Passport Expiry: When Does a Passport Expire? (2026)

A U.S. adult passport is valid for 10 years. A child passport lasts 5 years. But the date printed inside your booklet isn't the whole story. Dozens of countries won't let you in unless your passport stays valid for at least six more months after you land. That gap catches about 300,000 American travelers off guard every year, per State Department data. If you've already missed the window, read our guide on what happens if your passport expires.

Quick answer: A U.S. adult passport expires 10 years after its issue date. Child passports expire after 5 years. The expiry date is printed on the data page inside your passport. Many countries also enforce a "six-month rule." This means your passport must stay valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. An expiring passport can disrupt travel plans even before it runs out.

How Long Are Passports Valid?

Passport validity depends on your age at the time of issue and the country that issued it. In the United States, the rules are simple:

• Adults (age 16 and older) — valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
• Children (under age 16) — valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

Other countries have their own rules. UK adult passports are also valid for 10 years. Canadian adult passports can be issued for either 5 or 10 years. Always check the rules for the country that issued your passport.

Where to Find Your Passport Expiry Date

The expiry date on your passport is printed on the data page. This is also called the bio page — the page with your photo, name, date of birth, and other details. On a U.S. passport, this is often page 2 or 3.

Look for the field labeled "Date of Expiration" or "Expiry Date." U.S. passports use the format DD MMM YYYY (e.g., "15 Sep 2030"). Other countries use different formats. UK passports show the date as DD/MM/YY. Canadian passports use YYYY/MM/DD.

You can also check your passport status and expiry date online. Use the U.S. Department of State's Online Passport Status System if you've recently applied for or renewed a passport. But the fastest method is just opening your passport to the data page and reading the printed date.

Tip: Take a photo of your passport data page. Store it safely on your phone or in cloud storage. You can then check your expiry date without digging out the booklet. You'll also have a backup copy in case of loss or theft.

Can you travel with a passport expiring in 6 months?

Even if your passport hasn't expired yet, many countries require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date. This is known as the "six-month rule." It applies to many popular travel spots.

Countries that enforce the six-month rule include:

• China, Thailand, Vietnam, and most Southeast Asian countries
• Saudi Arabia, UAE, and many Middle Eastern countries
• Brazil, Kenya, and many African nations
• Turkey, Russia, and Israel

Some countries, like the United Kingdom and most EU Schengen zone countries, only require your passport to be valid for three months beyond your stay. Japan and the United States only need your passport to be valid for the length of your visit.

Passport Validity Requirements by Country

The table below lists passport validity rules for 20 popular travel spots. These apply to U.S. passport holders and may differ for other countries.

As of February 2026. Always verify current rules with the country's embassy or consulate before you travel.

Bottom line: Planning a trip abroad? Check your passport expiry date at least 9 months out. This gives you plenty of buffer for the six-month rule plus processing time. The same rule applies to visa expiration dates.

Signs You Need to Renew Your Passport

It's time to renew if any of these apply:

1. Your passport expires within 6 months: even if it's still "valid," the six-month rule means many countries will deny you entry. Got a trip planned in the next 9 months? Start the renewal process now.
2. You're going to a six-month-rule country: check the table above to see if your destination requires 6 months of validity. Airlines may deny boarding before you even reach the gate.
3. Your passport is damaged: torn pages, water damage, a cracked cover over the photo, or a bent cover can all cause border staff to reject your passport. Even minor damage can cause problems.
4. You've run out of blank visa pages: some countries require at least one or two blank pages for entry stamps. The U.S. no longer adds extra pages. You'll need a new passport.
5. Your name has legally changed: if you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order since the passport was issued, you'll need a new passport to match your other travel docs.
6. Your look has changed a lot: major changes in weight, facial structure, or gender expression can make it hard for border agents to verify your identity from the passport photo.

Rule of thumb: If your passport expires within 9 months and you have any trip abroad planned, start the renewal process right away. This accounts for the six-month rule plus processing time.

How to Renew Your Passport (Step by Step)

If you're a US citizen renewing by mail (the most common method for adults), follow these steps:

1. Check if you can renew by mail — You can renew by mail if your most recent passport is in good shape, was issued within the last 15 years, and was issued when you were age 16 or older.
2. Complete Form DS-82 — Download it from the U.S. Department of State website or fill it out online and print it.
3. Get a passport photo — A recent 2x2-inch color photo with a white background. Many drug stores and shipping stores offer this service.
4. Gather your documents — Your most recent passport, the completed DS-82 form, your new photo, and a check or money order for the fee.
5. Mail everything — Send your application packet to the address listed on the form via USPS. Consider using trackable mail.

Need to renew in person? This applies to first-time applicants, child passports, or lost/stolen passports. You'll need Form DS-11 and must visit an acceptance facility or passport agency.

Passport Processing Times (2026)

Processing times vary based on demand and the time of year. Here are the current estimates from the U.S. Department of State as of early 2026:

• Routine processing — 6 to 8 weeks. This is the standard and cheapest option. During peak season, it can stretch to 10 to 12 weeks.
• Expedited processing — 2 to 3 weeks for an extra $60 fee. You can request this by mail (write "EXPEDITE" on the envelope) or in person.
• Urgent / same-day — offered at one of the 26 regional passport agencies. You must be leaving within 14 days (or within 28 days if you need a foreign visa). Book through the State Department's online system.
• Life-or-death emergency — call the State Department at 1-888-407-4747 any time, 24/7. Issued within hours for real emergencies like serious illness or a death in the family abroad.

Pro tip: If you're cutting it close, pay the $60 expedited fee. Routine processing can quietly stretch to 10–12 weeks during peak months. The State Department's posted estimate is a best case, not a promise. We've seen readers report 14-week waits during spring surges. The expedited fee is a small price next to rebooking a flight or losing a hotel deposit.

Peak season warning: Passport filings surge between March and August every year. If you're planning summer travel, submit your renewal by January or February. This helps you avoid delays. The State Department processes over 20 million passport filings each year. Backlogs are worst from April through June.

Cost breakdown (2026): A standard adult passport renewal by mail is $130. Add $60 for expedited processing. New passport photos cost $10 to $15 at most drug stores. First-time applicants pay an extra $35 facility fee. Passport card renewal costs $30 by mail.

Tips for Never Missing Your Passport Expiry

• Set an alert 12 months before expiry — this gives you time to plan around processing delays and the six-month rule.
• Keep a digital record — photograph the data page of your passport and store it in a secure location.
• Track your family's passports together — when traveling as a family, all passports need to be valid. Children's passports expire sooner. Your passport is just one of many things that expire without warning.
• Use an expiry tracker — a dedicated tool can send you reminders well before your passport is due for renewal.
• Think about a REAL ID for domestic travel — if you mostly fly within the U.S., a REAL ID-compliant license keeps your passport safe at home while still clearing TSA.

For official information and to start your renewal, visit the U.S. Department of State passports page. UK and EU citizens can use our EU passport renewal guide for country-by-country costs and processing times, or check the GOV.UK passport renewal page.