Renewing a passport may seem complicated, but it’s not something that should be put off if you’re a regular traveler. Not to worry – we've got the answers. These tips are mostly for US citizens but are useful no matter what country you’re from.
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Passport renewal can be a dreaded task for frequent and novice travelers alike. I pretty much travel full-time so there’s never a convenient moment for me to renew my passport, especially when I’m getting close to my last page in the book. Being without a passport always leaves me feeling a bit nervous – how long will the new one take? Will it arrive within the estimated time and therefore, in time for my next scheduled international trip?
I finally bit the bullet and renewed my almost-full passport at the beginning of this year. It felt safer to renew it when I was back stateside and still had a few pages left rather than risk filling it up while being on the road. The expedited mail-in option was straightforward and arrived in less time than anticipated – which is not guaranteed to be the case but was a relief for this nomadic traveler.
- How long is a passport good for and when should I renew mine?
- What do I need to do to renew my passport?
- How long does it take to renew your passport?
- How to get a new passport if your current passport is expired
- What is the process if my passport is lost or stolen?
- How to renew your passport from abroad
- How to renew your passport if you’re not a US resident
How long is a passport good for and when should I renew mine?
There are a few reasons to renew your passport: it's about to expire, your pages are full, or you’ve lost your passport. Passports are typically good for ten years if you're 16 or older when it's issued. However, in the US, UK, and Canada, passports are only valid for five years if you are under 16 (under 15 in Australia).
Without any special circumstances such as a lost, stolen, or damaged passport (accidents do happen!), you should renew yours when it’s either about six months from expiration or close to being full.
Many countries won’t let you in if you have less than six months before your passport expires – which is why you should keep a close eye on the expiration date. It won’t be a fun surprise to board a flight and be denied entry for your planned vacation! (Also, if you have to cancel your trip because of an expired passport, the cancellation likely won't be covered by travel insurance.)
If you fill up your pages before the ten years are up, you will need to apply for a new passport earlier than the expiration date. Keep in mind that many countries require two to four blank pages for entry /exit stamps and visas. Some airlines won’t let you board, and some countries won’t allow you to enter without a few blank pages. Unfortunately, adding extra pages to your passport is no longer an option so if it’s getting close to full, it is best to renew your passport as soon as possible.
If you don’t have special circumstances to consider, there are a few basic steps to follow to get your next passport in hand.
What do I need to do to renew my passport?
For US citizens, there are three ways to renew your passport: by mail, in person, or online. All these start at the US Department of State’s passport section.
Renewing online
Renewing online has only recently become available and is currently in the process of a trial stage. If you meet the necessary requirements as listed on the US Department of State’s website, online renewal might be the most convenient option for you. Online renewal works for tourist passports. Unfortunately, diplomatic passports and other special issuances don’t qualify for online renewal, and you must have the passport in hand (i.e. it hasn’t been lost or stolen). American citizens living outside of the US are ineligible for the online process.
Once you verify that you are eligible to renew your passport online, you can create your account and start your application. You will need a new photo, which can be uploaded online in the application system.
Because the online system is in the testing stage, online application slots are only available in limited slots at midday eastern time each day. You can try another day if you can’t start your application on that day – or simply renew by mail instead.
Renewing by mail
Another way to renew your passport is by mail. This is a great option if you don’t meet all the requirements for online renewal, or if you want to expedite the process. Once you confirm that you meet the requirements, you can download the application, fill it out, and print it. Along with your completed form, you’ll also need to mail in a photo and your current passport.
Renewing in person
Renewing your passport in person should be your last option and is saved for emergency cases. You must make an appointment at a passport agency. If you are traveling within 14 calendar days, you can book an appointment at a passport center to renew your passport. However, if you’ll also need a foreign visa for your trip, then your appointment will have to be within 28 days of your trip.
Next steps
Regardless of the renewal method you choose, you will need to take a new photo. Make sure your photo meets the requirements, such as being a color photo and taken within the last 6 months.
The cost to renew your passport book is USD $130. If you’d like to get a wallet-sized passport card as well, the cost is an extra $30. Passport cards are not valid for international air travel and only work land and sea travel from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.
How long does it take to renew your passport?
For US citizens, the typical processing time to renew a passport is 6-8 weeks. This can fluctuate during popular travel times, such as over the winter and summer holidays. You need to consider the mailing time as well, which isn’t included in the 6-8 week estimate and can add at least a few days. The Department of State updates current renewal times.
If your passport renewal is super time sensitive, you can select the expedited passport renewal service, which takes an estimated 2-3 weeks. Remember that expedited services are only available via mail-in renewal and cost an additional $60.
How to get a new passport if your current passport is expired
Renewing an expired passport is straightforward and not too different from the regular process. However, if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago – meaning that it expired five or more years ago – you aren’t eligible to renew your passport. Instead, you will need to apply for a new one.
What is the process if my passport is lost or stolen?
Losing a passport, whether by accident or by theft, can create a stressful situation, especially if it happens while you’re traveling. The first thing you should do is report your lost passport, which can be done online, by mail, or in person when you’re replacing your passport. If your lost passport is also expired, there is no need to report it because it isn’t valid for international travel.
If you report your missing passport online, the system will also give you the option to apply for a new passport, directly linking you to the forms to fill out. In limited circumstances, you may also apply for an emergency passport, which is valid for one year or less. Emergency passports are issued in circumstances like having your passport stolen.
How to renew your passport from abroad
The process to apply for a new passport if you’re outside the US differs from country to country. In most cases, you’ll need to apply in person at the US embassy or consulate. Check the US embassy page for the country from which you’ll be applying for country-specific details.
If you’re applying from Canada, you can skip the trip to the embassy and apply via mail. This applies in both cases of standard and expedited passport renewals.
The process is the same whether you’re simply traveling abroad or living abroad as a resident of another country.
How to renew your passport if you’re not a US resident
Passport renewal looks a bit different for every country, although some general rules do still apply like renewing your passport six months before it expires or if it has less than two to four blank pages. It is best to check your country’s government website for the specific process.
UK citizens can renew online or mail in a paper form. The processing time is typically three weeks, although the government also offers a fast-track service. It costs £88.50 to renew online and £100 to renew passports with a paper form.
Canadian citizens can renew via mail or in-person, depending on the timeframe in which the passport is needed. If you need to renew your passport within 10-20 business days, you can renew via mail or in person at a Service Canada Center or passport office. If you need an “express” renewal (2-9 days), you’ll need to renew your passport at a passport office with express service. In the event that your passport renewal is urgent (needed by the end of the next business day), you’ll need to go to a passport office with urgent service. In addition to new photos, you’ll also need two references to renew your Canadian passport. A five-year adult passport costs CAN$120 and a ten-year adult passport costs CAN$160.
Australian citizens who meet all the criteria can renew their passports online. If online access isn’t possible, you can call 131 232 to have a form sent to you. You will need to send in two photos with the completed forms. Plan for passports to take a minimum of six weeks for renewal, although in special circumstances you can apply for expedited renewal for an additional cost. A ten-year passport for adults costs AUD$398.
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