Passports issued to children are valid for five years if the child is under the age of 15. Passports issued to adults are valid for 10 years if the individual is over the age of 16.
The U.S. government recommends travelers renew their passports at least nine months before it expires, if possible. Passports are renewable by mail if they are undamaged, issued after the age of 16, issued within the last 15 years, and issued in your current name (see Resources). If the passport is not in your current name, legal documentation proving the name change is required.
Some foreign countries require U.S. passports to be valid at least six months before travel. Certain airlines will not allow U.S. citizens to fly if the passport requirement for the country to which they are traveling is not met. Country passport and return airline ticket requirements can be found on World Travel Guide (see Resources). For example, Italy requires U.S. citizens to have a passport valid for at least three months beyond a stay in Italy.
Travelers with expiring passports may obtain a new passport quickly. There is a higher application fee, two-way overnight delivery is highly recommended using a traceable delivery service, and the applicant should mail the expiring passport separately from the renewal application. Travelers must complete form DS 82. Travelers should download the form from the U.S. Department of State's website for the most current version and instructions (see Resources).
