Valid Passport – How long is my passport valid for and can I renew it?

QUESTION:   I was 18 years old when I first applied for my passport. I want to know how long is my passport valid? Also, I would like to know when I will have to renew this passport.


ANSWER:   Generally speaking, nine months before the expiration date is when to renew a passport. So if your passport is about to expire in a couple of months and you travel abroad, you may face issues when trying to enter the foreign country due to lack of validity on the passport. We recommend that you renew your passport at least 9 months before expiration. It is because different countries will need to see a particular amount of validity left on the passport after you depart that country.

Since you got your passport at the age of 18, the passport that you possess is an adult passport. The lifespan of an adult valid passport is 10 years. An adult passport expires 10 years after owning it. This means that your passport will expire when you are the age of 28 years old. As a minor, a passport is valid for 5 years.

Also, when it comes time to renewing a passport, a minor must go in person at a passport application acceptance facility. On the other hand, an adult passport can be sent through the mail.