All About Passports
By: Carrie Fulton
October 12, 2023
Let's discuss some details, expiration dates, renewing and what to do if you lost your passport.
It expires earlier than you think
The expiration date may say November 2023. But if you planned to travel internationally between today and November, you wouldn't be allowed to go.
When leaving the country, you need your passport to be valid for 6 months AFTER the date you plan to return home.
This extra time allows you to be able to return to the US easily should you have to or want to stay abroad longer than you intended.
Emergency Passport Renewals
Should you need to travel due to an emergency or don't have time to expedite your renewal you have options. You will have to show proof of travel so this isn't an expedited option for faster routine renewal!
Life-or-Death Emergency Service are for those who need to travel within 3 days for someone who has died, is in hospice care or has a life-threatening illness or injury.
Urgent Travel Service helps those who are traveling within the next 14 days. You will have to travel to a US Passport Agency location. Appointments limited and are NOT guaranteed.
Routine and Expedited Renewals
For general passport renewal, you can Renew my Passport by Mail.
The timing for routine renewal takes 10-13 weeks while expedited renewal takes 7-9 weeks. Note that this timing is for the process of the renewal. The postage time is not factored in so plan another 2 weeks for safety and sanity’s sake.
It can be done via mail, but you will have to send in your current passport.
Where is your passport?
Always know where your passport is! It should be saved in a fireproof safe in your home so you can have access at any time.
Keep a copy of your passport! Keep one in your luggage just in case you happen to lose your actual passport while you're abroad. That will help the US Embassy or Consulate help you get back home.