Are old passports valuable?
Ava Robinson
Updated on May 13, 2026
Thereof, can you sell old passports?
Your passport retains value as a proof of your US citizenship even after it expires. You can use your expired passport to apply for a passport renewal for up to five years after it has expired. It is absolutely, 100% illegal to sell a passport within 15 years of the date of issue!
Beside above, can Old passports be shredded? But if you need proof of citizenship — such as to get a replacement if you lose your current passport — even an expired passport will suffice. And now the reasons to trash your passport — or, more specifically, to shred it or turn it into something else: An expired passport could lead to identity theft.
Regarding this, should you keep your old passports?
The U.S. Department of State, who issue passports, recommend you keep the old one. Yes, we will return the old, cancelled passport to you. It may be sent separately from your new passport. It is a good idea to keep your old passport in a safe place as it is considered proof of your U.S. citizenship.
How long should you keep expired passports?
If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.
Related Question Answers
What to do with passports of deceased?
The passport of a person who has died can be kept as a memento if you choose, or you can return it for cancellation. If you choose to have the passport cancelled and returned to you or destroyed, you should return the passport to the CLASP unit. A copy of the Certificate of Death is required along with the passport.How do I join my old and new passport?
Stretch the rubber band along the spine of the booklets and engulf the the last page of your current passport and the first page of your previous passport in the band. Roll it back to the spine. Now the spines of your 2 passports are aligned and joined together.How do you renew your passport if it has expired?
You can renew your passport by mail if your adult passport expired less than 5 years ago and you currently reside in the United States or Canada. If so, you can head to the U.S. Department of State website and complete Form DS-82. This is the "Renewal Application" form on the State Department website.Why is my passport hole punched?
When you submit your passport for renewal, the State Department will mark your passport cancelled by punching holes in the cover. Your old passport won't say that it is cancelled, but the holes are proof that it is has been renewed. So keep your old passport in a safe place after you renew your passport.What do I do with my old British passport?
Yes, your old passport will be returned unless it is deemed to be damaged by the UK Identity & Passport Service (IPS). The passport will clearly indicate that it is invalid and it is important that you advise whether any valid visas remain in the passport before applying for it to be renewed.Where do I send my old passport to?
You will need to bring your old passport to the Post Office. They will take your photo, fill in the application online and submit it for you. They'll send your old passport to HM Passport Office by Special Delivery (this is included in the additional fee, which is charged by the Post Office).Can I renew my passport online before it expires?
Yes. Your passport does not have to be expired for you to renew it. If you want to renew both a valid passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents.How can I update my passport?
Renew a Passport by Mail- Step 1: Apply Early. If you are renewing your passport using Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82, Post Offices do not need to review or process your application.
- Step 2: Check Your Renewal Eligibility.
- Step 3: Prepare Your Application Package.