If you’re a frequent international traveler, you know all about those entry stamps that cover the pages of your passport. However, the more you travel, the more pages you need in your passport book for stamps. Still, what happens if you need more pages?
Most countries require you to have at least 2-4 blank pages available in your passport book to enter their country. Further, some airlines will not let you board if they know you have less than the required amount of blank pages in your passport book.
If you need more pages in your passport book and want to add more, keep reading!
So, How do you Add Pages to Your Passport?
As of 2016, travelers can no longer purchase extra pages for their passport book. If you want more pages for your passport book, you must apply for a new passport or a passport renewal.
A standard U.S. passport is valid for travel for ten years unless it is lost, stolen, damaged, or you have received a new name/gender. A passport for a minor (those 15 and younger) does not expire for five years. Although, you will likely be applying for a passport renewal if you are applying for the sole reason of needing more passport book pages.
You will most likely apply for a passport renewal if
- You are 16 or older
- There is no severe damage to your passport
- Your current U.S. passport has not yet expired
- The passport is in your current legal name
- You have your passport in your possession
Apply for a new passport if
- Your passport is damaged (water damage, loose threads, etc.,.)
- Your current passport has been lost or stolen.
- You received your first passport when you were 15 years old or younger.
- You’ve had your passport longer than 15 years.
- You changed your name but need the necessary supporting documents.
- You need a child’s passport.
How many passport pages do you need for international travel?
Many countries require travelers to have 2-4 blank pages for visa stamps. If You’re a frequent traveler, you might think the government doesn’t provide enough pages. Fortunately for you, we’ve got some great news. When applying for your new passport or passport renewal, you can request a passport that provides you with more than double a standard passport book. The best part? There is no additional cost. So, if you have big dreams of traveling within the next ten years, you’ll be set until your passport expires.
If you need clarification on how many passport pages you need, we’ll break it down more. The standard U.S. passport comes with 28 pages, but only 17 are available for entry/exit stamps. If you travel outside the country less than two times a year, the standard 28-page passport book will suffice.
If traveling only once or twice a year sounds laughable in your case, consider more passport pages. The U.S. Department of State offers a passport book totaling 52 pages, allowing 43 pages to be available for entry/exit stamps. Also, it’s pretty easy to “apply” for the 52-page passport book. So easy. We wouldn’t call it an application. If you want the 52-page instead of the standard 28-page passport book, all you need to do is check to select the “52-page” box located at the top of your passport application.
How to Apply for a Passport Renewal
As we mentioned, you will likely apply for a U.S. passport renewal instead of a new passport if you need more passport pages. If you have reviewed the criteria for a new passport, and it applies to you, read our blog, “Need a New Passport Fast?” for more information on how to apply.
If you need a passport renewal, here is what you need to do:
- Fill out Form DS-82 using the USDS form filler. Once you finish, print and sign your application.
- Gather your current passport. You will need to mail it out with your application.
- If applicable, include any name change documents such as a Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Attach one passport photo to your application. For passport photo requirements, read more here.
- Calculate your fees. The state department provides a fee calculator and fee charts on its website. You’ll have to send a check or money order with your application.
- Mail all of your documents using USPS.
Do You Need Your Passport Expedited?
For an additional cost, the state department offers a standard rush service that will expedite your passport from 6-10 weeks to about 3-6 weeks. If you have an international trip sooner than 3-6 weeks, consider applying with a private courier.
Private couriers are agencies contracted through the government to expedite your passport. The Passport Office has been helping the American traveling public for over twenty years; we can help you get your passport fast. We specialize in various services, including new passports, passport renewal, child passports, name changes, and many more. If you need more pages in your passport book, apply for a passport in Tampa with us! The Passport office allows walk-ins at all of our locations.
