In the U.S., there are two kinds of full-validity passports. The first is the adult passport which is valid for ten years. And the other is the children’s passport, valid for five years and only applicable to people aged 16 and below. So, if you are under 16, you will get a children’s passport which will expire after five years. The question is, do you need a new passport when you turn 18?
Do You Need a New Passport When You Turn 18?
Does your passport expire when you turn 18? The question of passport validity arises when children turn 18. In the eyes of the law, they are adults. But they may still hold passports issued when they were under 16, which are essentially children’s passports. Must you get a new one? Yes and no. There are two cases:
- If the previous passport is valid: Children’s passports are valid for five years from the issue date. So, if this time has not lapsed, you can keep using the current passport. And you don’t need to apply for a new one.
- If the passport has expired: If the previous passport is no longer valid, you should get a new one. You will get an adult passport which will have a validity of ten years.
Do I need a new passport when I turn 18? Not really. Unless your passport is no longer valid, new applications are optional. Please note that you may also need to get a new passport if the following criteria apply:
- Your previous passport has signs of damage or alteration beyond the usual wear and tear,
- You have lost your passport,
- Your passport has been stolen, or
- You have changed your name, and your passport does not reflect this legal name change.
You can also apply for a new one if you prefer getting an adult full-validity passport.
What Do You Need to Get a New Passport?
Children’s passports are not renewable. Thus, you must apply for an adult passport as a first-time applicant. You will need the following documents to get started:
- A complete DS-11 form: You will need to present this to a local acceptance agent for verification before signing it,
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, e.g., a U.S. birth certificate,
- Proof of identification, e.g., a driver’s license, and
- Two passport photos.
You will submit these to Travel Visa Pro for document review and submission to the state department for processing. We will expedite your application and ensure you get a passport within a few days!
Must You Apply for a New Passport Each Time?
Adult passports, unlike children’s passports, are renewable once they expire. So, once the ten years lapse, you can get a new one by presenting your most recent passport, a complete DS-82 form, and two passport photos. You will not need to include proof of U.S. citizenship or identification, as your current passport will serve this role.
