If your passport is expired or is about to expire, you can still travel with an expired passport , but you may need to get a new one before your return trip. Here’s everything you need to know about passports and expiration dates.

Do Passports Expire?

Passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue for adults, and 5 years for children 15 and under. However, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date. So, if your passport expires in less than 6 months, you’ll need to renew it before traveling(if traveling for leisure)

In addition, some airlines won’t let you board a flight if your passport is set to expire within a certain time frame, typically within 3-6 months. So it’s always best to check with your airline before booking a flight to see what their policy is.

How to Renew Your Passport

If your passport is expired or is about to expire, you can renew it by mail or in person. To renew by mail, fill out form DS-82 and submit it, along with your expired passport, to the address on the form. You’ll also need to include 2 passport photos and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

To renew in person, make an appointment at a passport agency or center, or go to a passport acceptance facility. You’ll need to bring form DS-11, your expired passport, 2 passport photos, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. You may also be able to renew your passport at a select number of US post offices.

If you’re traveling within 2 weeks, you can renew your passport by expedited service for an additional fee. This can be done by mail or in person.

How to Get a New Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll need to get a new one. To do this, you’ll need to fill out form DS-11 and submit it, along with 2 passport photos, to a passport agency or center. You’ll also need to include a check or money order for the new passport fee.

If you’re traveling within 2 weeks, you can get a new passport by expedited service for an additional fee. This can be done by mail or in person.

When to Get a New Passport

In addition to getting a new passport if yours is lost or stolen, you may also need to get a new passport if your name has changed. For example, if you’ve gotten married or divorced since your last passport was issued, you’ll need to get a new passport with your new name.

You’ll also need to get a new passport if your passport has been damaged. This includes things like water damage, a torn or mutilated passport, or a passport with missing pages.

Passports don’t technically expire, but they do need to be renewed every 10 years for adults, and every 5 years for children 15 and under. If your passport is expired or is about to expire, you can renew it by mail or in person. You can travel with an expired passport as well. If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll need to get a new one. We hope we fully answered the question — “Do passports expire?”.