Reasons Passports Are Denied for Renewal

Renewing your passport can be a hassle, but if you know the reasons passport renewals are denied, you can save yourself the hassle by being prepared.

U.S. passports are valid for adults for 10 years.

The Facts

You can renew your U.S. passport instead of applying for a new one as long as your current passport was issued within the last 15 years and is not damaged, and as long as you were at least 16 years old when you received it.

Identification

If your name has changed since your passport was issued, you must have documented proof of your name change for your passport to be renewed.

Requirements

You must have completely filled out all the required information, submitted two 2-by-2-inch regulation passport photos and paid the renewal fee. Failure to do any of these things could cause your passport renewal to be denied.

Warning

People who are behind in their child support payments by $2,500 or more are ineligible to renew their passports and will have their renewal request denied.

Considerations

Passport renewal can be a slow process, so if you're worried about the possibility of your renewal being denied, start the process several months before you anticipate needing your passport.

References

• U.S. Department of State
• Child Support Arrears