A passport is an essential document for international travel. It is issued by a country's government and allows the holder to enter and exit foreign countries. A passport also serves as a form of identification and can be used to obtain various services, such as visas and travel insurance.
Most passports are valid for a period of 10 years, after which they must be renewed. For U.S. citizens, passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue for adults and 5 years for children under 16. If your passport expires, you will need to apply for a new one. You can do this by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. When applying for a new passport, you will need to submit proof of identities, such as a birth certificate or driver's license, as well as a passport photo.
Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date, so it's important to check the expiration date when you're planning your trip. If your expiration date is less than 6 months away, you'll need to renew your passport before traveling. For more information on how to renew your US passport, please visit the Department of State website.