With the way this year is going, chances are your passport is collecting dust and hasn’t been used much this year. If you’re planning on traveling abroad soon, you should definitely check your passport’s expiration date.

Although passports are valid for up to 10 years, it’s important to make sure it’s valid for 6 months or more past the dates of your planned trips abroad. Ensuring your expiration date is valid can save you from travel headaches in the future.

If you’re confused about the requirements for a specific destination, you can check the State Department’s website. 

If you’re in need of a passport renewal, it’s best to start ASAP. It can take between 10 to 12 weeks for standard processing and between 4 to 6 weeks for expedited processing, according to the State Department site. You can also make an in-person appointment if you’re in an emergency and need to renew your passport urgently. 

So before you book your next trip, make sure your passport is updated and abide by the detination’s passport policies.