The process of getting a new passport can be time-consuming, complicated and rather expensive. That is why it’s important to know when you’ll need a new one. If your passport was issued when you were over the age of 16, it should last for 10 years. However, you may need one sooner if you make significant changes within that time. With that in mind, here are three times when you will and three times when you won’t need a new passport.
When you will:
A change of name
If you change your name – whether it’s your first name or your surname – you’ll need to get a new passport. This can happen under a whole manner of circumstances but is most likely to affect newlyweds or divorcees.
A change of gender
If you have transitioned from male to female or female to male, you’ll need to apply for a new passport so that it coincides with your new gender.
A (big) change to appearance
If you make any significant changes to your appearance – such as undergoing plastic surgery – you will need to apply for a new passport so that your passport photo is up to date.
When you won’t:
A (small) change to appearance
Don’t worry, a new passport isn’t required just because you’ve made minor changes to your appearance. Therefore, if you’ve stopped wearing glasses, dyed your hair or grown a beard, you’ll be fine with your current passport.
A change to your marital status
If you’ve just tied the knot but you’re keeping your last name, you won’t need a new passport. Just going from ‘miss’ to ‘mrs’ is fine. On the other hand, if you’ve adopted a new surname, then you will need a new passport before travelling abroad.
A change of title
Some professionals become concerned that they will need a new passport if they acquire a new title. This can include becoming a doctor or a professor. In such cases, your current passport will still be valid.
Happy travels
If you do require a new passport but haven’t altered your appearance, it’s probably best to get new passport photos done so that it’s a better representation of how you look right now. If you have a holiday planned and need a new passport, minimise any delay by using Paspic to ensure your new photos are up to standard.
