Should You Renew an Expired Passport or Apply for a New One?

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Once a passport is expired, it has outlived its usefulness. You cannot travel abroad nor apply for a travel visa with an expired passport. This means that if your passport's expiration date has passed and you need to travel internationally, you need to get it replaced immediately.

This leaves travelers with two options: apply for a passport renewal or apply for a new passport. Each has its own procedure, fee, and timing to consider

The best choice for you depends on 3 factors:

• How old you were when the passport was issued?
• How much time has elapsed since the passport's expiration date?
• How fast do you need your passport replaced?

At U.S. Passport Service Guide, we have over a decade of experience helping travelers with travel document questions and needs just like these.

If you need a passport fast, our best advice is not to wait. Whether you need to renew or replace your expired passport, Rush My Passport has been obtaining expedited passports in a week or less. Apply online for expedited passport service.

When Can an Expired Passport Be Renewed?

You can apply to get your passport renewed by mail if your passport if it meets all of the following criteria:

• The expired passport was issued not more than 15 years ago
• The expired passport was not damaged
• The expired passport was issued when the holder was 16 years old or older

In other words, passports issued to applicants age 16 or older can be renewed by mail up to 5 years after the expiration date (as long as the passport is not significantly damaged).

You can follow the instructions for renewing an expired passport by mail or enlist a registered passport courier service to help.

Either way, if you have the opportunity to renew a passport instead of applying for a new one, do it. Passport renewals are easier and less complicated than restarting the entire application process from scratch.

Even if you do not have current plans to travel internationally, renew your passport while you are eligible to do so rather than waiting until your next trip abroad (when it might be too late).

How Do I Replace an Expired Passport That Does Not Qualify for Renewal?

If your expired passport does not meet the criteria listed above, you need to follow the steps for applying for a new passport to get it replaced.

Regardless of which option is right for you, processing a passport application takes up to 11 weeks for standard service or up to 7 weeks for expedited service. These times are subject to change and can take even longer in times of high demand.

If you have a travel emergency and need to get a passport fast or expedite a passport renewal, you can make an appointment at a regional agency.

If you don't have the time, ability, or desire to visit the processing center? Get a third party to go for you. You can authorize a relative, friend, travel agent or an express passport courier.

NOTE: Don't throw away or destroy that expired passport! it is possible to use an expired passport as proof of citizenship when you apply for a new passport. So, if you don't intend to replace your expired passport now, you may want to hold on to it so that it is available when you are ready to get a new one.

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