The world is yours with a U.S. passport
We can assist in Starting your journey today by helping you apply for or renew your U.S. passport.
Passport required documents & items
Passports 101
Depending on what type of passport you need to apply for we will provide you with the full support to help you get your passport as quickly as needed.
Visit your local passport acceptance agent
Located at designated Post offices
All-New, Child and Lost or Stolen U.S. passport applicants will need to get there identity verified at a local passport acceptance agent to maintain security. We can find your local passport acceptance agent by your zip code.
Check Passport Application Status
Check passport status online or phone.
It takes 7-10 business days after you applied for your application to be trackable online.
US Passport
FAQ
How long does it take to get a U.S. passport?
6 to 8 weeks
Passport processing takes between 6 to 8 weeks, however, if you choose an expedited service*, you can receive a faster processing time. There is a $60 fee for expedited requests
Border Crossing Document Requirements
Western Hemisphere Travel
If you are planning travel in the Western Hemisphere you should know there are six types of acceptable documents for crossing US borders. The types of identification required for travel in the Western Hemisphere -- Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central, and South America – is described by the Western Hemispheric Travel Initiative.
How many years is a passport good for?
10 years
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. The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your passport book or on the front of your passport card.
How do I get a passport fast for international travel?
Apply at Regional Office
To be eligible, you must make an appointment at a passport agency or center and provide proof of international travel within 2 weeks, or 4 weeks if you also need to apply for a visa.
Why would you need both a passport book and a passport card?
Answer:
A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your U.S. citizenship and identity. ... A passport book is valid for all types of travel (land, sea or air) to any destination. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not required that you obtain both.
Where do I go to apply for a passport?
Inside the United States
You must submit your completed application, including citizenship evidence, photocopy of ID, photo, and fees, in person at a passport acceptance facility. You may be eligible to apply in person at a passport agency if you are traveling soon
What post office can I get a passport at?
Designated Post Offices
Post Offices that accept passport applications offer products and services for both first-time and renewal passport applications. Some locations can take your passport photo. Use Find USPS Locations to visit a Post Office with passport acceptance services.
Is it worth getting a U.S. passport card?
Answer
Passport cards are wallet-sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. If you're thinking of going on a cruise, the passport card might be nice when you need a form of identification to get on and off the ship. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea.
Do you need an appointment to get a passport?
Answer
To get a passport faster, you will have to submit your passport application at a regional passport agency or center. While regional passport agencies and centers require an appointment, they usually accept walk-ins, if they can. Therefore, you should first attempt to schedule an appointment.
Can I renew my passport online?
Answer
While it is not possible to renew a passport online, you can complete the renewal application form online and print it for mailing or submitting at a processing center
Can I go to Canada or Mexico with just a passport card?
U.S. Passport Card Use
For travel by land or sea into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, the U.S. passport card is an acceptable form of identification to present at the border. It is also valid for returning to the U.S. from those countries.
Can I go on a cruise with a passport card?
Answer
The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the United States.
How many days is a rush passport?
Answer
Processing Time: 1 to 8 business days, but the exact turnaround time will depend upon which Regional Passport Agency you go to. In order to get your passport expedited at a Regional Passport Agency, you may also need to make an appointment and/or show that you are traveling out of the country in two weeks or less.
How long does it take to replace a passport?
Answer
It takes an average of three weeks to get your passport using this standard service, but it can take six weeks or longer during the peak summer months, so give yourself plenty of time before you plan to travel.
Can babies travel without a passport?
Passport Requirements for Babies
It is important to know that babies, just like children and adults, are required to have a valid passport and the requisite visas when traveling internationally. No person, regardless of age, will be allowed onboard an international flight without a passport
How long does a child passport last?
5 Years
No matter what the age of your baby, their passport will be valid for five years from the date issued. All passports that are issued to a child 15 and under are valid for 5 years. After this time you will need to renew the passport and an up to date photo will be required.
How do I get a passport for a child if one parent is absent?
Answer
If the father's name is on the birth certificate and you do not have sole legal custody of your son, then you cannot apply for a passport for him without the notarized consent of the father. If the father cannot be located, you can submit Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances.
At what age are passports good for 10 years?
16 -17 Years old
Most applicants age 16-17 must apply in person using Form DS-11. If you are eligible to Renew a Passport by Mail, you can use Form DS-82. Passports for applicants 16 and older are valid for 10 years
How do I renew my 15 year old passport?
Answer
If your passport has been damaged, lost or stolen, or if it's more than 15 years old, you'll have to renew in person. You'll need to fill out Form DS-11 and provide proof of U.S. citizenship along with a photo ID.
How much does it cost to change the name on my passport?
Answer
Fees for a passport name change – If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you must pay the same fees as for passport renewal. Make your check for $110 ($170 if you need expedited passport service for your name change) payable to “US Department of State.”
Do I need to change my passport if I change my name?
Answer
U.S. citizens who change their names may travel using a U.S. passport that was issued in their prior name but needs proof of the name progression, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Those documents could include a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court documents showing the legal name change
Is a damaged passport still valid?
Answer
A severely damaged passport is no longer valid. It can't be used for travel, and it can't even be used to prove your identity and US citizenship. Passports that are badly damaged enough to be considered the mutilated need to be replaced via the Mutilated Passport procedure
Does travel insurance cover a lost passport?
Answer
Some travel insurance policies will not cover the cost of replacing a passport that has been lost or stolen if you do not obtain a police report
How do I correct my passport information?
Answer
To correct a data or printing error: Complete Form DS-5504. Submit the form by mail with your passport, one color photo, and evidence of the error (e.g. your U.S. birth certificate showing the correct spelling of your last name).
Can you wear lipstick in your passport photo?
Answer
Can you wear makeup in a passport photo? Simply put, yes you can. But don't go over the top. The photo must be a true image of yourself, so if you normally wear makeup then go ahead and wear the same amount as you would on a typical day
Can I use passport with maiden name?
Answer
Ideally, your passport would have your current, legal name in it. However, you should not have any problem using a passport with your maiden name and your marriage certificate if you travel by land or sea. ... TSA's Secure Flight Program requires the name on your ticket to match the name in your passport.
Can I travel with 2 passports?
Answer
Yes, you are allowed to carry both passports when you travel. If you are returning to the US, you will definitely need to carry your US passport, whether or not you are also bringing your non-US passport.
When can I renew a passport?
Answer
US passports are valid for ten years from the date they are issued. It seems logical to assume that you should renew your passport for two or three months before it expires. In fact, you may need to start the renewal process as early as eight months before your passport's expiration date, depending on your destination.
How long does it take to renew your passport by mail?
4 to 8 weeks
Applying for a passport renewal by mail will take up to 8 weeks. Expedited passport renewals by mail cost an additional $60 in government fees and take 2-3 weeks to process. To renew your passport fast, you can either go to a Passport Agency in person or use the services of a passport expediting company.
Do you get your old passport back?
Answer
Yes, in most cases, we will return the old, canceled passport to you. The old passport may be sent separately from your new passport. We recommend keeping your old passport in a safe place as it is considered proof of your U.S. citizenship. ... You must travel with both your new and old passport in this case.
Safe Guard Your Passport
Entering the U.S.
You must present your passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States. Carry your passport—do not pack it in your checked luggage. We recommend you make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place as a safeguard in case it is lost or stolen.
When Traveling with children
Entering the U.S.
All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children.
How do I get a passport on a hurry?
Expedite at a Passport Agency or Center
Fill out your form and collect your documents, including proof of international travel. You can submit all forms at an agency or center including Form DS-11 and Form DS-82. Be sure to include the $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee.
Why does it take so long to get a passport?
More people are applying for passports all the time.
The other main reason it takes so long to receive a passport is that so many people are applying for them. Way back in 1980, 3.2 million passports were issued. ... Americans are becoming more interested in international travel and the freedom offered by a US passport.
Where do you get your passport?
Answer
To get a new passport, you must go to a local passport acceptance facility. Some passport acceptance facilities require appointments. Many provide passport photos for a fee. Passport acceptance facilities can be post offices, libraries, or county courts.
Do expedited passports come on time?
Answer
For routine passport services, you can expect to wait between four to six weeks, around three weeks for expedited passport services, and eight business days for passports expedited at an agency.
Is a Social Security card a proof of citizenship?
Answer
If it is not possible to provide the required birth certificate, then an applicant must submit several forms of secondary evidence. A social security card is not considered adequate proof of citizenship.
What if I haven't received my passport?
Answer
If you haven't received your passport and are traveling within the next 7days, please call or email the National Passport Information Center. Include your departure date on your application. After you apply - You will receive your passport: Normally passports are received within 6 weeks.
Does AAA do passport renewals?
Answer
AAA Plus Members receive two free sets of passport photos per year, and AAA Premier Members can receive unlimited sets per year. Now it's time to send off your application, which you can only do by mail to renew your passport
What does passport locator number mean?
Answer
Your passport application locator number is. When you applied, you requested Expedite Service and Routine Delivery of your passport. Passport Agencies use Priority Mail.
Can an embassy hold your passport?
Answer
No, they "can't" hold your documents indefinitely. If the delay is protracted, the Embassy's Counselor for Consular Affairs (or even the Deputy Chief of Mission) might want to know that the Consulate needs to smooth out its operations.
Can I go on honeymoon with passport in maiden name?
Answer
If you filed for a new passport in your maiden name to travel for your honeymoon, you have 12 months from your wedding date to file for a free passport in your new name! Think of it as a wedding gift from the State Department
Can an embassy hold your passport?
Answer
If you filed for a new passport in your maiden name to travel for your honeymoon, you have 12 months from your wedding date to file for a free passport in your new name! Think of it as a wedding gift from the State Department
Is there a time frame to change name after marriage?
Answer
There is no time limit on changing your name. Many states would like you to inform them of your name change within 30 days of your marriage but will allow you to change your name after that
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Apply for Passport
New Passport
Yes to any of the following questions and must apply for a new passport.
First-timers — or people who have extenuating circumstances and can’t renew their passports through the mail — will need to take care of some paperwork, take a special passport photo, and apply in person with the required fees at an acceptance facility.
Per the State Department’s website, other cases that require in-person applications:
Prepare your paperwork
Gather required items
1. Fill out the DS-11 application form
The DS-11 form asks a series of questions regarding your identity, contact information, family, marital status and more.
2. Gather required documentsYou will need to present:
Determine any special circumstances
While the above paperwork may suffice for many applicants, you might face additional requirements, depending on your situation. For example:
For a full list of special circumstances and their requirements, visit the State Department’s website.
Get your photo taken
You have several options when it comes to getting a passport photo taken, but before you choose a provider, make sure you understand the photo requirements. They are rigid and submitting an inadequate one could lead to a delay in receiving your passport. Follow the guidelines of the U.S. Department of State. Among them:
Once you have a handle on the photo guidelines, you can go to a drugstore, postal provider or certain passport acceptance facilities to have a passport photo taken, generally for a fee. Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club also offer passport photo services for around $5.
Alternately, there are cheaper DIY options. For example, the website www.epassportphoto.com and apps like Passport Photo ID Studio say they can help you create admissible passport photos from the comfort of your home. Be aware that while you are allowed to use a digital camera to take your photo, the State Department notes that mobile phones may not be able to render images that meet the quality guidelines for a passport.
Apply in person
Find Local Post Offices
Passport Fees
Pay the following fees
The application and execution fees for passport books and passport cards and the fees for optional additional services are as follows:
The application fee and the execution fee are paid separately, but additional service fees can be combined with the application fee.
Passport Processing and Waiting Time
Routine application processing takes four to six weeks, and expedited processing — which costs an additional $60 — takes two to three weeks. For your first passport, you must be at an acceptance facility in order to request an expedited application.
If you need your passport in less than two to three weeks, the Department of State lists guidelines:
Renewing your passport
Applying for a passport can be a time-consuming process. The good news is that once you get one, it has a long shelf life. If you’re 16 years or older, your passport doesn’t expire for 10 years. For children younger than 16, it lasts five years.
When it comes to renewal, you can do so through the mail, as long as your most recent passport meets all of the following criteria:
Since the government already has proof of your identification and citizenship from your previous passport, just fill out the DS-82 form and mail it in with any relevant name-change documents, your last passport, a new photo, and an application fee. You won’t need to pay the execution fee again as long as your previous passport meets all of the qualifications mentioned above.
Happy travels!
