updated: 10/3/205
Passport Prep for Your Destination “I Do” or Honeymoon
Before saying I do under the Tuscan sun or jetting off to your island honeymoon, make sure your passport is ready to travel with you. Here’s what every couple should know about getting or renewing this all-important document.
For First-Time Applicants
If you’ve never had a U.S. passport before, or your previous one was issued more than 15 years ago, you’ll need to apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility — often your local post office, library, or county clerk’s office.
Bring these essentials:
- Proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
- A valid photo ID (driver’s license, military, or government ID)
- A 2×2-inch passport photo (white background, no glasses or filters)
- A completed Form DS-11 — unsigned until the acceptance agent instructs you
Processing times currently range from 6–8 weeks for routine service, or 2–3 weeks for expedited requests.
For Renewals
If you already have a passport that was issued within the last 15 years when you were age 16 or older, you may qualify for a renewal by mail or online.
The U.S. Department of State’s online renewal program (now available to most adults) lets you upload a digital photo, pay online, and skip the post office. However, you must still meet these conditions:
- Your current passport is undamaged and in your possession
- It was issued when you were 16 or older and within the last 15 years
- You’re not changing your name, gender, or birth details
- You’re not traveling internationally within eight weeks of applying
If you don’t meet all those criteria, renew by mail using Form DS-82 and a printed photo.
Timing Is Everything
Check your expiration date early — many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Brides and grooms planning international weddings or honeymoons should check this as soon as deposits are made.
A Forward-Thinking Tip
Consider ordering a passport card when you renew or apply — it’s perfect for quick getaways to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean by land or sea, though not valid for air travel.
Encouraging Words for the Jet-Set Couple
Your wedding journey deserves to begin smoothly. Think of your passport not as paperwork, but as your first ticket to a lifetime of shared adventures. A little preparation now ensures your “something blue” will be the ocean you’ll soon be gazing over together.
