Check your passport now: The 6-month rule could ruin your trip

13 hours ago
4 min read

Time to check your passport if you’re still planning to travel abroad this summer.

Even if your passport is still valid, some countries require at least six months of validity beyond your intended travel dates, according to the State Department, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

While less common, American Airlines adds, "Some countries require your passport to be issued at least 6 months before the day you arrive."

The State Department is holding Special Passport Acceptance Fairs across the country in April and May to help travelers get their passports processed.

According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, the latest data show a continued imbalance between international travel to and from the United States, with Americans traveling abroad in greater numbers than foreign visitors arriving.

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If you need to apply for or renew your passport, here’s what you should know.

Can I still travel if my passport is less than 6 months from expiring?

It depends on your destination.

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You can find country-specific entry requirements on the State Department’s website.

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Can I get a passport without going in person?

You may be able to renew your passport by mail or online, but first-time applications must be made in person, regardless of age.

In-person applications are also required if:

Your passport was damaged, lost or stolen
You are an adult and your passport was issued over 15 years ago
Your passport was issued when you were under 16
You are under the age of 16

The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairsreminds travelers that the only official site for renewing passports is http://opr.travel.state.gov.

"Protecting our customers’ personal information is among our highest priorities," the State Department told USA TODAY. "We encourage applicants to avoid unauthorized third-party services and websites that may put personal information at risk."

Where can I go to obtain a passport?

You can find your nearest passport acceptance facilities by entering your zip code on the State Department’s website. These may include post offices, libraries and city or county clerk’s offices.

The website also lists dates and locations of upcoming special passport acceptance fairs, where appointments may not be required.

What is the quickest I can get a passport?

For most people, expedited passport processing is the quickest option for travel within the next six weeks. It costs $60 on top of the standard fees. You can also pay an additional $22.05 "if you want your new passport in 1-3 days after we mail it," according to the State Department’s website.

Urgent travel processing may be available for travelers heading abroad in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Life or death emergencies may qualify for even quicker service if the traveler has an immediate family member abroad who has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury.

How long are passports taking now?

As of April 9, routine passport processing is taking 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited processing is taking 2 to 3 weeks, according to the State Department’s website, which travelers should check for the latest information.

It’s important to note that the timeframe only reflects processing time and does not include mailing time.

"The Department of State is committed to providing the best possible service for our passport customers while safeguarding U.S. national security," the department told USA TODAY, noting that it continues to meet or exceed its service commitment. "If an American citizen is in need of a U.S. passport for travel, he or she should apply well in advance to avoid potential delays with travel plans."

How much will it cost to get a US passport?

You need to pay two fees for a new or replacement passport: a passport application fee and a facility acceptance fee.

For adults and children ages 16 and 17, the passport application fee costs $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both. Passport cards may be used for land or sea travel to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and certain Caribbean countries.

For children under 16, a passport book costs $100, a passport card costs $15, and it’s $115 for both.

Regardless of age, you must also pay a $35 facility acceptance fee for in-person applications.

Beyond those fees, you can pay the additional $60 for expedited service and $22.05 for faster delivery, if desired.

How much does a US passport renewal cost?

Whether you renew by mail or online, it costs $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for a passport book and passport card. There is no facility acceptance fee for renewing by mail or online.

Travelers renewing by mail may pay $60 more for expedited service. Expedited service is not currently offered for online renewals.

However, both options offer 1-to-3 day delivery for an additional $22.05.

What documents must you have with you to obtain a passport?

You must have valid photo identification and proof of citizenship to apply for a passport.

Adults must present a physical, government-issued photo ID at the time of their in-person application. Children ages 16 or 17 who do not have an acceptable ID must have a parent or legal guardian present with an acceptable ID. Children under age 16 must have both parents or legal guardians present with their accepted IDs. If one or both parents or guardians can't be present, additional documentation showing their consent is required.

Proof of citizenship may include any of the following:

A U.S. birth certificate that meets specific requirements outlined on the State Department's website
A consular report of birth abroad or other State Department-issued birth document
A certificate of naturalization or citizenship
A fully valid, undamaged U.S. passport. An undamaged, expired U.S. passport is also accepted for children under age 16, according to the State Department’s website.