What if I need to travel while my passport is being renewed?

You can't travel while your renewal application is being processed, and you need to make sure your travel documents are valid for at least six months past the dates of any planned international trips.



If you are renewing your passport in 2026, your options depend entirely on your destination and citizenship. For domestic travel within the United States, you do not need a passport; a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another government-issued photo ID is perfectly sufficient for TSA checkpoints. However, for international travel, you generally cannot fly without your physical passport in hand. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and you must surrender your old passport when applying for a new one. If an emergency arises, you can apply for Urgent Travel Service at a regional passport agency, which can often issue a new book within 24–72 hours if you have proof of imminent travel. Some countries also allow citizens to hold a "Second Valid Passport" for business travelers who frequently need to send one away for visas while still traveling abroad, but this requires a specific application and justification.

People Also Ask

Can you book an international flight with an expired passport if you're waiting for a new passport? You can book it, but you'd better have a current passport when it comes time to board, otherwise you'll be refused boarding.

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If your travel date is less than 5 days away: Call (877) 487-2778 for an 'Urgent Travel Service' appointment with a local passport agency. Again, call as soon as they open at 8am Eastern Time.

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Boarding domestic flights is possible if you have a state-issued ID. But can you fly without a passport outside the U.S. and its territories? The answer is no. International air travel standards require all flight passengers to have valid passports regardless of age.

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. Review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page. You will need proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket. For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

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As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the United States. However, the United States has signed agreements with a number of countries to waive this requirement.

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You'll need your passport to clear airport security and immigration, sure. But in instances internationally where you're asked to present identification, specifically note whether or not the actual passport is required—in most cases, an international driver's license or copy of your passport will suffice.

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