Though it may not be in your best interest to renew your passport right when it expires, what about renewing it early? Why would you want to renew it early? The U.S. Passport will last you about ten years before it expires, and it costs money to renew it every time. Well, there are some very valid reasons why someone may want or need to get their passport renewed.
To answer the question: Can I renew my passport early? The answer would be yes, you can. However, to save you time, money, and paperwork, you should only renew your passport when necessary.
When Should I Renew My Passport?
Remember a few factors when renewing your passport. A U.S. Passport issued to an adult will not expire for ten years from the date it was issued. If your passport is not close to expiring within six months, don’t worry! You’ve got time. The same goes for child passports, except they expire every five years.
Moreover, your passport expiring may be only one of many reasons you need to renew your passport early. We’ll explain more as you read on.
Renew Your Passport If…
Your Passport Will Expire in the Next Six Months
For those unaware, many countries require you to have at least six months of validity on your passport before entering. Also, some airlines will not let passengers board their flight if their passport expires soon. This is typically referred to as the Six Month Rule in the travel industry.
The Six Month Rule is generally implemented to prevent a tourist’s passport from expiring outside their country. You may have to extend your trip, and if your passport needs more validity, you may be in trouble.
If your passport expires while you’re abroad, you will be allowed back into the United States once you renew your passport. In addition, it will be more challenging than applying in your own country. If you have a trip coming up and need your passport fast, The Passport Office can help. We specialize in passport expediting services. With our fastest service, you can get your passport renewal in 3 days!
Your Name Has Recently Changed
Maybe you are freshly married or newly divorced. Whatever the reason, you must renew your passport to reflect your new name. If you have the supporting documents to prove your name change, that is. Supporting documents for a name change include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court-ordered name change.
You need to have the documents required to affirm your new name to be eligible to apply for a passport renewal. If you do not, you will need to apply for a new passport to verify your identity.
You should know a few other rules and requirements, including what to do depending on how long you’ve had your passport. For more insight, read our blog, How to Change Your Name on Your Passport.
For Expedited name change services, click here.
You are Running Out of Passport Book Pages
You may have noticed your passport pages filling up if you’re a frequent international traveler. Most countries require you to have at least two available pages for entry and exit stamps and stickers, and they will only allow you in with them.
While in the past, you may have been able to purchase a separate book containing extra pages for all of your visa stamps, that is no longer the case. Even if you’ve had your passport for two years, you must apply for a passport renewal if you need more pages added to your passport book.
The U.S. Department of State also allows you to apply for a book containing more pages free of charge. Please read our blog, How to Add More Pages to your U.S. Passport, for more details on how to do so.
If you’re worried you won’t get to see all and reminisce on your travels via your passport stamps, no worries. You’ll get your old passport back with your renewal.
When Not to Renew Your Passport
The main reason you shouldn’t apply for renewal is when you should be applying for a new passport. Both applications have different application processes. The following may indicate that you should apply for a new passport instead:
- Your passport was lost or stolen
- If your passport has been expired for 15 years or more
- Your passport has experienced significant damage
- You have undergone significant change and need a new passport photo
- If you need to change your name but do not have the proper documents
- You are applying for a passport for a minor under 16
- If you are 16 or older and your current passport is a 5-year child passport
What If You Need Your Passport Renewal Fast?
If you’ve got an international trip coming up and you’ve only realized you need to renew your passport, we’re here to help. The Passport office is a trusted American passport office servicing the traveling public for over 20 years.
The Passport Office offers expedited passport services, including New passports, Passport Renewal, Child passports, and help with name changes and lost or stolen passports! You can book an appointment for a passport renewal in Atlanta, Miami, Hollywood, or Tampa today. You can call, place an order online, or walk into any of our locations listed above.
