How do I add extra pages to my existing passport?

I’ve visited over 100 countries and have gone through two U.S. passports (now on my third).  Immigration officers get annoyed when they leaf through my passport as it takes them a while to find a blank page, but they are are there :-).  I’ve had to add pages to the first two before they expired and I’m sure I’ll have to do the same to the existing one.  Yeah, I’m a travel-aholic.

I’m frequently asked “how I add pages to my passport if it has not expired?”  This post will address that question.  Although it is geared to U.S. citizens, the procedures may be similar for other countries, although from what you see below it looks like you usually have to apply for a new passport.  Anyway, just contact the local passport issuing office for details.  Here is some information for select countries:

• Australia – From the Australia Passport Office Web site: No, it is not possible to add pages to Australian passports. You will need to apply for a new passport by completing a passport application form.  However, they do give you 35 pages and you can pay extra at the inception to get 70 pages.
• Canada – From Passport Canada Web site: It is not possible to add pages to Canadian passports. An applicant who has a valid passport in which the visa pages have become filled with visas or entry-exit stamps must apply for a new passport.
• India – From the Passport India Web site: A new passport will be issued as pages cannot be added to an existing passport.
• United Kingdom – I’ve been unsuccessful in finding out the exact details from the Home Office, but you do get 32 pages for the initial passport.  After an e-mail to the Home Office, I received this note:
  “Pages cannot be added to a current passport. If your passport is full you should renew it as if it was due to expire.  If you find that your passport fills up very quickly, you may wish to apply for a large passport. This has 48 pages and costs £90.50. If you require this you should cross the appropriate box in section 1 of the application form.”

When you first apply for a U.S. passport, you get 24 pages by default, but you can ask for 48 pages at no extra charge.  You do have to request that though.  The U.S. department of State handles U.S. passport issuance and has compiled excellent information about adding extra pages on their site.  Use it as guidance throughout this process.  Here are the procedures on how to apply for additional pages for your passport as long as you have 4 blank pages or less remaining in your passport.

By Mail

You should mail your passport to the passport Agency for adding extra passport pages under the following circumstances:

• You have less than 4 blank pages left in your passport
• You are international travel dates are more than 2 weeks away
• You are not applying for a visa for a foreign country within the next 4 weeks

1. Complete the form (DS-4085) online then print it as its much easier, than printing it and then completing it using a pen
2. The cost is $82 for additional pages using a check or money order.  If you need it to be expedited, then you can pay the fee of an additional $60 and send your application via a next day delivery service.  Mark “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope.
• For Expedite Mail to:
  National Passport Processing Center
  Post Office Box 90906
  Philadelphia, PA 19190-0906
• For normal processing mail to:
  National Passport Processing Center
  Post Office Box 90106
  Philadelphia, PA 19190-0106
• The normal processing time is 4-6 weeks, if you choose expedite, it will be 2-3 weeks when you pay for rush outbound and return shipping
3. Once you’ve sent in your application, you can check its status online at  https://passportstatus.state.gov/opss/OPSS_Status_ip.asp (allow about 5 days after mailing before you do so).

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Expedited in Person

You may only expedite adding extra passport pages at a Regional Passport Agency under the following circumstances :

• You have less than 4 blank pages left in your passport
• You are traveling internationally within the next 2 weeks
• You are applying for a visa for a foreign country within the next 4 weeks

1. Provide hardcopy (paper) proof (where required) that you will be traveling international within the next 2 weeks
• Note: The following passport agencies do not require proof of travel at your appointment:
• Colorado Passport Agency
• Minneapolis Passport Agency
• Vermont Passport Agency
• Here’s a complete list of Regional Passport Agencies
2. Complete the form (DS-4085) online and print it as its much easier, than printing it and then completing it. You may also do this at the passport office, but then it increases the time you spend there and delays the entire process.
3. It says to mail on the Department of State’s site, but you can go to your local regional passport office if one is close to you, by first calling to make a no-charge appointment; the automated 24/7 phone number is 1-877-487-2778, just follow the instructions when you call.
• Typically you drop off your passport and documentation in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon that same day; make the appointment the day before.  The system will tell you when the times are available.
• In some offices, they are very anal retentive; you have to physically turn off your mobile phone when you get into the office.
4. There’s an expedite fee of $60 and it cost $82 for the actual addition of pages.

What has been your experience with obtaining extra pages for your passport? How is the process different in your country?  Please share your experiences below.