If you ’re one of the millions of Americans whose current passport is set to expire in 2016 , the State Department urge on you to reincarnate it as soon as you’re able to . cunctation never ends well , and this year , resist the temptation will be specially crucial : Officials are foresee a surge of 10 - year pass renewals that might end up complicating change of location plans for many unlucky citizens .
A 10 ago , the State Department became overwhelmed by a inundation of software from Americans hope to get passport for the first time . The inflow was the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , which began command passports for citizens fell back to the U.S. from Mexico , Canada , the Caribbean , and Bermuda in 2007 . In an effort to better handle the same level of congestion this clock time around , official are recommending Americans renew their passports as soon as potential .
First - time app for passports have also been on the wage increase , thanks in part to citizen from states that have not yet complied with the Real ID Act . When the law — which set stricter standard for photo IDs — goes into effect in Illinois , Minnesota , Missouri , New Mexico , Washington , and America Samoa , citizenry from those parts of the res publica will be required to show an alternative phase of recognition to their permit ( like a passport ) for flight within the U.S. The act does n’t go into effect until January 22 , 2018 , but many seem to think the deadline is just around the turning point and are taking action now .
Another dependable reason to regenerate your passport earlier rather than later is that many countries do n’t recognize pass that are less than six months from expiring . This year ’s holiday time of year may seem like a ways off , but taking aid of your pass situation now will see smoother travel plans at the ending of the yr . Most U.S. citizens can renew their passport by mail for a $ 110 fee , and should require the process to take up to six weeks . Those seeking a first - metre recommendation must call in a designate delegacy and put forward the app program in someone .
[ h / t : The New York Times ]
