It is best to renew your passport 6-7 months before the expiration date. Many countries will not allow you to enter if you have less than 6 months validity on your passport.

The expiration date will be printed on the first page of the passport, near your photo.

No, your passport renewal will be issued with a brand new number.

Yes, your previous passport will be marked cancelled and returned to you. It may be returned to you in a separate envelope.

One of the most common reasons for rejection or suspension of a passport renewal request is that the photos do not meet the official guidelines. Photos must be good quality, printed on photo paper, and must measure 2” x 2”. They must have a white background and good lighting, and you should have a neutral facial expression. Do not wear hats or uniforms; you can wear glasses with clear lenses as long as there is no glare.

If the passport is in poor condition (such as having any torn pages or damage to the information page), or if it has been expired for more than five years, you will need to apply for a new passport instead of a renewal.

Passport renewals may also be rejected if the application is not signed or if any required documents are missing.

Yes, you may request a large book with 52 pages at no additional fee.

Children age 15 and younger cannot renew their passports and will need to go through the minor passport procedure to get a new passport. Children age 16 and older whose last passport was issued before their 16th birthday will need to do the new passport procedure to get their first adult passport.