Keeping your passport up to date might sound simple, but there are some rules and tricky situations you should know about—like when you can’t just renew it and have to start all over. Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything in a way that’s easy to get, so you’ll know exactly what to do when it’s time to deal with your passport. Let’s get started!
What is a passport and what is it for?
This is a very important document for people who want to travel to other countries. If you are a United States citizen, you need to have a valid passport to leave the country and to board planes, even within the United States in some cases. It also serves as an official ID to prove who you are.
When can you renew this document?
Normally, when your passport is about to expire or has already expired, you can renew it. That means you use the old passport to request a new one without having to do the entire process from the beginning.
When can you NOT renew it?
But there are certain situations where you cannot simply renew it. The United States government says you have to apply for a new passport from the beginning if:
- The previous one is damaged or broken.
- You lost it or it was stolen.
- You were given the it when you were under 16 years old (when you were a child).
- The passport you have was issued 15 years ago or more.
- The passport has a name you no longer use, and you don’t have documents to prove you changed your name.
What to do if you can’t renew it?
If you cannot renew it, then you have to complete the full process to request a new passport. This means you have to fill out a form called DS-11. You cannot do it online; you have to print it and send it by mail.
Also, you must provide the Department of State with some important documents:
- An original proof that shows you are a United States citizen.
- A valid photo ID.
- A copy of these documents.
- You also have to send a photo that meets the passport photo rules.
Finally, you have to pay a fee for the process. If you want the passport book, it costs $160. If you only request the card, it costs $35.
Can you get it faster?
Yes, there are special cases where you can request the process to be faster, but you have to pay an extra $60 plus shipping.
For example, if you have to travel because of a very serious emergency, like a severe health problem or a life-or-death situation, you can do this. It also works if you have an urgent need and need the passport as soon as possible.
It is important to know that the prices and the time it takes to process can change depending on the time of year.
Check your document!
So, now you know why it’s really important to keep your passport up to date if you want to travel without any problems. Sometimes renewing it is simple, but in other cases, like if it’s lost, damaged, or really old, you’ll have to go through the whole application process again. Don’t worry though — just make sure you follow the rules and have all your documents ready. And if you ever need your passport quickly because of an emergency or urgent trip, there are options to speed things up, even if it costs a little more. Just take it step by step, and you’ll be ready for your next adventure!