Passport Questions - Not Disney Related Per Se

[PSUGuy]

Basically, how often do we have to re-apply and what's involved, the whole deal we went through the first time?

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[alliecat523]

Children under 18 must update every 5 years. Adults every 10 years. If you are just renewing you fill out the form, take some updated photos and send it in with your expiring passport. Very easy.

 

[NotUrsula]

Note that children under age 16 cannot renew passports; you have to do the entire in-person application each time for kids that age; both parents present or affidavits filled out to explain why not.

Only adult passports may be renewed by mail. (US law issues "adult" passports to anyone age 16 or above; passports have a different age break from every other legal sense of the term.)

 

[bumbershoot]

State Department's passport webpages are pretty good for info.

How long have the passports been expired? Their website tells you how long they can be expired to still be considered a renewal vs a new application.

 

[Sandi]

I just wanted to add that there are some countries into which you cannot go if your passport will expire in the next 6 (or 3) months. For trips abroad, check the rules because you might need to renew early.

 

[PSUGuy]

Thanks, all, not expired but yet but we got them in 2009 for a Cancun vacation and I knew they had a shelf life, don't need to be rushing around at the last minute.

Bill From PA

 

[kaytieeldr]

Isn't there an expiration date in your passport?

 

[goofy4tink]

Ah, Bill? Look on the passport. It has the expiration date on it...right beneath the date you got it!!

 

[LisaS]

I believe there is a grace period for renewals. If I remember correctly, my passport had already expired and I was still able to renew rather than start over. This government website provides information on passport renewals: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html

I filled out a form, took my own photo, and sent everything off in the mail along with my expired passport. It does take them a long time to send the new passport so it's best to do it when you are many months away from needing it for a trip.

If you decide to take your own photo, make sure it meets the government's requirements for image size, position, and lighting (I needed two light sources to eliminate background shadows): https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos/photos.html There are several helpful links on that page, including one to help you resize your image to meet the specifications.

 

[Capt_BJ]

not expired but yet but we got them in 2009 for a Cancun vacation and I knew they had a shelf life

a regular adult US passport is good for 10 years. An adult passport, not more than 15 years from date of issue can be renewed (by mail)

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

It does take them a long time to send the new passport so it's best to do it when you are many months away from needing it for a trip.


actually current reports are praising turnaround of about 3 weeks with NORMAL (not expedited) processing for a renewal thru the mail

Passport agency appears to have its **** together! BTW, did you know the Passport Agency is self supporting? It does NOT rely on tax dollars to function, rather the fees charged for the passport are sufficient to maintain the operation! So don't balk at what a passport costs .....

 

[LisaS]

actually current reports are praising turnaround of about 3 weeks with NORMAL (not expedited) processing for a renewal thru the mail

Good to know. I happened to renew mine during a time when there was a large backlog but even so, I think it took several weeks but not several months so I should have posted "many weeks" rather than "many months", LOL.

 

[robhawk]

We were warned that this year would be crazy busy for renewals.
We received our back in 2 1/2 weeks. A pleasant surprise!

 

[nacho113]

Also think I remember reading that if you are renewing while the passport is still more than 1 year from the expiration date that you have to provide documentation as to why you need this so early, such as working overseas for an extended period or similar extenuating circumstances.

 

[bumbershoot]

Thanks, all, not expired but yet but we got them in 2009 for a Cancun vacation and I knew they had a shelf life, don't need to be rushing around at the last minute.

Bill From PA

I assume you got them IN '09, so you're definitely not anywhere near last minute at this point.