The fastest way to renew your passport

Like most Americans, you might not be traveling internationally anytime soon. Some countries still require proof of a negative test to enter, which could be a deterrent. Yet even if an international trip seems like it’s still a ways off, you should grab your passport and check when it expires. Now is one of the best times to renew your passport even if it doesn’t expire in 2022.

Although an international trip is likely still a ways off, you should grab your passport and check when it expires. Now is one of the best times to renew your passport even if it doesn’t expire in 2022.

Why now is the best time to renew your passport

Application processing is slower than normal

According to the State Department, passport processing times are now eight to 11 weeks, which is longer than the projected six to eight weeks promised pre-pandemic. Even the supposed expedited processing takes a sluggish five to seven weeks, far slower than the two to three weeks back in 2019. On top of that, the State Department’s projected processing times do not include mailing times, and the department also warns that it can take up to two weeks for your application to actually be acknowledged as “in process.”

Add that all up, and it’s reasonable to start applying for your passport renewal now — even if it doesn’t expire this year.

It may not be valid for some travel — even if it hasn’t expired

Some countries require that passports be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip.

That means even if your passport doesn’t expire until 2023, you might not be able to travel internationally in late 2022 if it expires inside six months. In fact, some airlines won’t allow you to board with a passport that is near expiry (and hey, you probably don’t want to fly 20 hours to Dubai only to find the United Arab Emirates won’t let you into the country).

The State Department’s Country Information page provides details on which countries have such requirements.

Expedited processing fees will eat into your vacation budget

If you procrastinate, then not all is lost — except some of your vacation fund. You can pay extra to receive a passport in five to seven weeks (rather than the current timeline of eight to 11 weeks), but you’ll have to pay an additional $60 for expedited service.

And even still, five to seven weeks isn't exactly speedy. Double or triple that cost if you have family members who need that service as well.

You could use a passport to fly domestically too (unless you have Real ID)

Even if you don’t plan to travel internationally anytime in the next few years, a passport could be necessary for domestic travel.

Beginning May 3, 2023, you’ll need Real ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card with a star. Alternatively, residents from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont can use their Enhanced Driver's License for Real ID purposes, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

To obtain Real ID-compliant identification, you’ll typically have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency.

However, you can avoid a trip to the DMV for a new license by showing other acceptable identification at the airport, such as a passport or passport card. Depending on what your local DMV lines are like, it might be easier to just have a valid passport and use it for all domestic and international travel.

Deal with your passport now, so you can focus on trip planning later

Even if you’re not traveling internationally right now, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming about it. Why not complement that anticipation by filling out passport paperwork?

As you trudge through it, let your mind escape to a dreamland full of the sticky toffee pudding you’ll inhale once you finally land in London. In fact, planning a trip is actually good for you. A 2010 study by social scientists in the Netherlands found that simply planning and dreaming up a trip incites as much happiness as actually going on it.

Apply for your passport and soak in the benefits of fantasizing about your trip. When the time comes to actually go on it, you won’t have to worry about the stress of renewing your passport.

How to renew your passport

Renew by mail

In general, the easiest way to renew your passport is by mail. You can do this if all of the following apply:

1. You have your passport in your possession (and can submit it with your application).

2. It is undamaged (aside from normal wear and tear).

3. You received it when you were at least 16 years old.

4. It was issued within the past 15 years.

5. It was either issued to your current name or you can submit documentation of your name change.

To apply by mail, you’ll need the following:

• Your most recent passport.

• Name change documents (such as a marriage certificate), if applicable.

• Payment via personal check or money order to the U.S. Department of State of $130 for a Passport Book, $30 for a Passport Card or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60.

Renew in person

If one of the above five scenarios doesn't apply to you, then you’ll need to apply in person. To apply in person, you’ll need the following:

• Evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. birth certificate or Certificate of Naturalization, plus a photocopy of that document.

• Valid identification, such as a driver's license or in-state learner's permit with photo, plus a photocopy of it.

• Payment (typically an $130 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee).

You may need to provide additional documents for certain circumstances, such as if you’re younger than 16.

You’ll need to apply at a passport acceptance facility, which are typically post offices or city clerk offices — and most are by appointment only.

If your passport was lost or stolen

Maybe you moved during the pandemic and your passport got lost in the shuffle. Or you tossed it in a box after a year of uncertainty of when you’d ever use it again — and now you can’t fathom finding it.

If you’re getting a passport for the first time

If you’ve never traveled internationally before, that could change in the coming years. After all, the pandemic inspired many travelers to cross off their bucket list trips once and for all.

If you’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower and have been holding out for the right moment, apply for your first passport now. You’ll have to apply in person, provide proper documentation and pay the application fee.

Frequently asked questions

How do I renew my passport if it was already expired?

You can renew an expired passport if the passport was issued within the past 15 years only. If the passport was issued earlier than that, go through the same steps of applying for a new passport.

How much is my passport renewal fee in 2022?

The cost to renew a passport book is $130. It’s $30 to renew a passport card, or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60.

Do I need a new photo to renew my passport?

Yes, your passport photo must have been taken in the past six months from the time you submit the new passport application.

Will I get my old passport back if I apply by mail?

Yes, your old passport book or passport card will be returned (you need to mail in your most recent passport if you are renewing by mail). It usually will be sent separately from the new passport.

How long is my passport valid?

If you were at least 16 years old when the passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. Otherwise, it’s valid for five years.

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