When traveling abroad, it is important to ensure that your passport is valid at least 6-7 weeks prior to travel. This is extremely important when it comes to international senior travel because if you have an expired passport or your passport will be expiring soon, you will need to do a passport renewal before you travel to ensure a smooth trip.

To renew your passport by mail, you will need to submit a passport application. Passport renewal by mail takes 4-6 weeks. If you need to expedite your passport, there will be additional fees, and it will take 2-3 weeks for expedited passport service. Once your passport renewal application has been received, it will take 5-7 days for your application to be tracked online. For more information on passport processing time, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/processing/processing_1740.html

In the event that you need a U.S. passport immediately (less than 2 weeks) or your most recent passport has been mutilated, altered or damaged, you will need to make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency office. If you are required to apply in person, you will need to compile the following documentation: application, evidence of  U.S. citizenship, current identification and a passport photo. For more information on requirements for applying in person and passport agency locations, go to http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

For more information on Passport Renewals, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html