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Even if you don’t have a trip booked right now, take a moment to look at your passport’s expiration date. If it’s expiring within the next year, it’s smart to renew now. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
Also, getting an emergency rush renewal costs more and adds avoidable stress.
How long does it take to renew your passport?
According to the U.S. Department of State, current passport processing timelines are:
- Routine processing: Four to six weeks.
- Expedited processing: Two to three weeks.
Expedited processing costs an additional $60.
Though the State Department gives these estimations for returning passports to applicants, you run the risk of being that one-off case that took longer than normal, so cutting it close could make for an unnecessarily stressful international trip.
In addition, the State Department’s projected processing times do not include mailing times, and the department also warns that it can take up to two weeks for your application to actually be acknowledged as “in process.”
Add that all up, and it’s reasonable to start applying for your passport renewal now — even if it doesn’t expire this year.
Why renewing ahead of expiration is smart
1. Your passport might be considered invalid for travel
Some countries refuse entry if your passport expires within six months of your trip.
That means even if your passport doesn’t expire until the end of 2026, you might not be able to travel internationally during the summer of 2026 if it expires within six months. In fact, some airlines won’t allow you to board with a passport that is near expiry (and hey, you probably don’t want to fly 20 hours to Dubai only to find the United Arab Emirates won’t let you into the country).
The State Department’s Country Information page provides details on which countries have such requirements.
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2. Expedited service costs more
If you procrastinate, then not all is lost — except some of your vacation fund. You can pay extra to receive a passport more quickly, but you’ll have to pay an additional $60 for expedited service.
And even still, the process isn't exactly speedy. Double or triple that cost if you have family members who need that service as well.
3. Passports help for domestic travel too
Even if you don’t plan to travel internationally anytime in the next few years, a passport could be necessary for domestic travel.
Since the Real ID Act enforcement date of May 7, 2025, you need Real ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card with a star. To obtain Real ID-compliant identification, you’ll typically have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency.
To obtain Real ID-compliant identification, you’ll typically have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency.
However, you can avoid a trip to the DMV for a new license by showing other acceptable identification at the airport, such as a passport or passport card. Depending on what your local DMV lines are like, it might be easier to just have a valid passport and use it for all domestic and international travel.
Passport renewal fees
Here are the current fees for renewing (adult) passports:
- Passport book (renewal): $130 application fee.
- Expedited service (faster processing): additional $60.
- Expedited delivery (one to two-day mail return): additional $22.05.
For first-time passport applicants, the cost is $165, including $130 for the application fee and $35 for the execution (or acceptance) fee. Those who plan to renew their passport do not need to pay the acceptance fee again.
How to renew your passport by mail, in person or online
Renew by mail
You can mail your renewal if you meet these criteria:
- You have your passport in your possession (and can submit it with your application).
- It is undamaged (aside from normal wear and tear).
- You received it when you were at least 16 years old.
- It was issued within the past 15 years.
- If your name has changed, you have legal proof of the name change.
To apply by mail, you’ll need the following:
- A filled-out DS-82 form.
- Your most recent passport.
- Name change documents (such as a marriage certificate), if applicable.
- A passport photo taken in the past six months.
- Payment via personal check or money order to the U.S. Department of State of $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60.
Mail your application and documents to the National Passport Processing Center (addresses and renewal details can be found here).
Renew passport in person
If one of the above five scenarios doesn't apply to you, then you’ll need to apply in person. To apply in person, you’ll need the following:
- A filled-out DS-11 form.
- Your most recent passport.
- Name change documents (such as a marriage certificate), if applicable.
- A passport photo taken in the past six months.
- Payment via personal check or money order to the U.S. Department of State of $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60.
How to renew your passport online
Some applicants can renew their passport online if they meet the eligibility requirements. The list of eligibility requirements is long, but among the criteria you must meet are:
- The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years.
- You are age 25 or older.
- The passport you are renewing is either expiring within one year or has expired less than five years ago.
- You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
- You are not traveling internationally for at least 6 weeks from the date you will submit your application.
- You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport.
- You live in the U.S. (either state or territory).
- You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen.
If you meet those criteria, you're generally eligible to renew online, which you can do through the U.S. State Department.
How often do you have to renew your passport?
Passports expire every 10 years if it was issued after you turned 16 years old. If your current passport was issued while you were 15 and younger, it is valid for 5 years.
What to do if you have a lost or stolen passport
Maybe you moved recently and your passport got lost in the shuffle. Or you tossed it in a box after a year of uncertainty of when you’d ever use it again — and now you can’t fathom finding it.
You’ll need to report your lost or stolen passport to the State Department. From there, you must apply for a replacement passport, and standard fees apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my passport if it has already expired?
You can renew an expired passport if the passport was issued within the past 15 years only. If the passport was issued earlier than that, go through the same steps of applying for a new passport.
Do I need a new photo to renew my passport?
Yes, your passport photo must have been taken in the past six months from the time you submit the new passport application.
Will I get my old passport back if I apply by mail?
Yes, your old passport book or passport card will be returned (you need to mail in your most recent passport if you are renewing by mail). It usually will be sent separately from the new passport.
How long is my passport valid?
If you were at least 16 years old when the passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. Otherwise, it’s valid for five years.
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