The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: November first, asking, is your passport about to expire?

Here's a timely travel tip. Never try to go abroad if your passport has less than 90 days validity on it, especially now that increased security's being enforced around the world. Passports expire 10 years from the date of issue. Whether you need a new passport or want to re-new an old one, the State Department is still the place to apply.

If you've never had a passport or have one that expired more than five years ago, you must appear in person at either a passport office or authorized U.S. Post Office. In both cases, take current photo I.D., certified birth certificate with a raised seal, two recent photos two inches square, and $60 for an adult passport, or $40 for a child under the age of 18. Adult passports that have expired within the last five years may be re-newed by mail for $40.

Passports normally take three weeks to process, but seasonal demand can double that time. If you need a passport more quickly, you can pay an extra $35 for expedited processing. Paying express postal rates or Fed-Ex both ways also speeds up the process.

Because passports are processed according to the traveler's departure dates, mark that information both on your application and the envelope. Follow the instructions and fill out the form completely. One third of all applications are delayed because of simple errors.

In a real pinch, you can take your application and airline ticket to one of the country's 15 passport offices. You must provide proof that your need is great, but the paperwork for a new passport can be completed in three working days or less.

FMI For Passport information, call (toll calls) 1900-362-8668 or 900-225-5674, or visit the State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/

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