Getting or Renewing a U.S. Passport
Please note updated changes to the passport application and renewal process due to the coronavirus pandemic.
How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
Please note: Passport operations continue to be affected by COVID-19. And processing times change throughout the year. Check the status of passport operations to see current processing times and more.
U.S. Passport Eligibility
To have a U.S. passport, you need to be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or be a U.S. national.
Passport Book and Passport Card
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.
From Outside the United States
Items You Need to Apply for a U.S. Passport
Application Form - To complete the application for a passport book, card, or both together, first do one of the following:
Personal documents - You’ll need to bring all of the following:
An original proof of citizenship document
An acceptable photo ID document
A photocopy of the front and back of the citizenship document and photo ID document
Passport photo - Follow the photo requirements.
Payment - Calculate your passport fees.
How to Renew a U.S. Passport
Please note: Passport operations continue to be affected by COVID-19. And processing times change throughout the year. Check the status of passport operations to see current processing times and more.
Every person, regardless of age, must have their own passport to travel internationally by air.
Eligibility to Renew a U.S. Passport
To have a U.S. passport, you need to be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or be a qualifying U.S. national.
You can renew your current or expired U.S. passport unless your passport was:
Issued before your 16th birthday
Issued 15 or more years ago
Damaged, lost, or stolen
Issued in your previous name and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change
If any of these are true, you cannot renew your passport. Instead, you must apply for a new passport in person using form DS-11.
How to Renew Your Passport
You may be eligible to submit a passport renewal application by mail.
If you need to get a passport quickly, you will need to have your passport renewal expedited and pay additional fees.
- To make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency, call 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 10 PM ET. The appointment line is closed on weekends and federal holidays.
At your appointment, you’ll need to provide proof of immediate travel, an expedited fee, and the items listed below to renew your passport.
If you live outside the U.S. or Canada: Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you for information and forms on all passports requested from overseas.
Items You Need to Renew Your Passport
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 six months after travel. Also, some airlines do not allow you to board if you do not 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.
For more information, see these frequently asked questions about passports.
How to Get a Passport Quickly
Please note: Passport operations continue to be affected by COVID-19. And processing times change throughout the year. Check the status of passport operations to see current processing times and more.
Emergency or Urgent Travel
Under normal conditions, you can request an appointment at a passport agency if you:
Are traveling within 72 hours (three business days). This is only in an emergency such as a serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family.
Have urgent travel within two weeks. You must have proof of immediate international travel (for example, purchased airline or cruise tickets).
To make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency to submit your application in person, call 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793 Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 10 PM ET. The appointment line is closed on weekends and federal holidays.
Expedited Service for Non-Urgent Travel
If you do not have urgent travel, you can request expedited service.
Expedited service costs 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. They work to prevent a parent from taking a child abroad without the other parent's consent.
Most Children Must Apply for Passports in Person
Except for some 16 and 17-year-olds, all children must apply for a U.S. passport in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Children Under 16
Children under 16 need consent from both parents.
The best way is for both parents to go with their child to apply.
If one parent can not go, the parent in attendance must provide either:
See step 7, Show Parental Consent on the State Department's Children Under 16 passport page for forms to use and documents to provide.
Children 16 or 17 Years Old
Sixteen and 17-year-olds can:
Applying for a Child's Passport From Outside the U.S.
If you're living overseas, contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you're in for information on how to apply for your child's passport.
Protections for Children in Custody Disputes
If you think your child has been abducted internationally, call the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747. Ask to speak to a prevention officer.
The Department of State has other resources to help parents and children in custody disputes.
Check the Status of Your Passport
Please note: Passport operations continue to be affected by COVID-19. Check the status of passport operations to see current processing times and more.
Passport application processing times vary depending on the time of year. You can check the application’s status online six weeks after applying.
If you have questions about passports, go to the State Department's website.
Fees for renewing or getting a new passport depend on several factors such as:
- If you are only getting a passport card, or
- If you opt for expedited service
The passport application fee and the execution fee are non-refundable. They are collected and retained by law even if a passport is not issued.
You can find the fees you may have to pay using these State Department resources:
If you are outside the U.S., ask your U.S. Embassy or consulate what forms of payment they are able to accept. This applies to passport renewals or applications for new passports.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
Last Updated: August 24, 2021
