What are the passport requirements for me specifically?

by Bethany
(Boston, MA, USA)

Question: My passport was issued when I was eight, and I updated it when I was twelve years old. I am now eighteen, and I was wondering if I need to get it renewed. I am planning to take a trip with my friends to Montreal, Canada in early March 2011.

I think my passport will expire soon, however I am not positive. I am from New Jersey, but I am attending college in Boston, MA.

1. Do I need to renew my passport for my planned trip in March?

2. If I do need to renew my passport, do I need to travel home to New Jersey to do this or can I go to a regional passport agency in Boston?

Answer: Passports issued to minors are valid for five years from the date of issuance. You can find this date on the data page of your passport. You can enter Canada as long as your passport is valid during the time of your stay.

You can apply for a new passport in Boston. You do not need to return to New Jersey in order to do this. Since your current passport was issued when you were a minor, you need to submit form DS-11 and all supporting documents. This includes two passport photos, proof of identity, copy of ID and evidence of U.S. citizenship.

To expedite the passport at the Boston Passport Agency, you will need evidence of travel within 14 days such as an itinerary or hotel reservation. You can try to schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778 but there may not be an opening available. In such a case, you can try visiting the regional agency without an appointment. Regional agencies issue same day passports.