1 hour ago, Felton Jarvis said:

I got an answer from Benjamin Hart on the cost of processing my Passport renewal. He says the fee is 5350 baht.  I DID mention to him that I had already paid the 130 USD Passport fee and had a receipt. Not sure if he figured that into the price or if that is going to be the fee charged for all Passport renewals.

and for that what does he do?   what a waste OF $$$