You should renew your U.S. passport about 6 to 9 months before it expires. Although there is no official State Department recommendation, renewing at least 6 months before expiration is advised because many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Additionally, the passport renewal processing time can take 6 to 9 weeks or longer, so applying early prevents any travel disruption. If you have no imminent travel plans, renewing during a travel lull is ideal. For urgent travel within 14 days, expedited options are available. Key points for renewing your U.S. passport:
- You can renew anytime if your passport is still valid or was issued within the last 15 years.
- Renew at least 6 months before expiry especially if you plan to travel internationally.
- Some countries (e.g., China, Brazil, Vietnam) require 6 months validity on entry.
- Plan for 6 to 9 weeks processing for routine renewals.
- You can renew by mail or now even online if eligible.
- Renew sooner if your passport is full, damaged, or you have changed your legal name.
So generally, aim to renew your passport about 6 to 9 months before it expires as a good rule of thumb to avoid travel issues.
