Renewing a passport is a whole lot easier now that it can be done online (instead of by mail). You can renew your passport anytime before (or even after) it expires. Remember that some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of your trip.
Renewing a passport in normal times can be a hassle, but it became an absolute nightmare during the pandemic. At its worst, routine renewals were taking the U.S. Department of State 18+ weeks to process. It’s gotten a lot better, with routine processing now estimated at 6-9 weeks.
However the Department of State warns that it could take up to two weeks from time of application to start processing the passport. And don’t forget about mailing times!
If you’re in a hurry, you can pay $60 to expedite your passport which improves the turnaround time to 3-5 weeks. And for about $20 more, you can pay for 1-2 day shipping.
Oh, there’s another thing. If your child’s passport is expiring, you’ll need to make an in-person appointment at a USPS location or another approved passport acceptance facility. That adds even more time to the process.
Here’s what you need to do if you need a passport:
Passports for Adults
Adult passports are good for 10 years. It’s pretty simple to renew an adult passport.
Recently, the U.S. Department of State started renewing passports online.
You can also do it by mail. The U.S. Department of State website clearly outlines the steps you need to follow. Of course, you’ll have some forms to complete. In addition to returning the completed paperwork (form DS-82), you’ll also need to mail your current passport. It will be returned to you with a hole punched into it making it invalid. The new passport comes in a separate envelope and it will have a new number.
KidTripster Tip: If you have Global Entry, you’ll need to update your new passport number on the website.
You’ll also need an updated passport photo. This turned out to be a troublesome step during my last passport renewal. I was determined to get a good photo, after all, I’ll be using this passport for the next 10 years. Getting a good photo took more time and money than I anticipated. I had photos taken at Costco, Walgreens and the UPS Store. None of the employees were skilled photographers and they all seemed really annoyed that I needed a passport photo. The lighting was bad and I wasn’t allowed to see the photo until I’d already paid for it. The cost ranged from $6-$14. None of the photos were great, but by the third try I was over it. Your passport can be rejected if the photo doesn’t meet specifications. So be sure to follow instructions!
KidTripster Tip: You’ll receive at least two passport photos. What should you do with that extra photo? Keep it! It’s a good idea to have it with you when traveling abroad in case your passport is lost or stolen. The photos are considered valid for about six months.
Your passport can still be renewed by mail even if it it’s already expired. As long as it was issued within the past 15 years, you’re good. Renewing a passport book costs $130.
After you’ve submitted your documentation, you can track the progress online. It can take a few weeks after mailing your passport before you can check its status.
Passports for Kids
If your child’s passport is expiring, the process is different and more time consuming.
Minor passports expire every 5 years and you can’t simply renew a child’s passport. It’s considered a new passport. That means each time your child’s passport expires you have to go through the process all over again, up to age 16.
Yes, it’s kind of a hassle. (Just remember, the payoff is the ability to travel internationally!) You’ll need to apply for it in person. Both parents or guardians must be present, although there are some exceptions. You can get this done at certain post offices and you can make an appointment in advance. You’ll want to have all of your paperwork with you and filled out correctly.
There’s a different form to complete for minors – the DS-11. Bring the completed form with you. Make sure you clearly read the instructions. One time I filled it out with the wrong color ink and the postal worker gave me a stern scolding. Fortunately, there were blank forms available and I was able to quickly redo them the correct color ink.
Since this is considered a new passport, you’ll need to provide proof of citizenship using a document like an original birth certificate or a previous passport. You’ll show the original document for visual inspection and you’ll submit a photocopy, too, with your paperwork. Make a copy of the document before your appointment. The post office won’t make a copy for you.
Parents need to submit proof of parental relationship indicated on a document like a birth certificate or adoption decree. Parents and guardians must also have additional proof of identification like a driver’s license or passport. You’ll need to make a copy of your IDs to submit with the paperwork.
You’ll need a photo of your child, too. This can be particularly tricky with babies and squirmy toddlers. My daughter got her first passport at age one. She was too short for the photo backdrop at Walgreens so I hoisted her on my shoulders.
Some postal locations do offer photo services. We had photos of the kids taken elsewhere. However, the post office denied one of the kid’s photos for not meeting specifications. Fortunately, that location had photo services available and we were able to have the photo retaken on the spot, avoiding the hassle of having to reschedule the whole appointment.
This is just a summary of the steps. Be sure to visit the U.S. State Department to download the form and get more specific instructions.
The cost of a passport book for a child is $100 with a $35 execution fee.
Passports for 16 & 17-year-olds
Applicants ages 16 or 17 must also apply in-person, but the passport is good for 10 years. Parents don’t need to be present, but kids must provide proof of “parental awareness.” Proof of ID and a photo are needed. The cost of a passport is $130 plus the $35 execution fee.
TSA PreCheck & Global Entry Renewal
Is your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry due for renewal? Both can be done online, although you may also need to visit in-person.
TSA PreCheck can be renewed up to six months before the expiration date. To renew, you’ll need to enter your name, date of birth, and known traveler number (KTN). Some people may be directed to renew in person at an enrollment center. Children under age 12 are allowed to join a parent/guardian in the TSA PreCheck line. It costs $70 to renew TSA PreCheck and it’s good for five years. I recently renewed mine and the process took about 5 minutes to complete online and my TSA PreCheck was approved and renewed within 24-hours.
Global Entry can be renewed up to a year before it expires. You’ll need to sign-in to your account and “renew application.” You may be required to interview in-person again in order to finalize the renewal. This is tricky because appointments are being scheduled months in advance. I was able to do my interview as part of the “Enrollment on Arrival” as I returned to the U.S. from abroad. I met with a customs agent for a few minutes and got my renewal approval later that same day. Be sure to have necessary documents with you to do this. It costs $100 to renew and lasts five years.
