skimomma Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 I need some passport advice. 9yo dd's passport is about to expire. We will not be traveling out of the country again for at least another year. For adults, "renewal" is significantly less expensive than having to start from scratch. I assumed the same was true for minors and went online looking for directions to renew. The websites are awful, I have to say..... Anyway, it appears that there are no "renewals" for minors. They apply again as though it were the first time and the fee is the same. Is this really true or am I reading it incorrectly? And if it is true, financially it makes more sense for us to wait until closer to our next travel time rather than do it now and have paid for a passport that will not be used for a full year. Am I missing something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnIslandGirl Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Yes, if a passport was issued prior to a child turning 16, then you must complete the entire application process again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2girls4us Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 You have it right. There isn't a true renewal for minors, and the cost is the same as a new passport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 … For adults, "renewal" is significantly less expensive than having to start from scratch. … Did you check out the fee chart at the State Departmentsite? It looks like to me that a new minor passport is only slightly more $$ ($95 + $25) than an adult renewal ($110), but the minor passport is only good for 5 years. BTE, a new adult passport is ($110 + $25). I would wait as long as possible, so that when this passport expires, then maybe the next passport can be an adult passport . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted February 8, 2013 Author Share Posted February 8, 2013 Ok. Good to know. Thanks! Now does anyone have any idea how long processing is taking these days? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted February 8, 2013 Author Share Posted February 8, 2013 Did you check out the fee chart at the State Departmentsite? It looks like to me that a new minor passport is only slightly more $$ ($95 + $25) than an adult renewal ($110), but the minor passport is only good for 5 years. BTE, a new adult passport is ($110 + $25). I would wait as long as possible, so that when this passport expires, then maybe the next passport can be an adult passport . Yeah, this is what I found and was slightly confused and wanted to be sure I understood it. Unfortunately, dd will still be under 16 but if we time it just right, we might be able to get away with only ONE more "under 16" passport then be able to get the next one after that as an "over 16." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Yuck, I did not know that either. Something to look forward to! Thanks for the heads-up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnIslandGirl Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Ok. Good to know. Thanks! Now does anyone have any idea how long processing is taking these days? We have friends that just got theirs back in about 4 weeks. Though personally, I'd submit the application about 3 months prior to travel, just in case there were any holdups. Good Luck and enjoy your next vacation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myra Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 So at what age do they get an adult passport? Myra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted February 8, 2013 Author Share Posted February 8, 2013 So at what age do they get an adult passport? Myra 16, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Now does anyone have any idea how long processing is taking these days? It took two weeks to get my boy's passport and a month to get his birth certificate back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSinNH Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Yes, you are correct... no renewal for minors under 16. We just got the DC passports back in three weeks. But, I agree with the PP who said to submit the application 3 months ahead, just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 Now does anyone have any idea how long processing is taking these days? Ours took less than two weeks in December (first time application.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incognito Posted February 8, 2013 Share Posted February 8, 2013 I always like to have a passport so I can dream of spur-of-the-moment South Pacific vacations and not be hampered by the reality that I can't if I have to wait to apply for the passports... :) But, with the kids I have been more lax and yeah, it doesn't really matter. You will be happy to know that US passports are cheaper, easier to apply for, and last longer than Canadian ones. :) So even if you have to buy 2 child passports for your daughter, you have that solace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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