Renewing a passport isn’t always fast or easy — passport processing takes several weeks, even when expedited. This means it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your current passport doesn’t expire before you can get a new one.

If this is your first time going through the renewal process, you may be wondering, “Does your passport number change when you renew your passport?”

Here’s what you need to know about whether your passport number changes when you renew it.

Do passport numbers change on renewal?

Yes. This means that you will not be able to keep the same number when you renew your passport — instead, you’ll have a new number assigned.

Think of it this way: each passport book has its own unique number, so every time you renew your password the number will change.

Will my old passport number still be valid?

The answer is no — once you renew your passport and get a new number, your old passport number becomes invalid. If you have any visas linked to your old number, the visas remain valid as long as you travel with both your old and new passport.

Can I travel with my old passport number?

While the U.S. government allowed U.S. citizens to fly with an expired passport number during the COVID-19 pandemic, as of June 30, 2022, you are no longer allowed to return to the U.S. using an expired passport.

Additionally, you’ll need to use your new passport number when making flight reservations, applying for visas or completing other paperwork for any upcoming international trips.

Steps to take when renewing your passport and getting a new passport number

Since renewal means getting a new passport number, below are the steps you should take to ensure your new number won’t cause issues with your future travel:

Update your passport number with the airlines that you fly frequently. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, for example, allow you to store your passport information in your personal profile.

Update your Global Entry and/or PreCheck information with your new passport number to ensure you can keep taking advantage of these programs.

If you booked a flight or cruise using your old passport number, give the airline or cruise company your new passport number to avoid any travel disruptions.

Take a picture of the photo page of your new passport to ensure you have a copy of your new passport number in case you lose it.

If you have enough time before your trip, consider updating any visas to your new passport number.

When your passport number changes

Since renewing your passport changes the number, there are steps you can take to prevent disruptions in your travel. These include updating your passport number with airlines you fly frequently, revising your Global Entry and PreCheck profiles and changing your passport number for trips you booked using your old number.