What is the American Passport Renewal Process?

The U.S. passport renewal process is the process by which a U.S. citizen applies for the issuance of a new passport when the old one is about to expire or has expired.

Renewal is required for continued validity and the ability to travel internationally.

In the case of the American passport, it is possible to carry out the procedure from Colombia by submitting the DS-82 form by mail if:

The passport is undamaged, has not been reported as lost or stolen and can be surrendered with your application.
Issued at the age of 16 years or older
Issued within the last 15 years
It was not limited from the normal validity of 10 years due to constant damage, loss or theft, or if it does not comply with 22 C.F.R. 51.41 (on the last page of the passport it is possible to see the notation).
It was issued under the exact same name you will use on your current application OR you can legally document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage record or a government-issued document evidencing that your name has legally changed under federal or state law.

If any of the above conditions are not met, the DS-11 form must be submitted in person to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.

Step by step:

Complete form DS-82: this form must be duly signed, dated and printed on separate sheets.
Send most recent U.S. passport with a photocopy of the biographical page.
Attach a 5×5 centimeters photograph.
Pay the passport renewal fee and include a printed copy of the payment confirmation. (This fee is non-refundable). The rates can be consulted at the following link:
https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/forms-fees/Fee%20Chart%202023%20Spanish.pdf
Send the documents by certified mail to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.

The process takes 8 to 10 weeks after receipt of the completed application.

Finally, it is essential to be aware of the expiration date of your current passport and begin the renewal process well in advance to avoid inconveniences and possible travel problems as this is proof of identification and U.S. citizenship and can be used for international travel by air, sea or land.