RCI gives you access to the world — getting your passport is the first step to unlocking it. Learn the basics of obtaining a passport at any age — including the expected wait time. Plus, discover some useful tips and tricks for renewing passports about to expire.
read more
As the leader of vacation exchange, RCI empowers members with a global catalog of perks. Use these tools to maximize your member benefits with minimal effort, one unforgettable adventure at a time.
A major life milestone calls for a big trip to celebrate. Let RCI help you get to one of your dream destinations. Whatever the occasion, we've got vacation suggestions for you and your favorite companions. It’s a wonderful life — and a wonderful world. Make the most of every moment.
Find incredible vacation opportunities at the last minute. One member's cancellation might turn into the dream vacation you never thought possible!
close
contents
RCI Magazine is published quarterly by RCI. ©2023 RCI, LLC. All rights reserved. CORPORATE OFFICE 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic PROJECT EDITORS Allison Vancura, Jess Hoffert GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ruby Pierce CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gary Thompson, Lisa A. Beach COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth RCI EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Jenny Rains To Our Subscribers: The annual subscription cost of RCI Magazine is $109USD or $143CAD for RCI Weeks® members and $134USD or $176CAD for RCI Points® members. Send your renewal together with your name, address, telephone number, email address, and RCI member ID to: RCI Magazine Subscriptions, P.O. Box 2099, Carmel, IN 46082-2070. For address changes, subscription inquiries, or cancellations, call an RCI Travel Guide. RCI Weeks members, please call: United States: 317-805-8000 or 800-338-7777 Canada: 800-338-7777 (English) 800-527-5219 (French) RCI Points members, please call: United States: 317-805-9941 or 877-968-7476 Canada: 877-968-7476 (English/French) No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from RCI, LLC (or its affiliates). RCI Magazine® and Design and RCI® and Design are trademarks of RCI, LLC (or its affiliates), and are registered in countries throughout the world and may not be used without permission. For editorial and advertising inquiries, email magazine@rci.com. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial advertising matter and accepts no responsibility for advertising content or the damage tht may arise from these advertisements. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the return or unsolicited manuscripts or art. Unsolicited manuscripts and art will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage and envelope. In no event shall such material subject this magazine to any claim for “holding fees” or similar charges. Merrill #022022400.
Save big on your next rental car with a Best Price Guarantee at all major car rental companies. RCI Platinum® members can use Points or Trading Power + Cash for even deeper savings – making that week-long road trip or weekend escape even better.
Save more with a Best Price Guarantee on every cruise line. Plus, get up to $1,500 in onboard spending on nearly every sailing.
Your RCI membership can take you from initial brainstorming to booking the main event — plus unlock exclusive deals on excursions, activities, car rentals, cruises, and more. In this special issue, we provide inspiration for making travel more meaningful and memorable, no matter the destination.
Get To Know Your First-Stop Travel Shop > Milestone Journeys > 5 RCI Benefits You’re Probably Not Using — But Should > Travel Savvy: How to Get a Passport >
issue contents
YOUR FIRST-STOP TRAVEL shop
Travel Savvy: How to Get a Passport >
Milestone Journeys >
5 RCI Benefits You’re Probably Not Using — But Should >
YOUR FIRST STOP for
hotels
activities
rental cars
resorts
cruises
Learn more
Travel Savvy:
Overwhelmed by vacation options, or simply looking for a spark to light your way to bliss? RCI can guide you to epic getaways via knowledgeable Travel Guides, multiple exchange programs, spectacular resort deals, and valuable member perks.
Get To Know Your First-Stop Travel Shop >
With the ability to trade what you own for another seven-night vacation in amazing destinations, RCI members receive incredible benefits from their vacation ownership. Choose from seven-night stays at 4,200-plus affiliated resort properties around the world, and book your trip up to two years in advance. Pro tip: Take advantage of your time and book early, especially if you’re looking for a resort vacation during highly sought-after dates or destinations.
This is your chance to open a higher level of travel options. Exchange Plus lets members search for and exchange into high-demand destinations during peak travel windows. RCI Weeks® and select RCI Points® members can choose from three-, five-, or seven-night trips at a variety of hard-to-book destinations. Simply set your trip dates, pick your location, search your options (look for the key icon), and get going!
The hotel of your dreams is just a few clicks away. Take your pick of thousands of incredible destinations and exchange into 600,000-plus hotels worldwide — all with a Best Price Guarantee. With hotel exchange, you can save even more using your Trading Power or Points toward the purchase of already discounted rates. No Trading Power or Points? No problem. Book cash-only getaways with exclusive member rates and a Best Price Guarantee to make your stay even sweeter.
You’ve earned your leisure time and deserve boundless flexibility and convenience. Enter RCI’s bounty of member perks. From luggage delivery and easier airport security to pet sitting and theme park tickets, your RCI membership includes big savings on a variety of services that complement your next getaway. Simply put: Getting away from it all has never been easier.
The world is at your fingertips, and it’s never been more affordable. Save on travel and experiences, including spa treatments, restaurants, all-inclusive resort fees, and more with special offers only for RCI Members. The extensive lineup of discounts changes regularly, but you can often purchase five nights and get two free at participating properties. Two more nights in paradise for no additional fee? Twist my arm.
Skip the hassle of searching countless websites for the best deal, and rest easy knowing RCI Travel has you ready for takeoff. You can also enter your frequent flier number when booking to ensure you’re racking up points with most major airlines.
Sure, exploring a new destination on your own is fun — but sometimes a tour helps you hit all of the must-see attractions and uncover the unexpected. Take a tour of Mexico's Riviera Maya to unearth a rich history and vivid shores. Or, keep it stateside with sightseeing and adventures from Chicago to Las Vegas. We can also help you score the hottest ticket in town — and across the globe. Simply book through RCI for your all-access pass to adventures, music festivals, sporting events and more.
RCI is your ultimate travel companion — and you may not even realize it. Turn your timeshare into a vacation lifestyle by making RCI your first stop for booking all things travel.
Explore RCI Benefits
discover your complete list of rci benefits.
Ah, to be free in the Big Apple. There’s so much to see, you’ll wish you were a traveler who never sleeps — but you need rest to take in these signature New York experiences, so book a NYC hotel through RCI to get the guaranteed best price and save up to 60% on your stay. Your membership is like a room key card that opens the doors at lodgings in all of Gotham’s greatest neighborhoods. The Graduate New York on Roosevelt Island makes for a smart choice. Start in Manhattan, the city’s most densely populated borough and home to several iconic attractions like Central Park, a 843-acre green space between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side designed by architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Quietly reflect on your life amid masterpieces at the Museum of Modern Art, which exhibits famous works by Monet, Picasso, van Gogh, and Warhol. Then pump up the volume in Times Square, an overstimulating display of digitized billboards, street performers, and throngs of tourists. The blaze of LED is also part of Broadway, New York’s legendary theater district. Find the soundtrack for your journey at a favorite show like Hamilton or the 2023 Tony Award winner for best musical, Kimberly Akimbo. Along the western edge of Manhattan, the High Line is a 1.45-mile public park built on an elevated freight train line. Take in nature and art at your own leisurely pace, or join a free docent-led tour (offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays through October; Wednesdays and Saturdays from November to April) to gain a deeper understanding of the area. Refuel at Chelsea Market, one of the country’s top food halls and shopping complexes, after your stroll. Reconnect with Mother Nature at the American Museum of Natural History, where interactive exhibits cover land, sea, and outer space. And dwell on human nature at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, a tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Two reflecting pools fill the footprints of the World Trade Center’s fallen twin towers. Your spirits move from somber to soaring in the adjacent One World Observatory, which sits atop One World Trade Center, the city’s highest point and the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building. You’ve really made it! Take in more incredible views from the landmark Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge, a 140-year-old engineering marvel that spans the East River to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walking across is a rite of passage. Finally, head to The Battery and ferry to perhaps the most New York attraction of all, the Statue of Liberty, a beacon of freedom for the world — and a great spot to celebrate your own.
You don’t have to wait for a new life stage to take that big vacation, but a major milestone can motivate you to check a destination off your travel bucket list. We've got suggestions to help you and your favorite companions celebrate the time of your life.
Our getaway preferences are always evolving, shaped to a large degree by our life status and our companions for the trip. A young solo traveler will likely seek different destinations and experiences than a family with small children or a couple who just retired. Wherever you are on the demographic spectrum, and no matter where you want to go to celebrate your moment in time, RCI is your trusted travel partner, helping you make the most of once-in-a-lifetime vacations.
SOLO/GRADUATION
road trip with your besties
There’s nothing like getting the gang together for a road trip, and no better route than California 1, aka the Pacific Coast Highway. This world-class scenic drive calls for a special vehicle — maybe a convertible or open-air Jeep? — and RCI members save when they book a ride with any major rental company. Platinum members can use Trading Power or Points to further cut rental fees. As you and your pals cruise the California Riviera, stop in Newport Beach, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles. It’s heaven for surfers and sand volleyball players — but your crew won’t need boards or bare feet to enjoy it. Rent bikes and ride together on the 3-mile-long Balboa Peninsula, where a trail cuts between the sand and charming beach houses. Then hop a quick ferry ride to Balboa Island and Marine Avenue, a main drag lined with restaurants and shops for bonding and browsing. To experience a different kind of scenic drive, form a foursome at picturesque Pelican Hill Golf Club. Two Tom Fazio–designed courses — both open to the public — offer prime ocean views. South of Newport Beach, pull off at Crystal Cove State Park, a 3-mile strand of sand backed by seaside cliffs and forests of eucalyptus. Share the natural beauty with a group hike on the park’s 18 miles of trails. Laguna Beach, with its curving bay and home-dotted hills, recalls a Mediterranean village. The hub is Main Beach, popular for its tide pools, boardwalk, and proximity to Forest Avenue galleries — a little something for everyone. Trails at Heisler Park lead down to a golden beach where you can all swim, surf, or explore the tide pools. It’s also a spot to enjoy wide-angle views of the rugged coast and pose for a besties’ selfie before a palm-framed sunset. Such scenery has lured artists to Laguna for more than a century. In summer, visitors flock to the Sawdust Art Festival (June 30–September 3, 2023), a showcase for local works. Hollywood legend Bette Davis liked Laguna so much that she bought a vacation home here. The Tudor-style house sits high above Wood’s Cove, a hidden inlet with a tiny beach — first one to spot the big D on the chimney gets to ride shotgun on the next leg of the drive. Closer to San Diego, La Jolla welcomes your crew with walkable streets and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for adventures with friends. Watch (or join) ocean swimmers and snorkelers heading into the water from La Jolla Cove, or rent kayaks to tour seven sea caves. As you and your peeps stroll the coastal path, you may get peeps at seals and sea lions basking in the sun. Keep your distance for their sake, but take their picture — and their cue — on how best to enjoy SoCal together.
with young kids
When you’re ready for that first big trip with the kids, take them to the beach. Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline, beckons young families to soak up the sun, play in the surf, and build castles in the sand. Top spots for families include Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Litchfield Beach, and Pawleys Island. But there’s much more than shore. Games, rides, wildlife, hands-on museums, restaurants, and stage shows offer day-to-night delights. Even for adults, visiting Myrtle Beach is like being a kid on the sunniest, sandiest playground ever, with a nice “allowance” of RCI benefits to help pay for activities like restaurant meals, live concerts, spa treatments, sightseeing tours, and theme parks — all at the guaranteed best price. The Grand Strand might be the minigolf capital of the world, with at least 50 courses for puttering around. Kids have a ball with fun design elements like dinosaurs, lava-spewing volcanoes, and pirate ships. Or go for a family stroll on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade and scout out the souvenir shops, restaurants, and entertainment, including the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. The 187-foot-tall observation tower provides sweeping ocean views, and the glass-enclosed gondolas seat up to six people, so most families can fit in a single car. And the wheel moves slowly — it won’t scare little ones. Nature-loving broods will enjoy Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park. Check out the trails, nature centers, fishing piers, and a historic seaside castle. Visit native animals in natural habitats at Lowcountry Zoo, part of Brookgreen Gardens, a massive sculpture garden and wildlife preserve that includes the kid-pleasing Whispering Wings Butterfly Experience. Get close to sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium, part of the Broadway at the Beach entertainment district. Kids grin in the Penguin Playhouse, and grow wide-eyed watching sharks swim overhead in a moving tunnel. At nearby Broadway Grand Prix, little daredevils can zip along seven go-kart tracks, including a Family Track, Kids Track, and Jr. Racer Track, or ride the Kiddie Speedway, carousel, and bumper cars. Pirates Voyage Dinner Show treats families to a four-course meal as Blackbeard and Calico Jack lead their crews in battle aboard full-sized pirate ships. Watch for mermaids and tropical birds too.
anniversary
Imagine cuddling on a cruise with your best mate when suddenly, the engine stills and excitement ripples through the decks as a pod of orcas surfaces in the vessel’s wake. Everyone wants a look at the majestic creatures before they disappear into the Pacific. Next time, it could be eagles soaring over the water or grizzlies patrolling the shoreline. As ships ply the Inside Passage, a maze of deep channels through densely forested islands, jagged mountains, and ice-blue glaciers, these wildlife sightings are a spectacular reward for the journey. During Alaska cruise season (May to September), more than a million people take in the views from dozens of ships. Most cruises last a week to 10 days, beginning and ending in Vancouver, Seattle, or San Francisco. Larger ships stop in major Alaskan ports like Ketchikan, Skagway, Seward, or Juneau; smaller ships can travel up narrower channels and reach more remote ports; and longer cruise-land vacations include overnight stays in the wilderness and overland sightseeing trips by train or motorcoach. This opens up spots like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali National Park and Preserve. Deals and discounts abound, especially for RCI members. Book your sailing with RCI Cruise and get an onboard credit of up to $1,500, plus a 110% Best Price Guarantee. If your schedule is flexible, prices tend to be lower (and crowds smaller) at the end of the season. Whenever you set sail, pack for fickle weather — temps can range from highs in the 70s to near freezing at night, with frequent rain. But couples celebrating an anniversary know life’s big adventures are rarely all sunshine and smooth sailing, right?
Retirement
Aruba: The name alone conjures up an exotic and intoxicating locale, even if you’re not totally sure you could pinpoint it on a world map. This Caribbean island, officially part of the Netherlands, offers respite in the form of alabaster beaches, rugged limestone landscapes, aqua water, and a plethora of palm trees. And now that you’re retired — or close to it — you’ll have plenty of time to drink it all in. Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, packs wide-ranging adventures into a small area. Go dancing, shopping (buy Dutch cheese), dining, and sightseeing. Visit Fort Zoutman, Aruba’s oldest building, which once helped protect the city from pirates. Hop on a bright blue trolley to see equally colorful structures rocking orange-and-teal roofs and pink-and-yellow storefronts. Climb to the top of California Lighthouse, a 30-minute drive north of town, for sweeping views of the island. Jeep and ATV tours take you even deeper into the island’s beauty. The natural wonders include Arikok National Park, home to Fontein Cave and the Conchi natural pool. Marvel at more than 80 species of migratory birds from the watchtower in the Bubali Bird Sanctuary. Or keep it down to earth by touring a donkey sanctuary or ostrich farm. Serious adventurers can scuba dive among shipwrecks (underwater visibility is excellent), snorkel the reefs and shallow waters of Mangel Halto Beach, and hike the limestone cliffs and coves along the island’s north coast. The only downside to Aruba is its pricey reputation, but RCI member benefits come to the rescue: The island is a perfect destination for going the all-inclusive route. Pay a set amount for your stay and almost everything else — like meals, drinks, and resort activities — is included. That takes the stress out of planning and minimizes surprises. Just show up, relax, and be immersed in indulgence. You’ve earned it!
With Older kids
Traveling with older kids opens up destinations that require a little patience, maturity, and stamina to be fully appreciated — like the Outer Banks. The 120-mile string of barrier islands off North Carolina is a place of craggy shorelines, old lighthouses, and historic fishing towns. It was settled by the English, whose descendants here still speak with a British-sounding accent. The pirate Blackbeard roamed the area — learn about his exploits at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Later, Orville and Wilbur Wright arrived to test their flying machine, drawn by steady breezes and sparse population. Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills commemorates their first successful airplane flight and displays full-scale reproductions of the duo’s 1902 Wright Glider and 1903 Wright Flyer. Climb Big Kill Devil Hill, a 90-foot-tall dune with a 60-foot-tall granite monument at the top memorializing the Wrights’ early glider experiments, or fly a replica Wright glider with Kitty Hawk Kites at nearby Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head. At the northern end of the Outer Banks in Corolla, spy wild horses descended from Spanish mustangs brought here nearly 500 years ago. Wild Horse Adventure Tours and Corolla Outback Adventures can help you get a good look at the protected horses. (By law, you must stay 50 feet away.) The iconic black-and-white-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, built in 1870, marks the easternmost point of the Outer Banks. Bird-watchers flock to nearby Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to glimpse avian aviators. One of America’s longest-running stage shows is way off Broadway. The Lost Colony, a drama about the history (and mystery) of Roanoke Island, is in its 86th season. See the production outdoors at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo. The Outer Banks is also home to the country’s first wind-powered brewery, Outer Banks Brewing Station. Kids of age can join you in sampling the craft beers on tap. Planning a vacation around older kids’ schedules can be tricky, as school, work, and other commitments fill their calendars early. But if a window opens up at the last minute, take advantage — and save big — with RCI Last Call℠ vacations, resort getaways you book 45 days or less from check-in. By waiting and being flexible, you can find incredible deals.
Where to Stay
Explore cruises
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
brooklyn bridge
times square
newport beach
La Jolla
seward boat harbor
Kenai Fjords National Park
myrtle beach
skywheel
outer banks brewing station
kitty hawk kites
Arikok National Park
Bubali Bird Sanctuary
la jolla
Myrtle Beach
Book your hotel through RCI, and you know you're getting a great value for your vacation. Members can save up to 60 percent at more than 600,000 hotels around the world — all with a Best Price Guarantee. Want to score even deeper discounts? Apply Trading Power or Points to a hotel stay.
Yes, you read that right. Through RCI, you can unlock exclusive deals on cash vacations, no exchange needed. Choose seven-night getaways with Extra Vacations℠ getaways — often for less than the cost of a hotel — or be spontaneous and save on last-minute weeklong resort deals with Last Call℠ vacations starting at just $309 USD per week.
Make fresh waves and explore the world’s most captivating destinations when you set sail with RCI Cruise. Romantic getaways, family vacations, or an adventure of a lifetime — there’s an option for everyone. Book your next (or first) voyage and get up to $1,500 USD onboard credit on nearly all sailings, plus a 110% Best Price Guarantee.
You know that end-of-summer road trip you’ve been dreaming about? Here’s one more reason to map out your route and make it happen: With RCI, you can book a car from all major rental car companies and get exclusive member savings.
One-stop travel has been RCI’s domain since 1974. Whether you have questions about your next trip or need simple advice, RCI Travel Guides are here to support you across your entire journey and serve as your go-to resource for planning, booking, and more. So, where to next?
Hotels are beneficial to RCI members for those areas that timeshares do not exist and the places members need to stop on the way to a timeshare. RCI provides a competitive rate and the additional help of a vacation guide that can help them choose the best place to stay."
— Mike M.
TRAVEL GUIDE TIP
RCI Cruise exchange is a great benefit for members to use 20,000 Points or 7 Trading Power to save money on cruises. We have very competitive pricing on cruises with Princess, Norwegian, Holland America, Avalon Waterways, and Oceania cruises. With an average savings between $500 and $1,200 per cabin and guaranteed best rates. You cannot go wrong with booking today!"
— John R.
Car rentals are very beneficial to members. Just think of all the places you want and need to be while on vacation. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, most of us do not want to sit in the same spot for a full week. Renting a car can save you a nice amount of money when you compare it to taxi and rideshare prices. Not to mention the fact that it's so much more convenient than waiting on a ride."
— Helena M.
"
car rentals
RCI cruise
Extra Vacations is one of the best benefits for RCI members allowing them to book as much travel as they want, not limited by how many weeks or points they have. We have full weeks available in condo-style resorts starting at $300 - $400 USD at properties that normally charge over $200 per night. Extra Vacations works best for members with flexible travel plans who can avoid holidays and for locations with lots of resorts. With the increased cost of hotel rooms, Extra Vacations can save members thousands!"
— Janet C.
extra vacations
Extra Vacations
— laura l.
By calling a Travel Guide, members get personalized service as well as assistance in getting the most value out of their membership. We look at the account as a whole and help them to use it to the best of their needs. That may be offering an extra vacation or last call to help a member save for a special vacation. It may be letting them know about promotions that they may not have seen but could offer them significant savings. It could also be suggestions of locations they may have not considered that will meet their vacation needs. Our years of knowledge and experience adds to the ability to offer options not only on resorts, but things to do in an area, restaurants, attractions, and other fun suggestions. Members will see the value when they look back on years of great vacations they were able to take because of Travel Guide recommendations."
— Suman G.
I would say it is beneficial for the member to book with a Travel Guide because of our knowledge and personal travel experiences. We can add value to their ownership and suggest them options to enhance their travel experiences and make their travel dreams a reality with our one-stop travel shop."
rci travel guides
— Laura L.
RCI Travel Guides
First-timers need to apply for a passport in person at a passport acceptance facility. (Think post offices, public libraries, and local government offices.) Call first, as some require appointments. Go to the State Department website for details on what you’ll need, including:
Passports unlock access to RCI’s global network, allowing you to maximize your membership. Follow these useful tips for obtaining and renewing your ticket to worldwide exploration.
With international destinations beckoning Americans to visit after the pandemic canceled so many trips, you might be thinking about going global this year. This means you might need to get a passport or renew an existing one. To help guide you through the passport application process (which can take months), follow these guidelines established by the U.S. Department of State. Once you’ve applied, track your application status online.
NO PASSPORT
· Form DS-11 (complete ahead of time, but sign in person)
If your pass is about to expire, you can renew it by mail. You’ll need to:
· Pay fees.
Passport is expiring soon
All children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or legal guardians present. The process is similar to that of adults, requiring:
· Application fee
Passports for minors
You can renew your passport by mail, but it must meet these requirements:
· Must be undamaged and in your possession
Passport has already expired
Aim to renew your passport at least six months before it expires, since some countries require six months of passport validity prior to your travel date.
· Courier companies: Private courier companies offer expedited passport services (typically charging a substantial fee). However, according to the State Department, you won’t receive your passport any faster than if you applied in person at a passport agency or center. It may, however, be faster than applying by mail.
Plan your travel around the total time it takes to get your passport, including both processing time and mailing times (two to four weeks). But you can get your passport faster if needed.
· Expedited: Current processing takes 7–9 weeks and costs an additional $60.
· Urgent Travel Service: If you’re traveling internationally within nine weeks, schedule an appointment at a passport agency or center within 14 calendar days of your travel date (if you haven’t yet applied) and within five calendar days of your travel date (if you’ve already applied). Call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment.
· Life-or-Death Emergency Service: If you need to travel internationally within 72 hours (i.e., an immediate family member outside of the U.S. has died, is in hospice care, or has a life-threatening illness or injury), you may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment. Among other requirements, you’ll need to provide documentation of the emergency.
In the U.S., an adult passport is valid for 10 years in most cases. A minor passport is valid for five years.
AVERAGE PROCESSING TIME: As of July 2023, the U.S. Department of State noted that routine processing will take 10–13 weeks and expedited processing will take 7–9 weeks.
PASSPORT COST: Expect to pay an application fee (which varies), an execution fee ($35 for all ages), and an additional $60 for expedited processing. New passport, adults: $130 for passport book, $30 for passport card New passport, children under 16: $100 for passport book, $15 for passport card
NUMBER OF PASSPORTS ISSUED EACH YEAR: In 2022, the U.S. Department of State issued 21,995,760 passports — representing a nearly 42 percent increase over 2021 (when it issued 15,496,590 passports).
BEST TIME TO REQUEST A NEW PASSPORT: Apply for or renew your passport during the offseason (typically between October and December).
10-13
21,995,760
Oct-Dec
$100-160
· Original, certified physical evidence of U.S. citizenship (i.e., birth certificate) and a photocopy of it
· Payment for fees
· ID (i.e., valid driver’s license) and a front-and-back photocopy of it
· Photo that meets specific guidelines
· Provide a photo that meets the guidelines.
· Include name change documents (if applicable).
· Submit your most recent passport.
· Complete Form DS-82.
· Issued in your current name (or you must present legal proof of name change)
· Issued within the last 15 years (when you were age 16 or older)
· Photo that meets requirements
· Parental consent (i.e., both parents/guardians applying in person or providing notarized consent for absent person)
· Parent or guardian ID (and a photocopy)
· Documentation of parental relationship (such as U.S. birth certificate or adoption decree)
· Evidence of U.S. citizenship (and a photocopy)
· Form DS-11
· Routine: Current processing takes 10–13 weeks.
