Why You Should Renew Your Passport Now
Given the fact that this summer restrictions on international travel as expected, they will be weakened (of course, no guarantees), you may already be planning some trips abroad. Before you make plans, make sure you first renew your passport, as the State Department said that at present the extension of treatment can take up to four months. This means that if you renew today, you will not receive your passport until July.
Why delays can get worse
Last spring, the Department of State temporarily stopped processing passport applications due to the pandemic, creating a large number of cases that are still being worked on (this also applies to applications for new passports that face similar delays). As 87% of Americans intend to travel within the next six months, pent-up demand could exacerbate the lag and possibly lengthen this 4-month service window as more countries open their borders (most are still closed to foreign tourists).
Why you should apply now
Even if you don’t intend to travel, it’s a good idea to renew now. You may change your mind, or if you’ve traveled for work before, you may need to do it again in no time. Also, keep in mind that some countries only accept passports that do not expire at least six months after your day of travel. You have the option to expedite your passport application if you suddenly need to travel, but it still takes 4-6 weeks and it costs $ 60 – why pay that (and suffer the stress of worrying if your document is processed on time), if you can avoid it?
How to apply
You can apply by mail or in person at passport offices in each state, although some offices may still be closed or offer limited services. To renew your existing passport, start here ; to apply for a new passport, start here . Also check out this Department of State spreadsheet , which offers guidance on the best way to submit your application depending on how quickly you need your passport, including a three-day turnaround time for truly emergencies (of course, you should not apply by mail if you need a passport. which is fast).
Bonus tip : If you are applying for a new passport, be sure to select the non-standard 52-page option on your application as it has the most pages. Some countries require one or two completely blank visa pages to validate your passport, so it might not hurt to have more space if you travel frequently.