Passport Renewals

by Wendy VanHatten

It’s a new year and with any luck we’ll be traveling again.

Now is a good time to look at your passport. Double check the expiration date.

Is it valid for at least six months past the dates of any planned international trips? Since passports are good for 10 years, it’s easy to forget about it.

Not all countries are the same, either. Another thing to check is what time frame you need left on your passport to enter another country.

Let’s say you need to renew. Any idea how long it will take?

Start now as processing times vary. This could take 10 to 12 weeks for a renewed passport, according to the State Department’s website. You can also pay an expedited fee to hurry it up a little.

If your New Year’s resolutions include international travel…get your passport out now and check those dates. You’ll be glad you did.