Has your passport been collecting dust in the last several years? You’re not alone, as one study by the U.S Travel Association indicates that Americans took 34% fewer trips overseas this year than in 2018.
Maybe you’ve just opened your passport book and realized it’s about to expire in a few months.
If you’re a U.S. citizen wondering, “when should you renew your passport?” you’ve scrolled to the right place. Here at PhotoAiD®, we’ve listed all the necessary information on the subject (including specific cases). So sit back, grab a beverage, and get reading.
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When to renew a U.S. passport–official recommendations
The U.S. Department of the State has no official recommendations regarding when to renew a U.S. passport. Passports can be renewed at any time while they are still valid or, if expired, were issued in the last 15 (fifteen) years.
Nevertheless, some specific timelines can be found floating around on the internet, such as beginning passport renewals 9 (nine) months before the passport expires. However, this is more of a suggestion than an official recommendation–inspired by the some following Asian and South American countries’ entry and exit requirements:
- China
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Brazil
- Venezuela
- Bolivia
All of the countries mentioned above require a minimum of 6 (six) months of remaining validity on passports to be allowed entry.Need a passport photo now? Use PhotoAiD®’s highly-rated tool (we have a 4.6⭐ rating on TrustPilot) to instantly get a digital U.S. passport photo that can be used for U.S. online passport renewals (printed photos are also available).
So when should I renew my passport?
It depends on your situation and when / how long you intend to spend outside of the U.S. Planning a trip to Carnival in Brazil next year? It’s a good idea to start the renewal approximately 9 (nine) months before your passport’s expiration date.
Have an emergency requiring imminent travel? There are additional options to expedite passport renewals such as,
- expedited service; 3 (three) to 5 (five) weeks
- Expedited at passport agency; proof of international travel within 14 calendar days (requires an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778).
Likewise, for U.S. passport holders who do not have any imminent international trips planned, it’s a good idea to plan your renewal during a lull in your travel calendar. Presently, routine processing times for U.S. passport renewals range between 6 (six) to 9 (nine) weeks. However, these are constantly changing, so it’s a good idea to monitor the State Department’s website.
Check out these related articles:
- U.S. Passport Book vs Passport Card
- Can I Renew My Passport at the Post Office? — Answered
- How to Take Passport Photo at Home: a Simplified Guide
When do you have to renew your passport–specific cases
As mentioned in the preceding section, passport renewals can be started at any time if the passport is still valid or was issued less than 15 (fifteen) years ago. Nevertheless, a few specific cases exist where passport renewals are recommended if the individual intends to travel internationally in the coming months.
Legal name change
While it is possible to fly with your maiden name or last name at birth (in the case of adopted individuals), The State Department recommends changing one’s travel documents after a legal name change.
To do so, include a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-mandated name change document (along with the other necessary documents) with your passport renewal application.
Learn more:
Long-term travel or working abroad
Working abroad for extended periods is very common in today’s globalized economy. As such, it’s a good idea to have a U.S. passport with ample remaining validity, especially if your contract is over one year.
Likewise, U.S. citizens planning long-term travel should consider renewing their passports before setting off on their trip.
Drastic change in appearance
A drastic change in appearance will require a new U.S. passport application rather than a U.S. passport renewal. For example, trauma to the face, major plastic surgery, or significant weight gain or loss will alter a subject’s biometric markers, requiring a new passport application.
PhotoAiD®–compliant photos for U.S. passport renewal
Whether it’s next week or next year, all passport holders have to renew their passports at some point. Why risk adding extra time to your renewal due to faulty pictures when you can get photos that are guaranteed to comply with all government regulations?
Simply download PhotoAiD®’s mobile application (available on Android and iOS) and follow the intuitive interface to get U.S. passport photos in seconds. Need a digital photo for an online renewal? We have you covered. We also deliver physical prints to any address in the U.S., so there’s no need to book appointments or wait in line.
Fast, convenient, and guaranteed–that’s the PhotoAiD® way.
When to renew your passport: FAQ
Read through the following questions and answers to gain more information about the timeframes associated with renewing a U.S. passport.
How early can you renew your passport?
A U.S. passport can be renewed from 9 (nine) months before the expiration date.
When do you have to renew your passport?
Ideally, passports should be renewed 6 (six) to 9 (nine) months before expiry to avoid interruption in travel plans. However, U.S. passports can be renewed anytime, provided they are still valid or have been issued within the previous 15 (fifteen) years.
When is the earliest you can renew a U.S. passport?
There is no minimum time required between passport renewals. Theoretically, an individual could apply for a U.S. passport renewal one day after receiving their new passport. However, given the paperwork and costs, individuals should strive to renew their passports 6 (six) to 9 (nine) months before expiry.
When to renew a U.S. passport for a minor?
U.S. passports for minors can be renewed at any time, provided the applicant is under the age of 16 at the time of renewal. Typically, a child U.S. passport (with 5-year validity) is renewed approximately 6 (six) months before its expiry.
When is it too late to renew a passport?
If the passport was issued more than 15 (fifteen) years ago (at the time of application), a renewal is no longer possible, and a new U.S. passport application (DS-11) must be submitted.
When should you renew your passport–closing thoughts
Despite no official recommendations, the best time to renew a U.S. passport is at least 6 (six) months before the passport’s expiration date. Additionally, individuals should not have any upcoming travel plans since regular processing times are currently set at 6 (six) to 9 (nine) weeks.
Now that you know when to renew your passport, why not use a highly-rated service such as PhotoAiD® to easily source government-compliant passport photos? Get a digital photo in seconds (perfect for the newly-introduced U.S. online renewals) or order physical prints to any address in the U.S.
Whatever your choice, you can rest easy knowing U.S. passport agents will accept your photos.
Simon Wojtyczka is a writer with experience living and working in 7 countries, each adding depth to his work. Holding a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, he has a profound grasp of language and its intricate ties to culture.
