A US passport is valid for 10 years for adults (age 16 and older) and five years for children under 16. The expiry date is printed on the photo page. Many countries also require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates, so your usable window is often shorter than the printed date suggests.
How long is a US passport valid, by age?
Adult passports (age 16 and older) are valid for 10 years. Children under 16 get five years. A 16 or 17 year old is issued the full 10-year adult passport, not a child one. A passport cannot be renewed to extend the existing book; you are issued a new one with a fresh clock from the date of issue.
Where to find your passport expiry date
It is on the photo page, listed as the date of expiration. Note it the day you get the passport, because a date 10 years out is the easiest one to forget.
The six-month passport rule
Many destinations require your passport to be valid for at least six months after you arrive. Some require three. This means a passport that is technically valid can still be refused for travel, so treat the real expiry as roughly six months before the printed date.
Processing time
Renewals can take several weeks, longer in peak season, with expedited service costing extra. Renewing early avoids both the rush and the fee.
When to renew your passport
The safe window is about six to nine months before the printed expiry. That also covers the six-month rule for any trip you book in that period.
FAQ
Can I travel with less than six months left on my passport? Sometimes, but many countries will refuse entry. Check the requirement for your destination before booking, and renew early if you are close.
Does a passport renewal extend my current passport? No. You receive a new passport with a new 10-year (or five-year) validity from the date of issue.
How long is a child’s US passport valid? Five years for children under 16, and a child’s passport cannot be extended. Check it before booking any trip, since the six-month rule still applies.
Never lose track of the date
Do not rely on memory for a date 10 years out. Let LapseGuard remind you six months before your passport expires, so a trip is never at risk. Add your passport in seconds. Free, on your device, no account.
Related reading: How early can you renew a passport? and What happens if your passport expires before a trip?