Update on Passports

WARNING! UPDATE ON PASSPORTS

Warning! Don’t get caught scrambling trying to renew your passport at the time you plan your next trip! We’ve seen many clients forgo their trip because they couldn’t get their passport renewed in time! An expired passport or an unacceptable expiration date is not covered by travel insurance.

So stop what you are doing right now and check your passport expiration date! Passports are valid for 10 years for those over 16 years of age and 5 years for those under 16 years of age.

Many countries and airlines require your passport to be valid for longer than just your trip. Even if your passport is still valid when you plan to travel and for your return date. Most counties and airlines require passports to be valid for at least 6 months from your return date.

How to renew your passport.

By mail: You must mail in your renewal form DS-82 that you can find on the website travel.state.gov. Mail the form with two passport photos and your existing passport to the address on the form.

When to apply for a passport.

If you’re traveling within 72 hours (3 business days) because of a 

life-or-death emergency, you must get documentation to see if you qualify for life-or-death emergency service before you can make an appointment. There is no guarantee you will get an appointment.

If you are traveling in less than 12 weeks, you can try to make an appointment. An extremely limited number of appointments are available and there is no guarantee you will get an appointment.

If you need your passport in less than 18 weeks, you should expedite your passport and pay an additional $60.00. Again, there is no guarantee you will get your passport back in time.

If you need are not in a hurry to get your passport back, mail it in with a tracking number to the address on your application.

In person: You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if the following apply to you.
   You are applying for your first U.S. passport
   You are under age 16
   Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under
age 16
   Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
   Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago

What are you waiting for?! Go now and check your passport!

Feature image courtesy of  Pixabay.