Check your Passports!

Ever heard of the “6 month rule”? It’s the rule that if your passport has less than 6 months to expiration, some countries won’t permit you to enter. Not exactly how you want to start a vacation! This rule is especially important for children’s passports, as they expire after just 5 years (adult passports expire in 10 years).

If your passport is less than a year from expiration, you can follow directions on how to renew at the State Department’s website, though note that you cannot renew a child’s passport, but must instead apply for a new one. Make sure you read carefully all of the required details to do so (including both parents being present- or a notarized letter by the absent parent).

When is the best time to renew? While wait times vary greatly, we’ve found the quickest turnaround- without paying the expedited fee- is usually in the months of December through February. (We’ve seen turnarounds of less than 4 weeks!)

What are you waiting for? Go check your passport!