In the past, a second passport was only valid for only two years, but as Allied Passport & Visa pointed out to us, the State Department recently changed its rules, and a second passport is now valid for four years. The State Department made the change without any warning, so if you've been debating on getting a second passport, now's a better time than ever to do so. To get a second passport, you'll need to complete Form DS-82, and the other requirements are the same as those for renewing a passport, but you also must send in a letter detailing why you need a second passport.
If you're planning on getting a second passport with the new four-year validity, TPG recommends using a third-party service like Allied Passport & Visa, especially because all of the steps can be complicated. When TPG needs to renew his passport, or if he needs a visa, he goes to Allied Passport & Visa for quick and efficient service. Mention The Points Guy on your order form to get a $5 discount just for TPG readers.
