Renew Passport Now; Huge Backlog Expected Soon

The United States State Department is recommending travelers check their passports and renew now if they expire any time in 2016.

According to a CNN report, nearly 49 million passports will expire within the next three years. The influx of renewals is tied to a 2007 law requiring U.S. citizens to use a passport when traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

CNN reported that almost 18 million passports were issued in 2007 alone. Since passports expire after 10 years, that means all of those will be up for renewal soon.

There are a couple of other factors contributing to the expected rush on passports. First, multiple countries require passports be valid for six months after your travel date, so your expiration date is really the date printed on your passport minus six months.

The second factor has to do with the Real ID law for airline travel going into effect on January 2018. At that time, U.S. travelers will need an ID with specific security features in order to fly domestically. Massachusetts drivers’ licenses and resident IDs are not yet fully compliant with the Real ID requirements, though the state has been granted an extension to October 2016 to achieve compliance for the purposes of entry into federal facilities.

Passport Quick Facts:

• Under certain conditions, you can renew your passport via mail.
• If you are applying for a first-time passport, you’ll need to apply in person.
• Take a look at the fees for various passports (renewals, first-time, adult and minor)