Here’s what you need to know about renewing a passport
For individuals over the age of 16, U.S. passports are valid for 10 years. And after adding six new stamps to my passport last year, I realized my passport would be expiring in Q4 2024. Luckily, the process of renewing a passport is fairly simple if you already have a passport.
Eligibility
You can renew your passport by mail if you meet the following requirements:
- You can submit your existing passport (that’s not damaged) with the application
- It was never reported lost or stolen
- The passport was issued within the last 15 years when you were at least 16 years or older
- It matches your current name or you have documentation (ex. a marriage certificate) to proof evidence of your name change
- You were not limited to less than the 10 year validity period because you’ve lost or damaged multiple passports
If you don’t meet these qualifications, you will need to renew your passport in person. Those instructions can be found here.
Things you’ll need
Next, you’ll need to complete the Form – I found it easiest using the Form Filler tool. Sign and date your form and add your existing passport to the envelope. If you have had a name change, you will also need to provide those documents.
You will also need to provide a color photo that was taken in the last six months. There are very specific photo requirements for a passport. To make it easy, I went to CVS to get my photo taken because their services ensure a photo meets all specifications. For the CVS purchase, I used my everyday credit card, which earns 3x at drug stores.
You’ll also need to pay a fee – $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, and $160 for both.
Finally, mail your documents. I received my new passport within a few weeks and then my old passport book (with holes punched in it) a few weeks later.
Summary
If you travel internationally, always keep an eye on your passport expiration date. There are some countries that won’t let you travel if your passport expires within six months of your travel to the destination. Luckily, the process for renewing a passport is easy to follow, just allow for time to have the passport returned to you!
If you have a gap in your travel plans and your passport expires within the year, you might want to consider renewing just to be safe.
