Should my son renew his passport which will expire in 2016?

by Liza
(USA)

Question: My son renewed his passport last June 2006. He was very fit at that time weighing only around 130-140 lbs. After 4 years he has gained a lot of weight & now weighs 240 lbs.

I just want to know if he needs to renew his passport since his picture in his present passport looks so different from his actual appearance because of too much weight gain. Will this be a problem when he travels in the US?

A Passport is considered a form of identification but if his picture does not match his present appearance it might cause confusion & problems when he travels. Do you suggest that he renew his passport so he can change his picture?

Answer: Your son is not required to renew his passport until it expires. Since passports issued to adults are valid for 10 years, changes can and will occur.

Some people loose a lot of weight. Other people gain a lot of weight. People dye their hair, cut it off or let it grow really long. Men grow beards and shave them off. Some gain a lot of wrinkles and have to start using glasses.

It is true that radical changes may cause some confusion at border crossings and cause delays. Agents may even ask for another form of ID.

While renewal is not required, your son may want to do this just to avoid any possible problems. Note, there is no form for changing a photo in a passport.

If you want to change the photo, your son will have to apply for a passport renewal and pay the appropriate fees. If you think this is the best option, click the link below for complete instructions.

How to Renew Passport