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Your Passport Is Stuck in Processing. What Does That Mean?
If your passport is stuck in processing, it usually means a passport agency or center is still reviewing your application. The State Department says how long your status stays “In Process” depends on the service you chose and current processing times. A long wait isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Below, we cover…
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How to Renew a Passport After 15 Years
Has it been 15 years or more since your passport was issued? You can’t renew it by mail. Once a passport is more than 15 years old, Form DS-82 no longer applies, and you’ll apply as if for the first time using Form DS-11. The process is still straightforward. For the general renewal process, see…
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Expired Passport at the Airport? What to Do Next
Travel and ID rules checked against travel.state.gov, tsa.gov and cbp.gov on September 25, 2026. No, you can’t fly internationally with an expired passport. Airlines check your passport before you board, and an expired one isn’t a valid travel document, so you’ll be stopped at check-in or the gate. For a domestic flight, don’t count on…
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Photo Rejected for Passport? Here’s How to Fix It Fast
If the State Department rejects your passport photo, it will send you a letter or email and put your application on hold until you send a new photo. You have 90 days to respond. Get a new photo that meets every rule, send it to the address on the letter, and your application moves again.…
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How Long a Passport Lasts and the 6-Month Validity Rule
Validity rules and processing times checked against travel.state.gov on September 25, 2026. How long does a passport last? A U.S. passport is valid for 10 years if you were 16 or older when it was issued, and 5 years if you were under 16, according to the State Department’s passport FAQ. The 6-month rule is…
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What to Wear for a Passport Photo
Wear everyday clothes in a dark, solid color, like navy, black, or gray. Take off your glasses and any hat, and skip uniforms, camouflage, and headphones. Those are the State Department’s passport photo rules for clothing, and the right outfit helps your photo pass the first time. The photo you send in is a key…
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How to Get a Money Order for Your Passport Application
USPS money-order fees verified on August 31, 2026. The U.S. Department of State does not accept cash or credit cards for the passport application fee. It has to be a check or a money order. A money order is a prepaid, guaranteed payment you buy with cash or a debit card, so it is what…
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DS-82 Form: Mistakes to Watch Out For
Getting Form DS-82 right the first time matters. A small error can add weeks to your renewal. Here are the mistakes that most often cause delays or rejections, and how to avoid them. For the full renewal process, see our guide to renewing a passport. If you’re not sure DS-82 even applies to you, check…
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport?
How long does it take to get a passport? With the State Department alone, routine processing takes 4 to 6 weeks and expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and mail time comes on top of both. If you have urgent international travel, you may also qualify for an in-person appointment at a passport agency.…
Category: Passport Guides
Applications, renewals, fees, forms, requirements, policies, processing, and practical instructions.