Even when we travel a lot, passport expiration dates love to hide in plain sight. You feel set, then you open the photo page and realize you are closer to the deadline than you expected.
The good news is that renewing is usually straightforward. Many travelers can renew online, while others will renew by mail or in person depending on their situation.
Here at TheMilesAcademy, we want you to feel calm and prepared. Below, we cover when to renew, what timelines to expect, what to do if your trip is coming up fast, how to submit your renewal correctly, and what you should budget.
The Best Time To Renew Your Passport
If we had to give you one timing rule to remember, it is this: start your renewal about six months before your passport expires.
That buffer matters because many destinations require you to have at least six months of passport validity left when you enter. If you cut it too close, you could run into trouble at check-in or at the border, even if everything else about your trip looks fine.
It also helps to know how long passports typically last so you can plan ahead:
- Most adult passports are valid for 10 years.
- Passports issued before age 16 are typically valid for 5 years.
To keep things simple, we recommend you write down three dates in one place: your expiration date, your next possible international travel date, and the date that is six months before expiration. Set a reminder a little earlier than that six month mark so you have time to gather documents and choose the right service level.
Once you have your dates, check the current processing estimates before you submit. Timelines can shift during busy travel seasons and high-demand periods.
Typical Processing Timelines
If you do not have international travel booked within the next two months, routine service is often the recommended route, with an estimated turnaround of roughly six to eight weeks.
If you are traveling within the next two months, expedited service is usually a better fit.
Either way, we do not want you to plan only around the headline estimate. You also need to account for the time on the front end and the back end. Guidance commonly suggests allowing extra time for your application to enter processing and additional time for your documents and new passport to be mailed back to you.
Before you send anything, do a quick reality check in one sitting. Confirm your passport expiration date and your travel dates, decide whether routine or expedited service matches your schedule, and consider faster return mailing if your travel window is tight.
What To Do If You Travel Soon
If you have international travel planned within the next 14 days, you may still have options, but you need to move quickly and follow the urgent travel process.
For non-emergency travel happening in the next two or three weeks, you can try to secure an appointment at a passport agency or passport center. Availability can vary by location and time of year, and booking methods may include online scheduling or in-person requests depending on current rules.
For life-or-death emergencies that require international travel within three days, you will generally need documentation that supports the qualifying emergency so you can request an appointment. Guidance often allows online scheduling if you have not applied yet, and phone scheduling if you have already submitted an application.
If you are trying to renew in an urgent window, keep these timing rules in mind:
- Appointments are commonly available to schedule up to two weeks before departure.
- The appointment usually must fall within three business days of travel.
- Availability is limited, and appointments are not guaranteed.
To avoid wasting time, gather your travel confirmation, any required supporting documents, and your renewal materials before you try to book. That way, if you find a slot, you can act immediately.
The Different Ways To Renew Your Passport
Many travelers can renew by mail. In general, that means completing the standard renewal form, including a passport photo that meets official requirements, mailing in your most recent passport, and paying the required fees.
Photos are one of the most common reasons an application gets delayed. We suggest you treat the photo rules like a strict checklist. Delays often come from incorrect sizing, visible shadows, glare, a distracting background, or using an outdated photo.
Mailing rules also matter. Guidance typically requires mailed passport applications to be sent using the national postal service. If you use a different carrier, your package may be returned without being processed. If you are mailing your renewal from Canada, the typical requirement is to use the national postal service there.
Some people must renew in person at a passport acceptance facility. This commonly applies if you applied for your most recent passport when you were under age 16, if your passport was lost or stolen, or if your most recent passport was issued 15 or more years ago. Other eligibility rules can also require an in-person renewal depending on current guidelines.
Some acceptance facilities allow walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the requirements for your chosen location before you show up so you do not lose time.
What You Should Budget For Renewal Fees
Renewal costs depend on what you request and which service speed you choose. Published guidance commonly lists these base amounts:
- $130 for a passport book
- $30 for a limited-use passport card
- $160 for both a book and a card
If you choose expedited service, you may need to add an additional $60. Faster return mailing may also be available for an added fee, such as $18.32.
Because fees and options can change based on how you apply and what services you select, we recommend using the official online fee calculator from the federal passport office to estimate your total.
Keep Your Travel Plans Smooth With Our Free Community And Tools
Passport renewal is one of those boring tasks that can quietly wreck a trip if we ignore it. When we keep your documents current, you get to focus on the fun parts of travel like picking flights, planning connections, and building a backup plan for surprises.
If you want more practical travel routines like this, join our free TheMilesAcademy community. We share simple checklists, travel fixes, and step-by-step guides that help you stay ready long before you get to the airport.
When you are planning the rest of your trip, use our free Card Finder Tool to match your spending style and travel goals with the right card type for you. It is an easy way to build a smarter travel setup while you handle the essentials like renewing your passport.
