Passport renewal in American Samoa
Renewing a passport in American Samoa involves applying through the U.S. Department of State, as American Samoan nationals are U.S. Nationals. The process requires submitting a formal application, current documentation, and fees to an authorized acceptance facility.
Most applicants are advised to begin the renewal process at least three to four months before any planned travel, as processing times vary based on current volume and international mail delays.
Start 90 days ahead
This timeframe accounts for document transit times to and from the United States mainland and potential variations in standard processing durations.
The process
- 1Determine the correct application form based on eligibility for mail-in renewal versus needing to apply in person.
- 2Gather all required documentation, including a color photograph that meets specific U.S. passport requirements.
- 3Locate an authorized passport acceptance facility in American Samoa to submit the application if in-person service is required.
- 4Pay the applicable fees, which are set by the U.S. Department of State.
- 5Track the application status through the official U.S. Department of State online portal.
What to bring
- Completed application form (DS-82 or DS-11)
- Current or most recent U.S. passport
- Passport-compliant photo
- Proof of U.S. nationality if required for first-time or renewal applications
- Payment for application fees
Who handles it
U.S. Department of State / Matagaluega o le Setete o le Iunaite Setete
Fees are set by the U.S. Department of State and vary based on the type of application; applicants should verify the current fee schedule on the official website before submitting payment.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure photos meet all strict size and quality requirements to avoid application rejection.
- Verify that the application form is signed and dated correctly according to official instructions.
- Confirm that all documents submitted are originals or certified copies, as photocopies are generally not accepted.
- Be aware that transit times to American Samoa may be longer than in the contiguous United States.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
- U.S. Passport Renewal Information travel.state.gov
Other documents in American Samoa
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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