Traveling when your children are young can result in some of the best experiences and memories. Perhaps no more so than traveling internationally, where you can introduce children to new cultures, languages and foods.

But international travel also means more planning, including ensuring that everyone who needs a passport has one and, more importantly, that it won’t expire while abroad. U.S. passport rules for children differ from rules for adults.

So how long do minors' passports last before they expire?

Children vs. minors

First things first: when discussing U.S. passports for those under 18, the precision of language matters. The U.S. government uses the term child to refer to anyone under 16, while minor refers to those ages 16-17.

All children under the age of 16 require a valid passport to travel internationally, even if they fly as lap infants.

How long is a child's passport valid?

A child’s passport is valid for five years. Remember, a child is considered anyone under the age of 16.

When do passports expire for minors?

The same expiration date rules apply for minors as adults: a passport is good for 10 years. Once the passport is issued, your child’s age won’t impact how long minor passports last — it’s instead about the printed expiration date in the booklet.

For example, if your child was 14 when their passport was issued, their passport is valid for five years or until around the age of 19. Let’s say they’re planning to travel internationally for their 18th birthday. They wouldn’t need to apply for a new passport as long as they return to the U.S. before the printed expiration date on their “child” passport.

Likewise, a minor granted a passport at age 16 or 17 doesn’t need to reapply for or renew it when they turn 18. It’s valid for the full 10 years, no matter your age.