5 Common Passport Myths Revealed

While US passports have changed dramatically since the days when Ben Franklin would print them from his presses for diplomats—yes, back then, the US Department of State wasn’t the sole issuing authority—even today’s uniform requirements can create a lot of confusion for travelers. Here, we unravel five common misconceptions about US passports.

Myth: You can get a passport pronto—as in just days—if you pay to have it rushed.

Fact:

This is true, but only in very special circumstances. The US State Department offers rush service for Life-or-Death Emergency and Urgent Travel for travel to a foreign country within the next 14 days. Both require an appointment at a US passport agency or center. Life-or-Death Emergency pertains only to situations in which an immediate family member (not aunts, uncles, cousins, or other members of your extended family) has died, is dying, or is experiencing a life-threatening condition.

Otherwise, routine processing takes anywhere from four to six weeks (as of this publication’s press time), and while you can pay extra for expedited service, expect that process to take two to three weeks on average.

Myth: US passports need to be valid only for the time that you’ll be traveling out of the country.

Fact:

Depending on the country you’re visiting, your passport may need to be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your trip. In fact, that’s the case in most of Europe. Note that passports for travelers age 16 and older are valid for 10 years. Passports for children up to age 15 are good for five years. If you need to renew your passport, start the process several months before your trip.

Myth: You don’t need a passport if you have a REAL ID.

Fact:

Even when state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses become a prevalent acceptable form of ID to fly domestically beginning on May 7, 2025 (as of this writing), you will still need a valid US passport to travel internationally.

Myth: You have to wait for your passport to expire before you can renew it.

Fact:

You can renew your passport up to six months prior to its expiration. Renewing it too early can subtract from the remaining time that you have left on your passport, but waiting until it expires puts you in a position of being passport-less for a time.

Myth: You shouldn’t bother getting a passport for an international cruise that begins and ends at a US port.

Fact:

While some cruise lines sailing closed-loop international itineraries—that is, international cruises that start and end at the same US port and remain in the Western Hemisphere, like a Caribbean cruise from the same Florida port—may not require guests to carry a passport to board the ship, it’s always wise to travel with one, according to the US Department of State. Even on a closed-loop itinerary, some stops at foreign ports may require a passport. Also, a passport can be crucial if you have a medical evacuation emergency at a foreign port, must dock at an alternate port due to weather or some other unexpected circumstance, or even miss the ship at a port. Passport requirements vary from cruise line to cruise line and country to country, so always check with your cruise line to ensure that you have the proper documents for an international itinerary.

A valid US passport could be your passport to a safe return home.