Renewing Your Passport: Honest Answers to Common Questions
Passport renewals often creep up on us, and then we start to panic as a trip approaches. Let me break down the way the system works and why you should avoid paying any agency.
Can I travel with less than six months to expiration?
As a rule, no. There may be circumstances that allow it depending on the country. The reason most countries want to ensure you have a valid passport during your entire stay is so there are no issues returning back to the US. Even though you don’t intend to stay that long, they require the runway.
A US passport can be renewed a year before it expires. That is when I renew mine.
Do I need a third party, and are there multiple agencies to choose from when renewing?
Under almost any circumstance, for the general traveler, a third party is not necessary. When doing it yourself, there is one single source for renewing your passport: the United States Department of State.
Link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport.html
Third parties process the same information and charge a fee I have yet to see value in. That said, in more complex situations where you are also applying for a difficult visa at the same time, perhaps that works best. But for everyday travelers, the Department of State’s website is much easier.
Can I renew entirely online?
Yes! It is so easy and convenient to renew online now. You are able to do everything, including taking your own photo, which is a game changer compared to how it used to be.
How long does it take?
The US Department of State’s website says you can use the online system if “You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you will submit your application.” Myself, Amanda, and two friends all renewed around the same time, all paid the small express shipping fee, and we all received ours within a few weeks. I will note, mine was delayed about a week, but I had the tracking number.
Our trip to FiJi is coming up in May and Amanda renewed at the start of April.
What if I am under the 6 weeks and need it right away?
If you are between 6 weeks and 14 days out, mail-in renewal is your option, starting with the same link (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport.html). You can also apply at an acceptance facility such as your local post office (https://iafdb.travel.state.gov).
If you are under 14 days, you can renew in person and make an appointment once travel is three weeks away (https://iafdb.travel.state.gov). Most major cities have offices for emergency renewals.
Summary
The stories of renewals taking months just are not true from our experience. That said, renew early. Set a reminder in your calendar right now for a year from your expiration date. Mine expires in 2036; I’ll set a reminder for 2035.
When you are in a last-minute bind, don’t panic. You have plenty of options.
