10 Easy Tips to Renew Your Passport

Planning a vacation takes time!  And if you want to travel outside the country, then you need think about your Passport and allow 2 months in your schedule.   Since a passport lasts 10 years, it may have been a while since you've thought about it; but never fear! Here are my Tips for Easy Passport Renewal!

Note:

If you have never had a Passport, then you need to read How To Start From Scratch.

#AllinforParis Travel Tips: Passport Must Knows!

Updated November 2016
It was so exciting to tour London and Paris and take part in the Inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend!  But as with any travel overseas, I had to take time to get everything in place and planned well before I headed to the airport!

A very important item on your planning list must be your Passport!

Normal passport processing for new or renewed passports can take 4 to 6 weeks, so plan accordingly.

1. First Time Passport  You must apply in person at an accepted Passport Office.

2. Renewing Your Passport  
You can Renew by Mail IF Your Current Passport:

- is undamaged and can be submitted with your application

- was issued when you were 16 or older

- was issued within the last 15 years

- was issued in your current name

You will still need a new passport photo and you can find mailing instructions, forms and fees ONLINE

If you don't meet the above criteria, you must apply in person at a Passport Office

3. Traveling to France

If your Passport expires after you return home from Paris, in Oct, Nov, Dec of this year, I highly suggest renewing early.  The European Union is currently reviewing all travel laws and you don't want any unexpected roadblocks for your trip home.   

4.  Fees

Fees can range from $30 to $165 dollars; be sure to add these fees to your travel budget.   A full fee schedule is attainable in PDF

5. Passport Cards

Passport Cards are not valid for traveling internationally by Air, but they are good for identification and serve as a copy of your Passport.

6. Online Services
Don't use online third-party services to process your Passport.   You will be handing over your personal information and passport to unidentified entities.

The process is actually easy, and I had Passport renewed within 4 weeks!

What about you?  Have you checked your Passport Lately?

-----

Questions or concerns, let me know!  

kesselrunner77@gmail.com