I will be going into Canada this summer when I head up to Vermont to visit Jenn and Roberto and figured I should check to see if my passport was still good. It feels like a long time ago that I renewed it. Fortunately, I still have almost another year and a half on mine.

But I did a little research anyway to just see what I will need to do. It’s not that difficult to get a new passport or to renew one. It takes some time though, usually 4-6 weeks, and money, about $100 for a new one, and a little less to renew. A passport lasts for ten years. Forms can usually be gotten at the post office and pictures can be taken readily at AAA or even some drug stores. You could easily do a quick online search the the places in your local area.

As long as your current passport is in good shape, you are still using the same name, and are over 16, you could renew by mail using a DS-82 application that you can download. If some of these criteria are not the case for you, you must apply in person. To get step by step instructions, needed forms or the location of the passport agency in your area, click here.

Have passport – will travel.