How Long Is a Minor Passport Valid?

QUESTION:   How long will my 15-year-old son’s passport be valid for? We just got him a minor passport this year and wanted to know how long his passport is valid?

ANSWER:   Your son falls under the category of a minor. A minor is anyone 15 years older or younger. A minor passport issue is valid for 5 years. So, your son has up to 5 years before he can reapply for another passport. By then, he will be applying for an adult passport instead.

After your son turns 16, he can apply for another passport. This time the passport will be valid for 10 years. The fees for an adult passport is a little higher than for a minor passport. It is because the passport is valid for a longer time. If he does decide to do so, he can do it on his own. He will not need parental consent or any other forms you may have used with a minor passport application.

Remember, when applying for a passport there is a processing time. In most processing period, it takes 4-6 weeks before getting a new passport. In any case, if you wish to decrease the processing time then an expedite processing agency can be used. An expedite processing agency will have a passport in as little as 2-3 weeks. This additional information is if you or your son wishes to get another passport.