Can we travel while our passports are being renewed?

No. You cannot travel internationally without your passport. Plan domestic trips only during renewal period, or get a second passport if you're a frequent traveler.

What if one passport gets approved faster than the other?

Call the passport office immediately. Explain you're traveling together and ask them to hold the approved passport or expedite the delayed one. They can often coordinate this.

Should we renew at the same time even if one expires later?

Yes, if the expiration dates are within 2 years of each other. It's easier to coordinate renewals every 10 years than to deal with staggered expirations.

Can we use different passport offices?

You can, but don't. Processing times vary by location. Using the same office on the same day gives you the best chance of getting both passports back together.

How to coordinate passport renewals as a traveling couple

Start the process 6-12 months before your passports expire, submit applications together on the same day, and pay for expedited service if you're within 6 months of travel. One expired passport can derail both your trips.

Check both expiration dates immediately. Write down both passport expiration dates. Many countries require 6 months validity remaining. If either passport expires within 12 months, start renewal now.
Apply on the same day. Book appointments at the same passport office or post office for the same day. Submit both applications together so processing times align. Different submission dates can mean weeks apart in return times.
Pay for expedited service if traveling soon. Expedited processing takes 5-7 weeks versus 10-13 weeks standard. If you're traveling within 6 months, pay the extra $60 per passport. Worth every penny.
Use the same photo session. Get both passport photos taken at the same place, same day. Bring the photo requirements printout. CVS, Walgreens, and UPS stores do passport photos for $15-20.
Track applications together. Sign up for email updates using both application numbers. Check status weekly. If one passport gets delayed, call immediately - they can often expedite the delayed one to match the other.
Plan for pickup coordination. If you used a passport office, schedule pickup appointments for the same day. If mailed, they should arrive within a day of each other if submitted together.

Can we travel while our passports are being renewed?: No. You cannot travel internationally without your passport. Plan domestic trips only during renewal period, or get a second passport if you're a frequent traveler.
What if one passport gets approved faster than the other?: Call the passport office immediately. Explain you're traveling together and ask them to hold the approved passport or expedite the delayed one. They can often coordinate this.
Should we renew at the same time even if one expires later?: Yes, if the expiration dates are within 2 years of each other. It's easier to coordinate renewals every 10 years than to deal with staggered expirations.
Can we use different passport offices?: You can, but don't. Processing times vary by location. Using the same office on the same day gives you the best chance of getting both passports back together.