If you are planning on international travel in the next six months, apply for or renew your passport now. The window between the end of summer travel season and the start of holiday travel season is when processing times are shortest.
That’s the advice from the US State Department, which declares each September as Passport Awareness Month. It can take anywhere from four to six weeks to renew, or three weeks via expedited service that costs you an extra $60.
This year, the State Dept. expects to issue or renew 20 million passports, up from 18 million last year.
Here’s why you should not wait:
Your valid US passport might not be accepted
Adult US passports are valid for 10 years, a child’s passport is valid for five. However, many countries require your passport remains valid for through six months after your planned return date in order be admitted to that country. A few years ago, I renewed my passport well before expiration, rather than be turned away from an Eastern European country I was scheduled to visit.
If you look significantly different than your passport photo, your passport may no longer be valid. Facial recognition technology can figure out a few new laugh lines, hair that’s been colored, cut or grown out, even facial hair added since the ID photo. The Department of State only requires a new photo – which means a new passport – for a major change, such as facial surgery, gender transition, significant weight loss or gain, or adding or removing facial tattoos and piercings.
Urgent travel
If you’re traveling in two weeks or less, including for family emergencies, or need a foreign visa in four weeks or less, you can make an appointment at one of the passport agencies for expedited service. This is the quickest way to get your passport, and you’ll be charged an additional $60 expedite fee.
Make an appointment online, or call 877-487-2778 if you’re unable to find an appointment that meets your needs. Bring all necessary documents, including proof of travel, such as airline tickets, birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
The REAL ID Act
Starting early in 2018, you might not be able to fly domestically using your state driver’s license. New Homeland Security requirements mean U.S. state IDs must have certain new security features and data attached to them to be valid, and not all states comply with the new regulations. Currently, states including California and New York do not comply; Texas and Nevada do. So, you might need a US passport to fly between Los Angeles and New York City, but not between Dallas and Las Vegas.
See the full list of which states are complying, and which aren’t, on the Department of Homeland Security’s website. If your state is one, you’ll need to make sure you’re flying with a REAL ID-compliant ID by October 2020.
As part of its Passport Awareness Month, the Dept. of State is encouraging travelers to use a U.S. passport book or card as a compliant form of ID. These are REAL ID compliant and acceptable identification to board domestic flights.
Note that a U.S. passport card is the same size of a driver’s license, but is for domestic travel only. You still need a US passport for international travel, except to US territories such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. A passport card costs $55 for a first-time applicant and $30 if you’ve already had a passport.
What to do if your passport Is damaged or lost
If you were affected by any of the recent natural disasters in the U.S. and have found water or other damage to your passport, it’s no longer valid. The U.S. Department of State requires you to apply in person when replacing a damaged or lost passport. Here’s what you’ll need to replace a lost or damaged passport, from the Department of State’s website:
Replacing a damaged passport
Passports that have water damage can no longer be used, and should be replaced. Apply in person to replace a damaged passport at an acceptance facility or passport agency. You’ll need the following:
• The damaged U.S. passport
• A signed statement explaining the damage
• Form DS-11 (Application for U.S. passport)
• Citizenship evidence* (i.e., birth or naturalization certificate)
• A photocopy of citizenship evidence
• Present ID (physical copy)
• A photocopy of that ID
• One passport photo
• Paid fees
Replacing a lost passport
To replace a lost passport, you’ll also need to apply in person and include the following:
• Form DS-64 (Statement regarding lost or stolen passport)
• Form DS-11 (Application for U.S. passport)
• Citizenship evidence* (i.e., birth or naturalization certificate)
• A photocopy of citizenship evidence
• Present ID (physical copy)
• A photocopy of that ID
• One passport photo
• Paid fees
*If your citizenship evidence was lost or damaged during the flooding, and you are unable to replace them before applying for your passport, you can request a file search for an additional fee, if you have previously been issued a passport.
Do it now
• Check to see if you’re eligible to renew by mail; this is the fastest and easiest way to get your new passport.
• Check to see if your city is hosting a Special Passport Acceptance Fair: New events are added every Monday. Make sure you have all required application documents beforehand.
• As of November 2016, a passport photo is no longer valid if you’re wearing glasses.
• An invalid photo is the No. 1 reason a passport application is rejected, so make sure to follow these photo-taking tips before you submit your application.
This story is adapted from one which appeared originally on SmarterTravel.com.
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