Upgrading Your Expiring US Passport: What to Expect and Why
As parents watch their children grow up, it's a recurring reality that we must adjust to new systems, procedures, and even paperwork. One such milestone for many families comes when a child's US passport is expiring, leading to the need for a new one. As a parent of an 18-year-old who's about to renew their US passport, here’s what you need to know to ensure the process goes smoothly.
The question often arises, especially among parents, whether the old passport needs to be surrendered and how to handle the new one. In this guide, we'll explore these questions and more, ensuring you're well-prepared for the transition.
What Happens When a Passport Expires?
When your son's US passport expires, it means it's time for a renewal. Unlike a renewal, a new passport involves a considerable amount of work and time. You must go to a local post office or county clerk's office to apply in person. This might seem daunting, especially considering you can't renew the passport on their behalf anymore.
The Importance of Surrendering the Old Passport
One crucial aspect of the process is surrendering the old passport once the new one has been issued. Unlike the renewal process, where the old and new passports are kept together, the new US passport is issued alone. However, the old passport must be returned to the authorities.
Why is surrendering the old passport so important? The US government wants to ensure that the old passport is no longer usable to prevent illegal use. This is part of their standard procedure, and it's a requirement for every passport renewal or issuance. The old passport is marked as void, often by punching holes in it or cutting off parts of it, to make it unusable. You will receive the old passport back with the new one, typically in a separate mailing.
Why Renew Both the Passport Book and Passport Card?
Now that your son is an adult, he needs to handle the application process independently. This includes applying for both the US passport book and the US passport card. The US passport book is the traditional form of identification that requires submitting the old passport and going in person for the renewal. However, obtaining a passport card can simplify future travel and save time.
The US passport card is a convenient photo ID that proves US citizenship and is the size of a DMV license, fitting easily into any wallet. It can be used for domestic flights and is compliant with the requirements of the REAL ID Act. This card can be obtained in addition to the passport book and can be applied for during the same visit if your son needs it.
Additional Considerations
It's important to note that while replacing or renewing a passport can be a straightforward process, there are additional considerations for domestic and international travel. In the near future, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require domestic travelers to carry either a passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver's license, or a REAL ID DMV license featuring a black star in the corner. Therefore, it's recommended that your son applies for both the passport book and card to ensure compliance with current and future travel requirements.
Not only does applying for both options save you the trouble of making a separate trip to the DMV, but it also ensures that your son is well-prepared for any necessary travel plans in the near future.
In conclusion, ensuring that your child's US passport is up to date is a critical step in their personal and professional growth. Understanding the process, requirements, and potential additional benefits will help make the transition smoother and more efficient.