Does my son have to apply for a new passport instead of a renewal if he got it at 16?

by Kris
(Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)

Question: My son's passport was issued at sixteen, now expired at 21, does he have to apply for a new one instead of renewing? If he has to apply in person, is there somewhere in Grand Forks N.D. that he can do this? We live in Canada, and that is the closest place. Does he have to have photos done here before he goes?

Answer: Passports issued to applicants age 16 and up are valid for 10 years. From the information you sent, I can only assume that the passport was issued when your son was 15 or it is not expired yet.

Passports issued to minors age 15 and younger cannot be renewed by mail. If this is the case, then your son would have to apply in person. He can do this at the U.S. Consulate in Winnipeg or Calgary. The Winnipeg Consulate does not offer ongoing services to U.S. citizens so you have to keep checking back. Those who cannot wait, should schedule an appointment at the U.S. Consulate in Calgary.

U.S. Consulate in Winnipeg

U.S. Consulate in Calgary

All adults seeking to re-enter the U.S. must present a valid passport when crossing the border. If your son's passport is, in fact, expired, he will not be able to enter the United States until a new passport is issued. The expiration date can be found on the data page of the passport.