SashieZo

Today is Mar 11 and we leave for Amsterdam Mar 28. I just noticed that my passport expires August 2012. My husband tells me not to worry, but he wouldn't mind if we went or not.

There are a lot of "rush passport" services online and I wondered if anyone has used them? Or would it be better (safer) to go to the official passport office?

Can't believe I didn't check before
thanks

DebitNM

Assuming you have a US Passport -

There are services that you can use like this one:
http://www.rushmypassport.com/

I don't know anything about that company, just found it by googling "expedited passport" .

IF you live near a passport center, you can go in person:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/npi...edule_852.html

doug_stallings

Your passport has to be valid for 3 months after your date of travel (i.e., 3 months beyond the late day you are staying in the Netherlands, as evidenced by your air ticket). If you are entering the country on 3/28 and staying until 4/7, then your passport has to be valid through 7/7. If it expires in August, you should not need to renew now.

But I'd always verify that directly with Netherlands-government sources to make sure the details haven't changed. Many people are caught up every year in the ever-changing entry requirements for different countries. This year, for instance, the U.S. government is issuing stricter guidelines for birth certificates needed to get a passport for the first time.

If you choose to renew, then I'd go directly to the passport center. You can do it starting 2 weeks before your trip (i.e., tomorrow, March 14). Not before. If you want to do it today, then you have to use an expediter service and pay even more money. If you can do it, I'd go to the nearest passport center in person.

SashieZo

Doug - That is cutting it so close! I decided to renew with Rushmypassport.com (thanks Debit) - it got some good press and I should have it by the 24. Expensive. I'll let you know what happens

dutyfree

Easier to do it yourself in one day as long as you show proof of travel with purchased ticket.You book an appointment by phone or online with government passport office and then show up by 11am and you usually get it back by 3pm-so easy!Agree with Doug you didn't need to renew it now.

susan_g

it is more safe if you renew your passport in person, and in passport office.
so that you'll know the right thing to do.
anyway you really don't need to renew your passport,it is still valid.maybe when you get back from your trip you can do it,so that there's no hassle for you in your next future trips.

SashieZo

As I mentioned I decided to use a service. I received my passport today, 4 days ahead of schedule. The best thing about Rushmypassport.com is they kept me informed along the way with email updates (we received your paperwork; we submitted your paperwork;your passport has been shipped).
Expensive but good service.

I feel better now.