How to Apply for a Passport in the United States
A passport is an official document issued by a government that identifies the bearer as a citizen of that country. Passports are used for international travel, and in some cases, they may also be used as proof of identity within the issuing country.
In the United States, passports are issued by the Department of State. There are two types of passports available to U.S. citizens:
- Regular passports: These are the most common type of passport, and they are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
- Official passports: These are issued to government employees and other officials who travel on official business.
To apply for a passport, you will need to:
- Complete a passport application form. You can download the application form from the Department of State’s website, or you can pick one up at a passport acceptance facility.
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship. This can be a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship.
- Provide proof of identity. This can be a driver’s license, a state ID card, or a military ID card.
- Provide two passport photos. The photos must be recent, in color, and meet the Department of State’s specifications.
- Pay the passport fee. The fee for a regular passport is $165 for adults and $135 for children under 16. The fee for an official passport is $195.
Once you have completed the application and gathered the required documents, you can submit your application to a passport acceptance facility. You can find a list of passport acceptance facilities on the Department of State’s website.
Once your application has been submitted, it will be processed by the Department of State. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your passport.
If you need your passport sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing. Expedited processing typically takes 2-3 weeks.
How to Apply for a Passport for a Child
To apply for a passport for a child, you will need to:
- Complete a passport application form for a child. You can download the application form from the Department of State’s website, or you can pick one up at a passport acceptance facility.
- Provide proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship. This can be a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship.
- Provide proof of the child’s identity. This can be a driver’s license, a state ID card, or a school ID card.
- Provide two passport photos of the child. The photos must be recent, in color, and meet the Department of State’s specifications.
- Provide the consent of the child’s parents or legal guardians. This can be done by signing the passport application form.
- Pay the passport fee. The fee for a child’s passport is $135.
Once you have completed the application and gathered the required documents, you can submit your application to a passport acceptance facility. You can find a list of passport acceptance facilities on the Department of State’s website.
Once your application has been submitted, it will be processed by the Department of State. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your child’s passport.
If you need your child’s passport sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing. Expedited processing typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get a passport?
A: The processing time for a passport can vary, but it typically takes 4-6 weeks. If you need your passport sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing. Expedited processing typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Q: How much does it cost to get a passport?
A: The fee for a regular passport is $165 for adults and $135 for children under 16. The fee for an official passport is $195.
Q: What documents do I need to apply for a passport?
A: To apply for a passport, you will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, and two passport photos.
Q: Where can I apply for a passport?
A: You can apply for a passport at a passport acceptance facility. You can find a list of passport acceptance facilities on the Department of State’s website.
Q: Can I renew my passport online?
A: No, you cannot renew your passport online. You must submit a new passport application in person.
Q: What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
A: If your passport is lost or stolen, you should report it to the Department of State immediately. You can report a lost or stolen passport online or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
