How to Get a U.S. Passport
A U.S. passport is an official travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State that certifies the bearer’s identity and nationality as a U.S. citizen. It is required for all U.S. citizens traveling abroad, with a few exceptions.
Who Needs a Passport?
All U.S. citizens need a passport to travel internationally, including to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The only exceptions are:
- Children under the age of 16 traveling with a parent or legal guardian who has a valid passport
- U.S. citizens who are permanent residents of Canada or Mexico and have a valid passport card
- U.S. citizens who are traveling within the Western Hemisphere and have a valid enhanced driver’s license
How to Apply for a Passport
To apply for a passport, you will need to:
- Complete Form DS-11. This form is available online at the U.S. Department of State website or at any passport acceptance facility.
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship. This can be done with a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or other acceptable document.
- Provide a passport photo. The photo must be taken within the past 6 months and meet the U.S. Department of State’s photo requirements.
- Pay the application fee. The fee for a passport book is $135 for adults and $115 for children under the age of 16. The fee for a passport card is $65 for adults and $50 for children under the age of 16.
- Submit your application. You can submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility or by mail.
Where to Apply for a Passport
You can apply for a passport at any of the following locations:
- Passport acceptance facilities. These are located in post offices, libraries, and other public buildings. Find a passport acceptance facility near you.
- U.S. passport agencies. These are located in major cities across the United States. Find a U.S. passport agency near you.
- U.S. embassies and consulates. These are located in foreign countries. Find a U.S. embassy or consulate near you.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport?
The processing time for a passport varies depending on the time of year and the method of application. Here are the estimated processing times:
- Routine processing: 4-6 weeks
- Expedited processing: 2-3 weeks
- Emergency processing: 1-2 days
What to Do If You Need a Passport Quickly
If you need a passport quickly, you can apply for expedited or emergency processing. Expedited processing costs an additional $60 and emergency processing costs an additional $160.
To apply for expedited or emergency processing, you will need to:
- Provide proof of travel. This can be a plane ticket, cruise itinerary, or other document that shows your travel plans.
- Submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility or U.S. passport agency.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?
A: A passport book is a traditional passport that contains 28 pages. A passport card is a smaller, more convenient document that contains 4 pages. Passport cards are only valid for travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Q: How long is a passport valid for?
A: Passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under the age of 16.
Q: Can I renew my passport online?
A: Yes, you can renew your passport online if you meet the following requirements:
- Your passport is undamaged and has not been lost or stolen.
- Your passport was issued within the past 15 years.
- You are over the age of 16.
- You have a valid U.S. driver’s license or ID card.
- You have a digital photo of yourself that meets the U.S. Department of State’s photo requirements.
Q: What if I lose my passport?
A: If you lose your passport, you should report it to the U.S. Department of State immediately. You can do this online or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and passport number.
Q: How can I get a visa for another country?
A: To get a visa for another country, you will need to contact the embassy or consulate of that country. The requirements for visas vary depending on the country.
