How to: U.S. Passport Applications & Renewals
Why do I need passport?
For U.S. travelers looking to explore the world beyond their borders, a passport is your ticket to international travel. Passports serve as proof of one's citizenship, an essential travel document that allows individuals to enter and exit foreign countries. Understanding the intricacies of obtaining, maintaining, and safeguarding your passport is crucial.
A passport is an official government document that certifies the identity and nationality of the holder for the purpose of international travel. It typically contains the bearer's name, date and place of birth, photograph, signature, and other identifying information. The U.S. passport is a document issued exclusively by the U.S. Department of State. The first U.S. passports were issued in 1796 and resembled handwritten letters, and now, millions of passports are issued and renewed each year.
Where do I need a passport for travel?
U.S. citizens need a passport to enter and exit nearly all foreign countries. However, there are exceptions under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI):
Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean: U.S. citizens can travel to these locations without a traditional passport book, but they must have a U.S. Passport Card or other WHTI-compliant document for land and sea border crossings. Air travel still requires a passport book.
U.S. Territories: Travel to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands does not require a U.S. passport for American citizens.
How do I apply for a passport?
Applying for a U.S. passport is a straightforward process that involves several steps:
Determine the Type of Passport: Decide whether you need a passport book, a passport card, or both based on your travel plans.
Complete the Application Form: Form DS-11 is used for new applications. You can apply in person at designated acceptance facilities, which you can find on the Passport Acceptance Facility page of the State Department’s website. Check for your local post office, library, or county courts.
Gather Required Documents: You'll need proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and a government-issued ID, along with photocopies of these documents. Minors require additional documentation and parental consent.
Take a Passport Photo: Provide one recent, color photograph that meets the specific requirements set by the State Department. Major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart offer passport photo services with the necessary equipment and staff trained to take compliant photos.
Calculate Fees and Pay: Passport application fees vary depending on the type of application and the speed of processing, which you can find listed on the State Department's Passport Fees document. For adult applicants 16 years or older, passport books start at $130 and passport cards start at $30. For minors, passport books start at $100 and passport cards start at $15. Acceptance facility execution fees are $35, expedite fees are $60, and 1-2 day delivery is $20.
Submit in Person: First-time applicants and children under 16 must submit their applications in person at a passport acceptance facility. If you are having trouble finding an acceptance facility near you, you can contact the State Department's National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-7744. Passport application processing typically takes 6-8 weeks.
Validity: For adults over the age of 16, U.S. passports are valid for 10 years. For minors under the age of 16, they are valid for 5 years.
How do I renew my passport?
Passport renewal for adults can typically be done by mail using Form DS-82 if your current passport is in good condition, issued when you were 16 or older, and within the last 15 years. Include your current passport, a new photo, and the renewal fee with your application. Adults renewing their passport book by mail in the U.S. pay $130. There's no execution fee for mail-in renewals. Passport card renewals for adults are $30, and again, no execution fee is charged. Passport renewal processing typically takes 6-8 weeks.
How do I apply or renew my passport fast ?
If you need a new U.S. passport, the State Department offers three types of service:
Expedited Service: When renewing by mail, you can pay an additional $60 for expedited processing. This usually reduces processing time to 2-3 weeks.
Urgent Travel Appointment: If you have international travel within 14 days, schedule an appointment at a U.S. Passport Agency. Proof of travel is required, and the agency can process your application in as little as 72 hours.
Life-of-Death Emergency Appointment: In cases of immediate travel due to life-or-death emergencies, the U.S. Department of State can issue an emergency passport. You'll need to provide proof of the emergency and travel.
In case of a lost or stolen passport abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. You will need to report the loss and apply for a replacement by filling out Forms DS-11 and DS-64. Emergency passports can be issued quickly to facilitate your return to the United States or continue your travel plans.
What can I do to keep my passport safe?
Keep your passport in a safe place at home and avoid carrying it unnecessarily.
When traveling, bring digital or photocopies for emergencies and leave one with a trusted contact. Carry your passport close to your body in a secure manner. Always be aware of your surroundings and, when not in use, keep your passport in a secure location like your hotel safe or locked luggage.
The U.S. passport is a powerful document that facilitates international travel and adventure for American citizens. By understanding where and when a passport is needed, mastering the application and renewal processes, adopting best practices for safety, and knowing how to respond in emergencies, U.S. travelers can ensure they are well-prepared for their travels abroad.
Do you have questions about passport applications or renewals? Ask your Amavi advisor!
