If you plan to travel outside the United States, a passport or passport card is required for both departure from and re-entry to the U.S. All persons are required to present a standard passport if traveling by air outside the U.S. Passport cards are valid for land or sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. For land and sea travel to other destinations, a standard passport is required.

A passport is valid for 10 years if issued to a person 16 or older, but only five years if the person was 15 or younger when issued. Every citizen who leaves or enters the country must have a valid passport — even babies.

AAA Travel Agency can assist you with your passport application, however only the U.S. Department of State can actually issue a U.S. passport. You should apply for your passport several months in advance of your planned departure as it typically takes 8-11 weeks for processing, sometimes more depending upon the situation.

Passport costs vary by service requested (passport book and card, passport book or passport card); application status (first-time request or renewal); and applicant age. Passports are also subject to special execution fees. Travelers can find out more about current passport fees at the U.S. Department of State website. Members can also download a passport application form online.