Important: Processing times recently changed for both routine and expedited passport applications.

New Passport Expiration Date

by Bruce
(New York)

Question: I have a current passport that is good until September. If I renew my passport in April, I will have two valid passports. Would it be wise to wait until September so that I don't lose 5 months on the new passport by renewing too early? The new passport will expire April 10 years after and if I wait, it will expire September of the same year.


Answer: When you apply for a passport renewal by mail, you are required to submit your previously-issued, undamaged passport. That passport will be invalidated and returned to you.

While you do lose validity by renewing early, the Department of State recommends that passport holders begin the renewal process approximately 9 months before the date of expiration.

The reason for this is that many countries require 3 to 6 months of validity in a passport before they will allow a person to enter. Also, the process usually takes up to 6 weeks for standard processing but can take longer.

In summary, renew now if you plan to travel to a country that requires 3 months or more of validity before your current passport expires. If not, begin the renewal process approximately 8 weeks before the expiration date.

Note, if you decide to wait and an emergency arises which requires you travel to a country that requires validity beyond what your passport has, you will have to expedite the passport application at a regional agency or through a reliable expedited passport courier service.

If you travel frequently and cannot be without a passport for 6 weeks while the application is being processed, you can request expedited service. You must submit evidence of international travel within 30 days in order to use this service. Expedited applications sent by mail are processed in 2 to 3 weeks.

Comments for New Passport Expiration Date

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New Expiration Date
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I change my passport expiration date to that of my birth month?

Answer: No, you cannot. The expiration date is 10 years after the issue date.

Passport Expiration
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter's passport will expire in 2018 but she is turning 16 in July. Do I wait till next year to renew her passport or can she travel in August with her current passport.

Answer: Your daughter's passport is valid until the date of expiration. She does not need to apply for a new passport until closer to that date.

The life of my Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I have just submitted my passport for renewal. This passport is valid until 22nd July 2017. I have paid for a 10 year passport which (with photos) cost me $293 approx. I really object to having 6 months wasted (even though we pay a high cost to renew). I also feel that you should actually refund the months that your Department recommends we replace old for new with a 6 month loss to me. At the end of the term of the passport I will have to repeat this exercise losing a further (recommended) 6 months. This equates to 1 year. $30 should be reimbursed to all who apply for their passport because we are not getting a 10-year passport!

Answer: A passport issued to an applicant age 16 or older is valid for 10 years from the date of expiration. The passport holder is under no obligation to apply for a renewal early. In fact, you can apply for a renewal by mail up to 5 years after the date of expiration.

The recommendation to renew a passport early is based on the fact that many countries require 6 months of validity remaining beyond your stay as an entry requirement. Other countries only require 3 months of validity. Still others only require a passport be valid at time of entry.

If you have no plans to visit a country that requires six months of validity in a passport, then you do no need to renew it early.

Issue with passport issue date.
by: Anonymous

Question: My husbands passport expires 6/8/2016. I sent his passport for renewal and received the new passport quick. My only issue, on the new passport it shows an issue date of 6/8/2016 (the old expiration) rather then when it was actually issued 1/6/2016. So now what do I do? This doesn't seem correct.

Question: Please call 1-877-387-2778 to speak with a customer service representative.

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Using a Registered Courier Service
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Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.

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