Passport Book or Card?

The passport card is a newly released document that’s valid for travel only to Canada, Mexico, or Bermuda by land or sea. If you’re traveling to any other destination, or traveling to these countries by air, the passport card is not a valid substitute for a passport book.

See the State Department’s page about passport cards to learn more about this subject, including how to apply for the card.

Who Needs a Passport?

Before you go through the application process, be sure travel to your destination actually requires a passport. For instance, you don't need a passport if you're an American citizen traveling to any of the 50 states, the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Swains Island, or the Virgin Islands. However, if you're traveling through a foreign county en route to your U.S. destination, you will need a passport.

Your choice of transportation also affects whether you'll need a passport. If you're traveling to Canada or Mexico on the ground or by sea, you won't need one (although you do need to provide another type of proper identification, such as a passport card, enhanced driver's license (EDL), or trusted traveler program card). If you're traveling to those countries by air, though, you must have a passport.

The U.S. Department of State provides an informative passport guide that makes it simple to determine whether you need a passport. All you have to do is enter your travel destination.

Rule Changes for U.S. Land or Sea Entry

Effective June 1, 2009, most U.S. citizens returning from a trip to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean by land or sea must produce a single acceptable document to re-enter the country, such as a passport, passport card, EDL, or trusted traveler program card. This means you can no longer confirm your identity and citizenship by presenting multiple documents, such as a basic driver's license along with a birth certificate.

However, those younger than 16 years old can still simply show an original or copy of their birth certificate, or their citizenship card or naturalization certificate.

Also, children who are U.S. citizens between the ages of 16-18 and traveling with a social organization, or religious, school, or sports group will be allowed to enter the country with their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship― providing they're with adult supervision.

View the complete list of acceptable documents needed to re-enter the country by land or sea at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) site.

U.S. citizens traveling on a cruise ship that begins and ends at the same U.S. port are allowed to follow the old rules; meaning, two documents (such as a valid driver's license and a birth certificate) are sufficient. However, be aware you may need a passport to enter certain countries that you may be visiting as a cruise ship passenger.

On the other hand, U.S. citizens traveling on ferries and small boats must comply with the new regulations.

How to Apply for a Passport

Where to Go

First-time passport applicants must apply in person at any of a variety of local locations (including select post offices, clerk of court offices, and public libraries), or at regional passport agencies.

However, you should only apply at a regional agency if you're traveling within 14 days, or you need a foreign visa within four weeks. In either case, you must schedule an appointment for your visit by calling the automated appointment system at (877) 487-2778. There isn't an extra fee to make an appointment.

Even if this isn't your first U.S. passport, you'll need to apply in person if any of the following are true:

• You're younger than 16 years old.

• Your first U.S. passport was issued when you were younger than 16 years old.

• Your last U.S. passport was stolen, damaged, or lost.

• You obtained your last U.S. passport more than 15 years ago.

• You've changed your name after your last U.S. passport was issued and you can't provide legal documentation for your name change.

What to Bring

Make sure you have the following with you when you apply for your passport:

1. A completed Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport that includes your Social Security number (don't sign the form until you're told to do so at the location).
2. Proof of citizenship, by means of a certified U.S. birth certificate, undamaged U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth.
3. Proof of identity, by means of a valid driver's license, undamaged U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, current government ID, current military ID, or undamaged U.S. passport. (If you don't have any of these documents, you may proceed through a secondary means.)
4. Two color passport photographs of yourself taken within the past six months that meet all the requirements.
5. Payment for the passport fee of either $100 (adult) or $85 (younger than 16 years old).

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Your wait time to receive your passport varies depending on the time of year.

However, you can always consult the application processing time page for updated information, or check your application status online.

Expedited service is also available―for an extra $60 per application, plus the overnight shipping costs. If you're dealing with a life-or-death situation, call the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778 for instructions on how to proceed.

Passports for Those Younger Than 18

Be aware that all travelers―including infants and toddlers―must have their own passport.

The State Department spells out how to obtain a passport for those who are between 16 and 17 years old or younger than 16.

Renewing a Passport

A passport is valid for 10 years if you’re at least 16 when it’s issued, and five years if you’re younger than that. If you don't find the info you need below, call (877) 487-2778 for more details on passport renewals.

Who Can Renew

You may renew your passport if all of the following apply to your situation:

• Your undamaged passport can be submitted with your application.

• You received your passport within the past 15 years.

• You were at least 16 years old when you were issued the passport.

• Your passport has your current name, or you can provide legal documentation of your name change.

If any of these conditions aren't met, you must apply for a new passport in person at a local location, such as selected post offices, clerk of court offices, and public libraries, or at a regional passport agency.

Renewal Method

To renew your passport, complete the following steps:

1. Complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail in black ink.
2. Be sure to sign and date the form on the first page.
3. Locate your current passport.
4. Gather two color passport photos that are acceptable.
5. Make your $75 check or money order payable to the Department of State.
6. Locate your legal documentation of your name change (if applicable).

Then, send everything in a padded, weatherproof envelope to:

• National Passport Processing Center

• P.O. Box 90155

• Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

See the State Department's list of practical mailing tips for more information.

Passports renewed by mail within the United States may only be sent to United States or Canadian addresses.

Expedited Renewal Service

If you need your renewal processed in a hurry, follow the instructions listed above, but include payment for an extra $60 to handle the rush fee, and write "expedite" plainly on the envelope. Then, mail everything to:

• National Passport Processing Center

• P.O. Box 90955

• Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

Processing Times

Your renewal wait time varies depending on the time of year, but you may check the current general wait time by visiting the application status page.

Renewing Abroad

Those living in a foreign country (other than Canada) should renew their passport in person at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. Be sure to take along all the materials listed above, along with your payment.

Reporting and Replacing a Lost or Stolen Passport

Reporting

Like all documents, passports sometimes get lost or stolen. However, due to the importance of this particular document, you should report the theft or loss immediately.

If the loss or theft happens while you're in the U.S., call (877) 487-2778. Or, promptly complete Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport and mail it to:

• U.S. Department of State

• Passport Services

• Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section

• 1111 19th St. N.W., Suite 500

• Washington, DC 20036

If your passport becomes lost or stolen while outside the country, contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate right away.

Just so you know, once you've reported a missing or stolen passport, it's automatically canceled. Even if you find it later, it can't be validated. If you do come across it, though, send it to the address listed above.

Replacing

Unfortunately, to replace your passport, you'll need to apply for a brand new one by completing Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport and Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport, and taking them to a local acceptance agency or a regional passport agency.

Changing Your Name or Correcting an Error

If there a mistake on your passport or your name changed since you last used it, follow the instructions provided by the State Department to correct the passport. Depending on your situation, you might face an additional fee.

Additional Information