Each passport has a unique number so you will get a new number.

The government would like you to renew 9 months before the expiration date and the web site refers to the "date of Issue."

........"The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card.

If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met."............

Here is a link that might be useful: State Drpt

This post was edited by maire_cate on Thu, Jun 12, 14 at 10:25

web site for instructions re: expedited renewal.

Here is a link that might be useful: Passport renewal

Mine had expired a year before I realized it and renewed it. I found out I had 13 months to get it renewed. I would go ahead and get it done now. No need to wait.

While there are many government agencies and functions that can be agonizingly inept and a hassle to deal with, the Passport Agency is a breath of fresh air. Every renewal I've had has always been received earlier than expected.

You don't need a passport to book travel arrangements. You have plenty of time to get your renewal but there's no reason to not do it now. Most airlines want (or maybe require?) your passport number in your frequent flyer account, you can update the record when the new number is received.

ditto what snidely said. Just change it later.

Typical government rip-off, you get cheated out of 6-9 months of a 10 year purchase. (Why not make it 11 years??) Book to your hearts content, travel people could care less if you have one or not. But they remind you that boarding can't be done without proper documentation. I got mine right before the last price hike. Some peoples travel qualifies them to use the Passport Card. Cheaper. You get your old one back, punched invalid, but keep it. It is still a vaild form of ID. Happy travels to some beautiful sunny beach.

Thanks everyone. I'm aware of the sites and all rules associated w/passport renewal. I use Apple Vacations for our booking and do so months in advance of the trip. They generally ask for passport info but I will give the current info if needed, until I get the new one.

Passport cards are only good for land entry. We travel by air.

"Typical government rip-off, you get cheated out of 6-9 months of a 10 year purchase. "

Losing a few months of a passport's term will cost about as much as some people spend every day or every few days for beer or other alcohol. Or for smokers, the cost of a pack of cigarettes. It won't break the bank. If it bothers you, don't renew it until it expires.

Are there avoidable government rip-offs of a significant magnitude we should be alert for?

has anyone applied for passports for kids? dd2 is divorced but we want to do the falls again (we're in Detroit)...know she has to "tell" x about any trip plans, but was wondering it they require both parents to sign?

I believe both parents have to sign. My brother went through this not too long ago. He was afraid of his ex taking his daughter out of the country and not returning, so he dragged his heels on signing for a passport. It worked out ok for him in the end.

I believe both parents MUST accompany the child to the post office for passport app. Also, kids passports (under age 18) are only valid for 5 years.