One of the most meaningful souvenirs from traveling the world is a passport filled with stamps from all the places you visit. But before you pack your bags, you need to make sure you have a passport—and that it’s still up to date. So, whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing one that’s expired, here’s how to get a passport. (Don’t forget to read about other ways to prepare for your next trip!)
U.S. citizens can visit all 50 U.S. states without a passport, as well as the U.S. territories of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
However, you do need a U.S. passport to visit nearly any other country. So, if you’re dreaming of dining on fresh pasta on tour in Italy, learning about the ancient legends in Greece, or swimming in the Blue Lagoon on a trip to Iceland, you need to make a passport part of your reality.
Many post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices process passports. You can use this Passport Acceptance Facility search to find a spot that’s accepting applications and make an appointment, too. If you want to apply at a post office, you can even schedule an appointment directly with the USPS.
If you’re renewing your passport, changing your name, or applying for a card/book if you already have the other, you can also apply by mail. This option is a bit faster and more convenient for those who qualify, so it’s definitely worth exploring!
Follow these simple steps if you’re applying for your first passport—or if you don’t qualify for the mail renewal process below.
Tip: If you need your passport within 12 weeks, you’ll need to expedite the process. This costs $60 extra, includes up to six weeks for processing, and up to six weeks for mailing times. The government makes special exceptions, but you need to contact them based on your circumstances.
Did you know your passport has to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of re-entry after your tour? It’s true! But luckily, the renewal process can be a breeze. If you’re prepared, it doesn’t even require an in-person visit. So, how do you renew a passport by mail? Keep reading.
Our travel experts recommend mailing your application via USPS with tracking because you can only renew through mail if you have your passport. If it gets lost, you’ll have to go in-person using the steps above and may have a more lengthy process.
Routine service (if you live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas)
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 640155
Irving, TX 75064-0155
Routine service (if you live in any other state)
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
Expedited service (Write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of your envelope.)
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
Passport renewals typically take around 18 weeks to process. Passport operations do continue to be affected by COVID-19, and processing times change throughout the year. You can check the status of passport operations to see current processing times and more.
Don’t forget: Many countries require that your passport is valid at least six months beyond the date of reentry. When in doubt, renew your passport as soon as you can. Then, you can go on our escorted tours stress-free.
Which passport stamp are you most proud of? Share with us on our Facebook page!