With travel picking up again, couples, friends, and families are now fully ready to go on vacation. The processing of passport renewals in the U.S. has gotten a lot better since the summer of 2021, but it’s still behind pre-pandemic times. So if you’re planning a trip overseas, check your passport expiration date now.
Starting July 1, 2022, expired U.S. passports are no longer considered valid documents when returning to the United States. Here are some short answers to top questions on wait times, delivery hiccups, and entry requirements that might affect your travel plans.
U.S. passport renewal FAQ
Currently, passport renewals could take up to four months. Now throw in the delivery delays as well as other countries’ six-month validity requirements, and you’ll see why it’s best to renew a passport a few months before you go. Remember that passport applications cannot be submitted online; you have to do it either by mail or in person. You can only renew it in person at a passport agency or center if you meet certain requirements.
Routine processing is 8 to 11 weeks. Expedite processing (for an additional $60) is 5 to 7 weeks. The processing times do not include mailing times. This means they start the day a passport agency or center receives your application, not the day you mail it or apply for a passport at a local acceptance facility.
Passport Book — $130. Passport Card — $30. Passport Book & Card — $160. These application fees are for routine service. Expedited service costs an additional $60.
You can renew your passport by mail if you answer YES to all five of the statements below:
1) You have your passport in your possession ready to submit with your application.
2) Your passport is undamaged other than normal wear and tear.
3) Your passport was issued when you were 16 or older.
4) Your passport was issued within the last 15 years.
5) Your passport was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change).
There are two types of in-person appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You can choose a Life-or-Death Emergency Service if you have an emergency that requires international travel within 72 hours (3 business days). If you have non-emergency international travel plans within 5 business days, you can opt for the Urgent Travel Service (restrictions apply). Walk-ins aren’t allowed for either of these services.
You may qualify for an appointment for the life-or-death emergency service if your immediate family member:
• is outside of the United States, and he or she
• has died, or
• is dying (hospice care), or
• has a life-threatening illness or injury, and
• you need to travel to a foreign country within 3 business days.
You’re advised to apply for your new passport several months in advance.
For faster shipping of your application, purchase USPS’ Priority Mail Express. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country. You can also pay an extra $18.32 for 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport. Simply include this sum with your passport fee in your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State for fastest return shipping. If you’re renewing a passport card, they will send it to you via First Class Mail as they don’t use 1-2 day delivery services for passport card only applications. You may receive your passport and the supporting documents submitted with your application in separate mailings.
1) Application form. To complete the application for a passport book, card, or both together, do one of the following:
• fill out the application online. When you’ve completed the application, print it out to take to the passport acceptance facility, or;
• fill out the application by hand. Download the passport application form (DS-11) and complete the application by hand, or go to a local passport acceptance facility to get a copy to fill out.
Whether you fill it out online or by hand, do not sign the form until you’re instructed to do so in front of a passport-designated official you will meet when applying in person.
2) Personal documents. You’ll need to bring all of the following:
• an original proof of citizenship document;
• an acceptable photo ID document;
• a photocopy of the front and back of the citizenship document and photo ID document.
3) Passport photo. Follow the photo requirements.
4) Payment. Calculate your passport fees.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you return to the U.S. and have two or more blank pages, depending on your destination. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.
No, from July 1, 2022, U.S. citizens who remain overseas with an expired passport won’t be able to use it as a travel document for returning to the United States. They are now urged to apply for a new passport.
No, you can’t. The six-month validity rule is strictly enforced in all of Europe’s 26 Schengen countries. Even if you’re transiting through Canada or the UK, which don’t have that rule, your passport has to be good for six months. Otherwise, airlines may not let you board your onward flight to Europe.
Looking for U.S. passport renewal tips, flight deals, or just some inspiration? Sign up for the Skyscanner newsletter!
Want to read more?
- How to fly without an ID: Tips and tricks for soaring above the chaos
- Do you need a passport to travel within the US?
- How far in advance can you book a flight?
Skyscanner is a trusted meta-search engine that lets globetrotters across the world research and book travel options for their trips, including flights, hotels and car hire. We can help you plan your next trip, whether that’s just a short weekend getaway or a multi-city adventure around the globe.
