Quick answer

Adult U.S. passports are valid for 10 years, and passports for children under 16 for 5 years. But many countries won't let you in unless your passport has months of validity left, often six months beyond your arrival or departure date. Airlines check this too. So a passport that hasn't expired can still be "too old" for your trip.

How long a U.S. passport lasts

  • Adults (16 and older): 10 years.
  • Children under 16: 5 years.

The expiration date is printed on the photo page. Your passport is valid through that date.

What the six-month rule means

Many countries require your passport to stay valid for a set period, most often six months, sometimes three, counted from the date you arrive, or the date you leave. Some also require a minimum number of blank pages. The rule is set by the country you're visiting, not by the United States.

Airlines enforce it. If your passport doesn't meet the destination's rule, the airline can refuse to let you board, even if you'd be allowed in at the border.

Check your destination

Rules differ by country and change from time to time. Our Passport validity checker shows each country's requirement, checked against the U.S. Department of State, with a link to the official country page. Enter your passport's expiry date and trip dates to see whether you need to renew first.

Coming home to the U.S.

U.S. citizens can return to the United States with a passport that's valid on the day they travel. The six-month rule is about entering other countries, not coming home. But check any countries you connect through on the way.

When to renew

  • Count your trip back from your passport's expiry date. If your passport will have less than six months left on your return date, renew before you go.
  • Renew earlier than you think. Allow time for routine or expedited processing, or use a faster route if your trip is close.
  • Check your blank pages as well as the date, especially before trips needing visas.

If your trip is soon and your passport falls short, we can renew it as quick as 4 business days from when your documents reach us.

Questions

It depends on where you're going. Many countries require six months of validity, and airlines may refuse boarding if you don't have it. Check your destination in our Passport validity checker, and renew first if you fall short.