Passport Highlights
We all need them to travel, but sometimes the process of obtaining or renewing a passport can be confusing. Many countries require you to have at least 6 months remaining on your passport after your departure date to enter, so planning timely renewals can be crucial. How do you know if you’re eligible for renewal by mail? What’s the deal with kids passports and how do you obtain them? What is a passport card used for? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
Initial Passports
If you’re applying for your first passport, you will need to submit the application in person. Other situations that require an in-person application include: passports for those under age 16, previous passport was issued when you were under 16, previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Apply early! The US Department of State recommends applying 4-6 months before you plan to travel internationally. Review requirements and ensure you have all the proper paperwork in order before arriving at your appointment. There are six acceptance sites within 15 miles of Wausau, but some may have limited services available due to Covid. Some sites require an appointment and others do not – call to confirm before showing up.
Current processing times for regular applications is 8-11 weeks. Expedited processing is currently 5-7 weeks. This does fluctuate, so before applying for an initial or renewal passport, make sure to check the US Department of State website for current processing times.
If you are behind in child support payments of $2,500 or more, you cannot get a U.S. passport. For more information, please see Child Support Payments and Getting a U.S. Passport.
Renewal Passports
Most passport renewals can be done by mail, even if the passport is already expired. Please confirm all five of the following conditions are met before mailing your renewal:
You have your passport in your possession and can submit it with your renewal application
the passport is undamaged aside from normal wear and tear
it was issued when you were 16 or older
it was issued within the past 15 years
it was issued in your current name or you can document your name change.
If these conditions are not all met, you will need to renew your passport in person. Always renew early, as many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months after your travel dates.
Kids Passports
Children under 16 must apply in person with two parents or guardians and their passports are only valid for 5 years. Parents/guardians must provide documentation of both the child’s citizenship and identity, as well as their own at the time of application. If both parents are unable to appear with the child to apply for a passport, you may still be able to apply, but there will be a bit more paperwork required.
Children aged 16 and 17 must also apply in person but passports are valid for 10 years. Applicants must present citizenship and identification documentation as well as some form of Parental Awareness – this can be the parent appearing with the child and signing the application form, a signed note from parent/guardian, proof that parent/guardian is paying the passport fees, or a notarized statement on an official form. The simplest method is for the parent/legal guardian to be present.
When you change your name (marriage, divorce, etc.)
If your name has changed, you must submit a certified copy of the following documentation with your renewal application: marriage certificate, divorce decree, court-ordered name change document. If you need to change your name within one year of passport issuance, no fees apply unless you want expedited processing. If after one year of issuance, regular fees apply and you may need to apply in person depending on the circumstances.
Gender Marker Update Coming Soon
Passports currently require applicants to select their gender as either male or female. The US Department of State is currently working on plans to include a new gender selection option X in addition to M and F to ensure the fair treatment of LGBTQI+ U.S. citizens. This update is anticipated to go into effect in early 2022. More details on this development can be found here.
What is a passport card?
What’s the difference between a passport and a passport card? Do you need both? Passports allow international travel by air, land, or sea. Passport cards are not used for air travel; they are drivers license size cards that are valid for land or sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, and Bermuda. The most common use is to save time traveling by land at the US-Mexico border.
There you have it! These are just the highlights of what you need to know about passports – there are several unique circumstances and situations that may require alternative processing or in-person applications. Wherever your next adventure takes you, be sure to check your passport status before you start planning. If you have any questions about travel or would like some assistance with your passport, please reach out – I’m happy to help!