Renewing your passport often conjures up images of a long, miserable process that feels like torture before you take an amazing trip abroad. But it doesn’t have to be. Chances are you’ve heard horror stories about the process, but as a frequent traveler, I’ve found that those stories generally come from people who weren’t prepared or didn’t have the right information. So let’s talk about renewing your passport.
Renewing Your Passport – Canada
If you do any traveling at all, or if you’re preparing to travel abroad, you need to make sure your passport is up to date. First things first. If you have a current passport, don’t let it lapse. It makes it so much easier to travel. That’s because many countries won’t allow you to enter the country with a passport that will expire within 3 months.
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By Mail
Keeping your passport up to date well before any travel also allows you to make it easy on yourself with mail in services rather than rushing to get a passport ASAP.
You can print and complete this passport form, and then simply mail it in. You’ll need all pertinent documents to get your passport and photo. Those being:
- Your most recent passport
- 2 identical passport photos
- 2 references who have known you for more than 2 years
- Payment – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, certified check, and money orders accepted
In Person
You’ll need to find a passport office or receiving agent in your area when renewing your passport in person. The requirements are the same, as are the payment options. Be aware that even though you’re applying in person, you still cannot pay with cash. You can pay an additional fee to pick up your passport in person.
For even more information on renewing your passport, visit the Government of Canada webpage here.
Renewing Your Passport – United States
The process is very similar to the Canadian process of renewing your passport. You can use the Passport Application Wizard for a step by step guide through the application process. You can also download the application here and complete it by hand. You’ll need:
- An original proof of citizenship document
- An acceptable photo ID document
- A photocopy of the front and back of the photo ID document
- Passport photo (requirements here)
- Payment (fee calculator here)
For more information on renewing your passport, visit the USA government passport page here.
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Renewing Your Passport Keeps You Good to Go
As an avid traveler and travel blogger, I can tell you it is vital to keep your passport up to date at all times. Renewing your passport 6 months before expiration is the rule of thumb for the easiest passport renewal possible and worry free travel. Stay on top of renewing your passport, and you’ll be good to go for adventure no matter when or where.
And if you are traveling and you lose your passport don’t panic, follow the steps outlined in the What to Do If You Lose Your Passport post.