US Passport Renewal
& Application Timing

Before You Book An International Trip

To travel on an international guided tour or river cruise, it's required that each traveler's passport contains at least three blank visa pages and is valid for six months after the completion of the tour. Before booking your trip abroad, ensure you have all your passport information up to date and ready to go. 

It is important to start the renewal process well in advance of your planned travel to ensure that you receive your new passport in time. If you need to apply for a new passport or renew an expiring/expired passport, make sure you consider the total time - from applying, to processing, to shipping - it can take to receive your passport when booking international travel.

Check our Travel Requirements and Restrictions to learn about entry and exit requirements for the country or countries in which you are traveling

How to Renew Your US Passport

It is important to start the renewal process well in advance of your planned travel to ensure that you receive your new passport in time. To renew a US passport for international travel, you can follow these steps:

1. Gather the Necessary Documents

• Your current, undamaged, US passport
• A passport photo
• A completed DS-82 form
• If your current passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or if you were under 16 when it was issued, you will also need to complete a DS-11 form and apply in person

2. Fill Out a Passport Renewal Form DS-82 Form (to renew a passport, click here > travel.state.gov)

This form can be found on the U.S. Department of State website. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure all information is accurate. You will need to print out the form in order to submit it by mail or in person.

3. Submitting Your Passport Renewal Application

You can submit your application by mail or in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility. If you are applying by mail, you will need to include your current passport, the completed DS-82 form, a passport photo, and the appropriate fee. If you are applying in person, you will need to bring all of these items as well as additional identification documents.

4. Wait for Your Passport

Passport processing times can vary depending on demand, but standard processing times are currently 10-13 weeks. You can check the status of your application online or by calling the National Passport Information Center.

How to Apply for Your US Passport

To apply for a US passport, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Fill Out a Passport Application Form DS-11 Form (to apply for a passport, click here > travel.state.gov)

This form is found on the US Department of State website or at a local passport acceptance facility. Fill out the form completely and accurately.You will need to print out the form in order to submit it by mail or in person.

2. Gather the documents required to apply for a US passport

• Proof of US citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
• A valid form of government-issued photo identification (like your Driver's License)
• A completed DS-11 form

3. Get A Passport Photo Taken

You can have a passport photo taken at many pharmacies, photo centers, and post offices. Ensure your photo meets specific requirements, such as being 2x2 inches in size and having a white or off-white background.

3. Pay the Passport Application Fees

The fees for a US passport vary depending on whether you are getting a new passport, a renewal, or a child's passport. You can find the current fees on the US Department of State website. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing and other services.

5. Submitting Your Passport Renewal Application

Take your completed form, documents, photo, and fees to a passport acceptance facility. You can find the nearest facility on the Department of State's website.

4. Wait for Your Passport

Passport processing times can vary depending on demand, but standard processing times are currently 10-13 weeks.

*Mailing times are not included in processing times.