Having a passport has become increasingly important in the last decade. Homeland security measures executed since the September 11 World Trade Center attack mean that travelers are scrutinized much more carefully than previously. Having a passport, even for
domestic flights, may become a necessity in the years to come. In fact, many experts predict that the U.S. will soon enact travel rules similar to those in other countries and continents, such as Europe. It has been several years since European citizens have been able to travel by air or check into a hotel without a passport. Experts predict that the United States will follow suit in the next decade.
If you regularly
travel on business, obtaining a US passport makes good sense. It only takes a little bit of time, and it's good for ten years.
American passport applications for first timers as well as for renewals can be downloaded from the Internet, or obtained from a local Post Office or passport processing agent.
When it comes to
passport renewals, you can simplify the process considerably by employing a few basic tactics.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Keep your current passport in good condition.
Your old passport is all you need to present to receive a renewal, but only if it isn't torn, bent, dirty or illegible.
I recommend: storing it in a safe place. Try to stay out of the habit of carrying your passport with you all the time. This reduces the chances that you'll damage it. If you do, you won't be able to use it to get a renewal. You'll have to apply all over again as if for the first time. Plus, carrying it around heightens the risk of having it, and therefore your identity, stolen.
Don't put off renewing your passport.
Don't wait until an emergency arises before renewing. Renewals take about six weeks to process, just like first-time applications.
I recommend: Renew your passport as soon as your current one expires. Although it's possible to get an
overnight passport renewal or a
2 day passport renewal, you'll pay considerably more for it. Plus, if your old passport is over 15 years old (has been expired for five years or more) you won't be able to use it to renew. You'll have to apply as if you were obtaining one for the first time.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Store your passport in a secure place. If you use it infrequently, consider renting a safety deposit box at your local bank to store it in. Another option is to store it in a home safe or locking filing cabinet.
- Make sure you update and amend your passport when necessary. For example, a name change requires an official amendment. You may be denied a flight or entry into another country if the name on your passport differs from the name you commonly go by.
Related Resources from Business.com
Recommended Solution Providers 
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
