Your passport is one of the most vital travel documents you have. Without it, you’ll be limited to stateside travel. So, pin these facts about passports including how to get one, how to renew one, and travel hacks that will make your adventures easier.

How To Get a Passport

Getting a passport is a bit of a process for the first time. Applicants who fall into the categories below must visit an authorized Passport Application Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport; or
• You are under age 16; or
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or
• Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged; or
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago; or
• Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change.

You will need:

1. Completed Form DS-11: Application For A U.S. Passport

2. Proof of US Citizenship: Certified U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

3. Primary Identification: Previously-issued, undamaged U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, Fully-valid Driver’s License, Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents)

4. Photocopy of Identification: Presented on 8 1/2 x 11″ standard paper stock, one side only, no other images or markings of any kind

5. Passport Fees

6. Passport Photo: colored, 2×2 inches – minimum size, taken within the last 6 months, taken in front of white background, full-face view, neutral facial expression, both eyes open

How To Renew a Passport

A passport issued to anyone 16 years of age or older will have a valid passport for 10 years. Minors aged 15 years and younger will only have a valid passport for five years. It should also be noted that most countries require at least six months remain on your passport in order to travel in and out of the country. Luckily, you don’t have to schlep down to any offices, and you can renew your passport by mail, provided your most recent U.S. passport:

• Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application;
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older;
• Was issued within the last 15 years; and
• Was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change with original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change.

If you are residing outside of the United States, you will have to renew at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. This doesn’t apply to Canadian residents.

1. Fill Out Form DS-82: Application For A U.S. Passport by Mail
2. Submit your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card
3. Submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed
4. Pay the Applicable Fee
5. Provide One Passport Photo
6. Mail application to:

National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Passport Travel Hacks

Note that some countries require that your passport has two to four blank visa/stamp pages and can deny you travel without sufficient blank travel pages. To score more room:

*Purchase a packet of 24 blank visa pages to add to your passport. You will need to submit Form DS-4085 with your current passport and any fees.

*Request a larger passport book with 52 pages, at no additional cost. To request a larger (52 page) passport book, check the ’52 page’ box at the top of your passport application. With this option, you will get 43 blank pages to use versus the standard 28 page passport with 17 blank pages.

Passports can easily be lost, stolen, or damaged. To prevent these issues try:

*Store your travel documents in a waterproof storage bag.

*Lock up your vital documents – including your passport – in your room safe. Carry a copy of your passport ID page, and leave another copy with someone you trust at home. If your passport goes missing, having this page will expedite the process of getting a new passport.

*If you prefer not to depend on a trusted person, or want to ensure you’re covered, keep a copy of your passport ID page in your email inbox. You will be able to quickly pull it up and print it out.

*If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process but it will cost you. There are a couple of options:

Routine 4-6 weeks
Expedited 3 weeks
Expedited at Agency 8 business days – based on level of need/emergency