Passport Validity: How to Update an Expired Passport
- By Jessica Elmore
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- 19 Jun, 2017
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A passport is a traveling document necessary to re-enter the U.S at land border-crossings or port-of-sea from the Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. The validity of a U.S. passport depends on the period at which you acquire one:
- An adult’s passport lasts for 10 years
- A child aged 16 or younger passport lasts for 5 years
Renewing an expired passport is a simple and easy process that can be done via your local post office. However, there are a few guidelines when renewing your passport to be aware of:
- Ensure that your passport is not damaged (normal wear and tear is acceptable). If your information cannot be verified due to damages, you will be unable to renew your passport according to the State Department requirements.
- Be certain that the issue date is not more than 15 years ago.
- You were 16 years or older when the passport was issued to you.
- Confirm that your name is the same or that you have legal documentation of any changes.
- Your passport is not restricted as a result of passport-theft or non-compliance with regulations.
Required items
There are only a few things you need to get the process started for renewing your expired passport:
- Application Form (Form DS-82)
- Passport Fee
- Passport photo
- Proof of citizenship
The processing time for renewing your passport depends on the renewal service you request. There are generally 4 different renewal services, but regular renewal and expedited are the most common. A regular renewal takes 6-8 weeks, while an expedited renewal takes 4-6 weeks. Be sure to keep yourself abreast with the rules and regulations regarding your passport, and remember that it’s always best to renew your passport 9 months before the expiration date to avoid any conflict. elm Planning can assist you with any questions regarding passport validity, contact us today for assistance.

During the pandemic, thousands of pilots were offered early retirement packages in order to cut labor bills due to the lack of travel demand. Now that travel for pleasure and business is rebounding from the pandemic, approximately 14,000 flights in the US were recently cancelled or delayed due to the lack of pilots, carriers, and other staff.