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We just renewed our kids’ passports, and it took me right back to getting their very first ones. (If you’re in the same boat and want to put those passports to work on points, start with my free Beginner’s Guide.)

Their first international trip was a Disney cruise to the Bahamas. I remember filling out those forms thinking it was probably the only time they’d ever use them.

Since then they’ve been to Mexico, Iceland (twice), London, Belgium, Japan and Costa Rica. So grateful for points and miles.

Here’s how renewal works for kids and adults, what to bring, and a checklist you can tap through at the counter.

How Long Passports Last (Kids vs. Adults)

This is the part that sneaks up on families.

• Adults: 10 years. Anyone who got their passport at 16 or older gets a 10-year passport.
• Kids under 16: 5 years. So if you all got passports at the same time, theirs expire 5 years before yours.
• The 6-month rule. Lots of countries want your passport valid for 6 months past your trip, and airlines can turn you away at check-in if it isn’t. Check every expiration date before you book (especially award flights, since you’ll enter passport numbers when you book).

How to Renew Kids’ Passports (Under 16)

Here’s the catch: kids under 16 can’t renew. Every passport is treated like a brand new one, so you apply in person with Form DS-11. We went to the closest city building (lots of post offices, libraries and county offices do them too).

• Find an acceptance facility. Search by zip code on the State Department’s acceptance facility search, then book an appointment. Spots fill up before spring and summer break.
• Fill out a DS-11 for each kid. The online form filler is the easiest way. Print it single-sided and don’t sign it until the agent tells you to.
• Bring proof of citizenship. Bring the original or certified birth certificate plus a photocopy of the front and back. It also proves you’re the parent, so bring it even if you have their old passport.
• Bring both parents. Both parents (or guardians) need to be there. If one can’t come, they fill out Form DS-3053, get it notarized, and send a copy of the front and back of their ID with you.
• Bring your IDs. Each parent shows a driver’s license and brings a photocopy of the front and back.
• Get a passport photo. One 2×2 photo per kid. No glasses, no filters, and no edited or AI-touched photos (those get rejected).
• Pay two fees per kid. $100 goes to the U.S. Department of State (usually by check or money order) and $35 goes to the facility. Bring your checkbook.

Then you wait. Routine processing is 4 to 6 weeks, and mailing can add up to 2 weeks on each end. If you need them sooner, expediting is $60 more per passport and takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Turning 16 or 17? They still apply in person with a DS-11, but now they get a 10-year adult passport ($130 plus the $35 facility fee), and only one parent needs to know they’re applying. Details are on the State Department’s 16 and 17 page.

How to Renew Adult Passports

Adults have it easier. You can renew by mail or online if your current passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, isn’t damaged, and has your current name (or you have your marriage certificate or other name change document).

• Renew online. Fill it out, upload a digital photo and pay $130 by card. It’s routine service only, and your current passport is canceled once you submit, so skip this if you have a trip in the next 6 weeks. Start on the State Department’s renewal page.
• Renew by mail. Send Form DS-82, your old passport, one photo and a $130 check to the U.S. Department of State at the address listed for your state.
• Need it fast? Add $60 to expedite (2 to 3 weeks). Traveling in less than 14 days? You’ll need an appointment at a passport agency.
• Track it. Check your status anytime at passportstatus.state.gov.

Passport Renewal Checklist

Screenshot it or tap through it at your appointment.

Passport Renewal Questions

Can you renew a child’s passport online?

No. Kids under 16 apply in person with Form DS-11 every time, even if they’ve had a passport before.

How long is a child’s passport good for?

5 years if they were under 16 when it was issued. At 16 and older, passports are good for 10 years.

Do both parents have to be there for a child’s passport?

Yes, unless one parent fills out a notarized Form DS-3053 or you have paperwork showing sole custody.

How much does it cost to renew a passport in 2026?

$130 for an adult passport book renewal. A child’s passport is $135 ($100 plus a $35 facility fee). Expediting adds $60.

How long does passport renewal take right now?

4 to 6 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks expedited, plus mailing time.

Your Turn

What’s your best passport tip? (Or where did your kids use theirs first?) Tell me in the comments.

Already dreaming about the next trip? New to points? Start with my free Beginner’s Guide. Already have points? My Trip Planner maps out your next trip for you.

If you liked this post, you might also like:

• How to Save on Disney Cruises with Points & Miles
• How to Book International Flights with Points
• TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR
• Japan on Points With Kids: Our 12-Day Family Itinerary

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