Every September, the U.S. Department of State shines a spotlight on one of the most important travel documents: the passport. Known as Passport Awareness Month, this initiative is designed to help travelers avoid last-minute surprises, streamline the application process and highlight the importance of keeping travel documents up to date. We’ve frequently written about the importance of keeping your passport up-to-date and issue annual reminders every January. In this piece, we share 12 passport tips that will save you time, money and headaches.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a frequent flyer, here’s what you need to know about how Passport Awareness Month started, what it means and what you can do to prepare for your next trip abroad.
Origins of Passport Awareness Month
Passport Awareness Month was created by the U.S. Department of State as a public education campaign to reduce travel disruptions caused by expired or missing passports. Each September, the Department ramps up its outreach efforts with acceptance fairs, social media campaigns and community partnerships.
For example, in 2016, the Department launched the #PicturePerfectPassport campaign, aimed at reducing one of the most common reasons for application delays: faulty passport photos. The goal is simple: make sure Americans are prepared to travel without last-minute stress.
What Passport Awareness Month Means for Travelers
Passport Awareness Month serves as a seasonal reminder to check your passport’s expiration date and take action if renewal is needed. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. That means a passport expiring in March could prevent you from boarding a plane in December.
According to the Department of State, passport processing currently takes six to eight weeks for routine service, or two to three weeks for expedited service, excluding mailing times. These timeframes make Passport Awareness Month a good opportunity to plan ahead.
In short: it’s your yearly nudge to check, renew and prepare.
What Travelers Should Do
1. Check your expiration date
Look at your passport now. If it expires in the next 12 months, start the renewal process.
2. Know if you need a renewal or a new passport
-Use Form DS-82 if you’re eligible for a renewal (your most recent passport is undamaged, issued within the last 15 years, and when you were at least 16 years old).
-Use Form DS-11 if you’re a first-time applicant, a child or renewing a passport issued more than 15 years ago.
3. Prepare the right materials
Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate), a government-issued photo ID, a compliant passport photo and payment for fees. Pro tip: don’t sign your DS-11 form until instructed by an acceptance agent.
4. Mind your photo
Many applications get delayed because of photo issues. Photos must be taken within the last six months, in color, against a white background, with no filters and without glasses to avoid rejection.
5. Consider expedited service if you have upcoming travel
Travelers departing within 14 days (or those needing a visa within 28 days) may book an appointment at one of 26 passport agencies and centers across the U.S. for urgent service.
Events Across the Country
A major highlight of Passport Awareness Month is the series of Special Passport Acceptance Fairs hosted nationwide.
In 2025, the State Department announced more than 50 fairs scheduled from August 16 through September 30 in states including California, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, Georgia, Texas and Washington.
At these fairs, first-time applicants and children (using Form DS-11) can submit their applications during extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Some events require appointments, while about 14 accept walk-ins.
Examples include fairs in Lomita, California, Scottsdale, Arizona; Glen Ellyn, Illinois; and multiple locations in New Jersey.
These fairs are especially valuable for families or first-time travelers, as staff are available to guide applicants through the process. While passports are not issued on-site, applications are mailed to the State Department for processing, routine or expedited, depending on your choice.
Check your passport early, prepare your documents carefully and take advantage of community resources like acceptance fairs to avoid missed flights and canceled vacations.
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