Passport Advice

If you find yourself looking to travel abroad, follow these tips to ensure that you have your passport in order before departing.

Renewing a passport at least six to eight weeks in advance can save you time and money. Waiting until the last minute can cost you several hundred dollars.

Be aware of the stamps that are in your passports. Are you traveling to a country that's in a conflict (strained relations to actual war) with a country you've previously visited? It may raise a red flag with the passport control staff.

Many countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond the end of your trip. If you find yourself with passport difficulties while abroad, visit the US Consulate in that country.

The National Passport Information Center's can assist you with all your passport needs. Their contact information is:

1-877-4-USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793
Speak with a representative Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., EST, excluding federal holidays.

Automated passport information is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Visit the US Department of State's website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

To get all the benefits offered by DVI membership, visit our site at http://www.mydvi.com//, or reach one of our sales associates at mailto:support@mydvi.com