Question about passport

[Suzila]

For some reason I was under the impression that a passport had to be renewed every 10 years. My son has had his passport for 10 years this year, and ours is at 9 years, this year. However, I looked this up at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/renew/renew_833.html and it looks like it doesn't have to be renewed for 15 years. Am I missing something, or has this recently changed, or was I wrong to begin with?

I was totally freaked out when we originally applied for the passports because we had to send the original birth certificates through the mail. I see where we don't have to do that, but they do ask for the original passport for a renewal. Isn't there any better way to do this so the original documents don't leave our possession? Ugh.

[mercedes]

Mine was issued in 1999 and will expire in 2009 - ten years. I think my DH is longer, but I will check.

[hamster92256]

To answer one of your questions - Yes, original documents have to be sent, I know it is the hardest thing to do but it is the only way.

[JohnG]

When we applied at the post office we only had to show the documents. They did not keep them. The children under 16 only get a 5 year passport, I think because their facial features change so much.

[bigred]

If you send your renewal in, you must send the original along with the application. It will be returned to you marked canceled. You can renew at the courthouse or the post office as well. But they still say 6 - 8 weeks for your new one to arrive. However, I mailed mine in and it came back in 5 weeks. As far as expiration, look on your passport. It will give you your expiration date right on the main page. Plus your passport must be good for 6 months past your return travel date in most countries so that if the unexpected happens, you can still return home on a later date. Just thought you'd like to know.

[bigred]

OOps, forgot to add that you can get your passport faster if you pay extra money or you can go to a major federal office (ie. Chicago) and get it immediately. This might be difficult if you are not near one of the main offices. Think that's all I forgot to say.

[mercedes]

MY DH's is ten years too. I thought because I was a British citizen and he is a US citizen, that it would be different, but both expire in ten years.

[JoeyandDavid]

I just looked on ours, which were issued in 2004.. it states they are good for ten years... Personally I would reapply or renew .. what ever the term is .. 6 months before the date that is listed in the passport.. But thats just me... I don't believe it's against regulation to renew early....

[SCIROCCO]

It depends when they process your Passports they can be sent in the same time but they processed mine first and Annies Last so Mine 30 July 2016 and Annies expires 23rd. July 2016. So When you renew them Do you still have to send in your Original Documents again, I wouldnt think so because they already have it now I would beleive it would be just like renewing your DL, Correct me if Im wrong!