You're having a blast planning you family vacation abroad but then you remember, the passports! It's tru e that passport renewals and new applications can be a bit of a hassle for kids under the age of 16. Unlike adults, all children under age 16 must apply for a passport in person with two parents or guardians and you cannot renew a child's passport online or by mail . But don't fret, parents! We've got you covered with this step-by-step guide to renewing passports and getting new passports for your little ones. Say goodbye to the stress and hello to smooth sailing through the passport process! Step 1: Make a game plan It's recommended to plan ahead and apply for a new passport for your child well in advance of any planned travel, to avoid any delays or last-minute stress. However, this isn't always feasible. Before you take steps towards renewing or getting a new passport for your child, orient yourself to the table below. If you are more than 9 weeks from travel, you can follow our recommendations for routine service. If you are less than 9 weeks from travel, but over 5 weeks, follow our guide for expedited service. And if you are under 5 weeks to travel, follow our recommendations for urgent travel service. To find out more about emergency services, click the link at the bottom of the page. Remember, the processing time for a new passport for a child can vary depending on the time of year and the method of application. Typically, it takes about 4-6 weeks to receive a new passport through routine service. However, it can take longer during peak travel seasons. *Pro tip - Before you schedule a passport appointment for your child, check your own! Many countries require that your passport expiration date is at least six months from your departure date. If necessary, mail in your renewal , renew online , or schedule a passport appointment for yourself too.