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Please note: You can now get routine (10-12 week) and expedited (four to six week) passport processing by mail and at local acceptance facilities. You can visit a passport agency by appointment only for a life or death emergency. Learn more about the status of passport processing.
Depending on where you are traveling outside of the U.S., you will need to determine if you need a passport book or a passport card.
A passport book is required for all international travel by air.
To enter the United States at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, you can use a passport book or a passport card.
A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air.
How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
The application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. You have to go in person to present your application.
From Within the United States
If you need to get a passport in three weeks or less, you will need an expedited process. To find out where you need to go and what additional fees you’ll pay, follow the steps to get a passport quickly.
If you will be traveling in more than three weeks, you can follow the regular application process and apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Application Form - To complete the application for a passport book, card, or both together, first do one of the following:
Fill out the application online. Use the Passport Application Wizard to step through the process of filling out the application. When you’ve completed the application, print it out to take to the passport acceptance facility. Passport applications cannot be submitted online.
Whether you fill it out online or by hand, it is important that you do not sign the form until you are instructed to do so in front of a passport designated official you will meet when applying in person.
Please note: You can now get routine (10-12 week) and expedited (four to six week) passport processing by mail and at local acceptance facilities. You can visit a passport agency by appointment only for a life or death emergency. Learn more about the status of passport processing.
Every person, regardless of age, must have their own passport to travel internationally by air.
Application form - Use the renewal application form DS-82. You can print it and fill it out by hand, or use the Passport Application Wizard to complete the form online and print it out. While applications can be filled out online, they cannot be submitted online. You can also get a DS-82 form at a local passport acceptance facility or regional agency.
The Passport Services Office returns the official documents you submit as supporting documentation.
Tips on When to Renew Your Passport
Renew your passport approximately nine months before it expires.
Check the expiration date because certain countries require passports to remain valid for up to 6 months after travel. Also, some airlines do not allow you to board if you don't meet this requirement.
If you travel frequently, check the “52 page” box at the top of your passport application to receive a larger passport book with 52 pages.
Please note: You can now get routine (10-12 week) and expedited (four to six week) passport processing by mail and at local acceptance facilities. You can visit a passport agency by appointment only for a life or death emergency. Learn more about the status of passport processing.
Expedited service costs an extra $60, plus any delivery costs.
Call the 24-hour automated appointment system at 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793 or use the State Department's online passport appointment system.
3. At your passport agency appointment, submit your application in person.
In addition to the regular passport application costs, the expedited service will cost an extra $60, plus any delivery costs.
Passports for Minors Under the Age of 18
The Department of State has rules to prevent children from being issued U.S. passports without the consent of both parents. It also has programs to protect children involved in custody disputes. These work to prevent a parent from taking a child abroad without the other parent's consent.
Children Must Apply for Passports in Person
All children must apply or reapply for a U.S. passport in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Find out how to protect your child if they have, or may have, dual nationality.
Check the Status of Your Passport
Please note: You can now get routine (10-12 week) and expedited (four to six week) passport processing by mail and at local acceptance facilities. You can visit a passport agency by appointment only for a life or death emergency. Learn more about the status of passport processing.
Your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Your name has changed and you have no supporting legal documents.
It’s for a child under age 16.
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.
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