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Passport Expires: What to Do & How to Renew
By tinafa
August 15, 2025
Will your passport expire soon? To prevent travel delays, renew early. Make sure your next trip goes well by checking requirements, getting paperwork ready, and finishing your renewal today.
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What to Do If Your Passport Has Expired
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How Long After Expiry Can You Renew Your Passport?
The majority of nations permit passport renewals within a specific time frame following expiration without requiring a completely new application. Depending on the laws in your nation, this time frame usually lasts anywhere from six months to five years. Renewing during this time frame typically results in a less complicated procedure and may have cheaper costs.
Country | Renewal Period After Expiry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
United States | Up to 5 years | Renewal by mail allowed |
United Kingdom | Up to 10 years | Online renewal available |
Canada | Up to 1 year | Must provide expired passport |
Expired Passport Travel Restrictions
- A passport that has expired is ineligible to go abroad. Should your passport expire, the majority of airlines and border officials will deny you access or boarding.
- Some nations demand that your passport be valid for at least six months after the length of your intended stay.
- Applying for visas or entry permits is impossible without a valid passport.
- During certain circumstances, emergency travel documents may be permitted by some nations; however, previous arrangements are necessary.
What to Do If Your U.S. Passport Has Expired
If you intend to travel soon after your passport expires, you will need to apply for either a new passport or a renewal, depending on your circumstances. For the majority of foreign locations, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
What Is Considered a Passport Renewal in the U.S.?
- In the US, you can only renew your passport if you fulfill all of the requirements listed below:
- Your passport is in good condition and can be included with your application.
- It was released within the last 15 years.
- You were at least 16 years old when it was issued.
- It was issued under your present name, or you can provide proof of your name change.
U.S. Passport Application Fees
Application Type | Age 16 & Over | Under Age 16 | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
First-time Application | $165 | $135 | Approx. 6–8 weeks |
Passport Renewal | $130 | Not applicable | Approx. 6–8 weeks |
Replacement (Lost/Damaged) | $165 | $135 | Approx. 6–8 weeks |
Expedited Service | +$60 | +$60 | Approx. 2–3 weeks |
Required Documents for U.S. Passport Renewal
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Prepare the following documents if you are qualified to renew your U.S. passport by mail (using Form DS-82):
Document or Item | Description |
|---|---|
Form DS-82 | Completed and signed; available online or at passport offices |
Most recent passport | Must be undamaged and meet renewal eligibility |
One passport photo | 2x2 inch, taken within the last 6 months, against a white background |
Payment | Check or money order for $130 (routine) or $190 (expedited), payable to “U.S. Department of State” |
Name change proof
| Original or certified copy of marriage certificate or court order |
The Best Way to Get Your US Passport Faster
There is an expedited service available for an extra $60 if you need your passport sooner. Two possibilities exist:
Posted speedily
- Form DS-82's "Expedite" box should be checked.
- Pay an extra $60.
- Priority Mail Express can expedite arrival.
- Expected processing time: two to three weeks
Expedited in Person at a Passport Agency
- Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) to schedule an appointment.
- Available only for 14-day urgent foreign travel.
- Bring documentation of your trip, such as your flight schedule.
U.S. Passport Application Documents: First-Time & Renewal Requirements
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Documents Required for U.S. First-Time Passport Applicants
You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if you have never held a U.S. passport or if you don't fit the requirements for renewal. Here is what you must get ready for:
Document or Item | Description |
|---|---|
Proof of U.S. Citizenship | Certified U.S. birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or naturalization certificate |
Valid photo ID | State-issued ID, driver’s license, or military ID |
Photocopy of ID | Photocopy of the front and back of your ID on white, letter-sized paper |
Passport photo | One 2x2 inch color photo taken within the last 6 months |
Form DS-11 | Completed but unsigned; to be signed at the passport acceptance facility |
Required Documents for a U.S. Passport Renewal
The following is required if you are eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82:
Document or Item | Description |
|---|---|
Most recent passport | Must be undamaged and issued within the last 15 years |
Form DS-82 | Completed and signed renewal form |
New passport photo | One 2x2 inch photo taken within the last 6 months |
Who Needs to Renew a U.S. Passport?
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You may need to renew your passport if any of the following apply:
Renewal Is Required If: | Examples |
|---|---|
Passport is damaged or unreadable | Torn cover, water damage, or chip cannot be scanned |
Personal information has changed | Legal name change due to marriage or court order |
Photo no longer reflects your current appearance | Significant changes in facial features |
U.S. Passport Renewal Fees
Applicant Type | Application Method | Fee (Routine Service) | Fee (Expedited) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adult (Age 16+) | Mail (Form DS-82) | $130 | $190 | Renewal only if eligible |
Adult (Age 16+) | In-person (Form DS-11) | $165 ($130 + $35) | $225 | For first-time or non-eligible renewals |
Minor (Under Age 16) | In-person (Form DS-11) | $135 ($100 + $35) | $195 | Must be accompanied by both parents |
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Tips for Applying When Your U.S. Passport Expires
Here are some useful hints to speed up and simplify the application process if your passport has expired or is about to expire.
When Should You Renew?
Situation | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
Less than 6 months left | Renew now – most destinations require valid passports |
Planning a trip soon | Apply at least 2–3 months in advance |
No travel in sight | Use standard service to save time and money |
Smart Application Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
Check your eligibility | Adults may renew by mail if their previous passport meets DS-82 criteria |
Use updated photos | Must be taken within the last 6 months; follow official photo guidelines |
Prepare documents early | Gather valid ID, expired passport, and any required name change proof |
Book appointments in advance | In-person applications require scheduled visits to passport acceptance centers |
Track your application | Use the U.S. State Department’s tracker after mailing your application |
FAQs – Passport Expires: What to Do & How to Renew
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What should I do if my passport has expired?
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How long does passport renewal take?
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What happens if I lost my expired passport?
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