Editor’s Note: This is a recurring story that has been updated with new information.
Even if you are a travel enthusiast, chances are you may not fully know when your US passport expires and how to renew it.
You may also have heard that during the pandemic, application renewals were paused for several months and there was a large backlog of renewal applications causing delays.
There is good news, though. Renewal periods are back to normal, fast processing is available — and you can usually renew your passport easily from the comfort of your home.
Here’s everything you need to know about renewing your passport right now.
When should you renew your passport?
The website of the US Department of State has a handy calculator to help you figure out your passport renewal options and costs.
When determining your passport renewal period, keep in mind the expiration date, as well as the place and time of your travel. Ideally, you should renew it at least six months before it expires, especially if you’re traveling to countries that require it. six months passport validity.
Regardless of the entry requirements, it’s best to renew ahead of time to avoid backlogs during busy travel times and possible delays like what we experienced during the pandemic.
US passports are valid for 10 years for most adults or 5 years if issued before the passport holder turns 16 years old.
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Standard passport renewals take between six and nine weeks, plus up to two weeks to begin processing and another two weeks for your passport to be returned to you, so a maximum of is 13 weeks. However, you can pay $18.32 for delivery within 1-2 days of processing.
Related: Passport about to expire? Visit these countries during your 3-month extension
You can also pay an extra $60 to expedite your passport renewal, shortening the turnaround time to 3 to 5 weeks (plus mailing time). Again, you can settle for $18.32 express shipping to move things faster.
If you need your passport even faster, you can choose the Direct Expedited Agency option, which also costs $60 but requires you to demonstrate that you plan to travel within the next 72 hours. This option was unavailable for much of the pandemic, but now that things have normalized and travel demand has skyrocketed, it’s back up and running.
Very limited quantity appointment available for both urgent and non-emergency journeys within 72 hours.
Related: Why should I renew my child’s passport for 5 years after 4 years?
How should you renew your passport?
You can renew your US passport via mail or directly. You will need to fill in Form DS-82 and provide a photo, your most recent passport and check fees. Make sure your photos comply with the regulations guide.
Direct emergency extensions are restricted to life-or-death emergencies during the pandemic. Now, this option is again extended to people who have booked a trip within the next 72 hours.
If you’re mailing your renewal application, remember that you must use the United States Postal Service — no exceptions. If you use another carrier, your renewal will be returned to you without being processed. If you are mailing your passport renewal application from Canada, you must use Canada Post.
Related: Should you apply or renew your passport now? Every message you consider
How much it costs?
Renew your US passport expense $130 for a passport book, $30 for a limited-use passport card or $160 for both a passport book and card. Note that the fees outlined above for expedited service ($60) and faster mail ($18.32) are in addition to these renewal fees.
If you need to renew your passport faster than 12 weeks, you can do so in person at a passport office. This option can take 24-72 hours and is available if you can provide proof of travel within the next 72 hours. Usually, you will be asked to show proof of upcoming travel and an official document (e.g. doctor’s note) verifying the emergency.
Related: Top Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
bottom line
Remember that your passport number will change as you renew. That means if you are part of a trusted travel program like Global Entry, you will need to update your passport information. Fortunately, you can do this online.
Simply log in to your account and click the “Update Documents” tab to enter your new passport number. The only change you cannot make online is to change your name for which you will have to go to the Global Entry registration center.
Read more: How Mobile Passport saved me when a banana ruined my Global Entry dream
Additional reporting by Caroline Tanner and Melissa Klurman.
