U.S. Passports (United States Passport) Process

Please call the National US Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (TTY/TDD 1-888-874-7793) to schedule an us passport appointment at the nearest Passport Agency. Our automated appointment system is accessible every day, 24 hours a day. If the automated system cannot meet your needs, you can speak with a Customer Service Representative during business hours. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST (except federal holidays).

What is the United States Postal Service’s role with U.S. Passports (United States Passport)?

• The Postal Service will do in favor of United States Passports:
  • accept a customer’s FIRST TIME passport application
  • take authorized passport photos
  • review the application and forward the application to the U.S. Department of State for processing
• The Postal Service does NOT issue or create passports.
• Customers CANNOT pick up passports from a Post Office™ facility, they are mailed to the customer from the U.S. Department of State.
• For those wishing to renew a passport, replace a lost or stolen passport, or provide a name change, please visit the Department of State’s website https://travel.state.gov for more information.

How do I renew a U.S. Passports (United states passport renewal)?

• For those wishing to renew a passport, replace a lost or stolen passport, or provide a name change, please visit the Department of State’s website at https://travel.state.gov for more information.

How do I contact the Department of State for passport information?

• You may contact the Department of State’s National Passport Information Center (NPIC) for detailed information on U.S. Passports (i.e. expedited services, refunds, or documents such as birth certificates, etc. to be returned to you) through any of the following methods:
  • By website https://travel.state.gov
  • By phone
    • 1-877-487-2778 (1-877-4-USA-PPT)
    • 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY)
    • Available:
      • Customer Service Representatives are available Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 10:00pm Eastern Time
      • Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm Eastern Time
      • Excluding federal holidays
      • Automated passport information is available 24/7
  • By email: [email protected], most email inquiries are answered within 24 hours; however, the status of a passport will not be communicated via email.

What does a U.S. Passport book or card look like?

• All travelers are required to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the United States. The U.S. passport book is a full service passport document. Therefore, it can be used for all forms of travel (air, land, and sea) to and from any destination outside of the United States. When using international air travel, a passport book is required regardless of the foreign destination.
• The U.S. Department of State began issuing U.S. passport cards in July 2008. The passport card is the wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card provides a less expensive, smaller, and convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or by sea. Note – the passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
  

Why can’t I use the passport card to fly to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda?

• The passport card was designed for specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. The passport book is the only document approved for international travel by air.

Can I apply for the passport card and passport book at the same time using the same application?

• Yes, simply check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would like to apply for both products. If you already have a passport book and are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for your new passport card by mail using Form DS-82. You may renew your passport book at the same time using the same form.
• For specific information about passport requirements (including specific information about travel to and from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean) please visit https://travel.state.gov. Other contact information can be found by clicking here.

Who should have a valid U.S. passport(United States Passport)? How long is it valid?

• Passport Services recommends the following U.S. citizens maintain a valid U.S. passport:
  • Those with family living or traveling abroad
  • Those thinking about a vacation abroad
  • Those with a job that could require international travel

How long is a passport valid?

• If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. If you were age 15 or younger when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years. The issue date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip.
• Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
• Check the Department of State Country Specific Information to learn about entry and exit requirements for the country or countries in which you are traveling.

How do I apply for a first-time United States Passport with USPS ?

• You can apply for a first time passport at Post Office™ locations throughout the U.S. For those wishing to renew a passport, replace a lost or stolen passport, or provide a name change, please visit the Department of State’s website at https://travel.state.gov for more information.
• FIND A USPS POST OFFICE LOCATION
  To locate a Post Office™ facility where you can apply for a passport or have your passport photo taken for an additional fee, click here for our Post Office™ Locator tool.
  Once on the Post Office Locator webpage, perform the following actions:
  
  
  

   

  1. US Location Types: “Passports” should automatically be displayed, if not select from dropdown
  2. USPS BY City and State or usps by ZIP Code: type your city and state, or zip code
  3. You may narrow your search by selecting “Refine Search” below the Location Types dropdown menu. Refine Search: Select your preferred hours and available services
  4. Click the “Search” button
  5. Within: Select the miles from your desired location you are willing to travel to a Post Office facility
• The Search Results will display a list of Post Office locations within your search choices, with the following information for each Post Office facility:
  • Address
  • Passport appointment hours; if an appointment is required or not
  • Passport photo services; if available at that location or not
  • Phone number to call for additional information
  • Link to the Department of State for additional information
• BRING REQUIRED DOCUMENTS  Customers that need to renew a passport, replace a lost or stolen passport, or provide a name change,should visit https://travel.state.gov for more information. In order to apply for a first time passport (Form DS-11), there are a number of required documents you must have. These include:

1	US Passport Application Form DS-11
2	PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP: Evidence of U.S. citizenship AND a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) must be submitted with your passport application. The photocopy must be on 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper, black and white ink, legible, and clear. PROOF OF IDENTITY: You must present your original identification AND submit a photocopy of the front and back with your passport application.   One must be an original document (not a photocopy) proving U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship Photocopy of U.S. citizenship must be on 8.5 x 11” white paper and have a copy of the front and back side (if there is writing on both sides) photocopy cannot be double sided. One must be a current photo identification document such as a valid driver’s license, government ID, or military ID Photocopy must be on 8.5 x 11” white paper and have a copy of the front and back side (if there is writing on both sides) photocopy cannot be double sided. The same ID document must also be presented if you are applying in person.
3	On a plain white or off-white background 2 x 2 inches in size In color Taken within the last 6 months reflecting your current appearance If eyeglasses are worn, they must be removed in photo More information on passport photos requirements and examples as established by the Department of State. For a $15 fee, your passport photo may be taken at many of the Post Office facilities that accept passport applications. Please check with your local Post Office™ facility to make sure it offers photo service and whether an appointment is necessary if you need passport photos.
More  Information	For more information on these documents and requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/apply.html.
Photo Source: U.S. Department of State 2017 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

My U.S. Passport has been damaged. Can I continue to use this passport?

• If your passport has been significantly damaged, especially the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo, you will need to apply for a new passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries. Normal wear of a U.S. passport is expected and likely does not constitute “damage”. For instance, normal wear includes the bend of a passport after being carried in your back pocket or fanning of the visa pages after extensive opening and closing. If you need to replace your damaged passport, you will need to submit the following in person:
  • The damaged passport
  • A signed statement explaining the damaged or mutilated condition of your passport book and/or card
  • Form DS-11
  • All documents required by Form DS-11 including citizenship documentation (i.e., birth certificate)

How long does it take to get a  US passport?

• Processing times can vary depending on the time of year, and occasional unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. During busier times, such as the summer travel season, the Department of State encourages customers to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 6 weeks. You can refer to the Department of State’s website for the most up to date processing times.

What required documents are needed for United States Passport application acceptance?

• In order to apply for a first time passport (Form DS-11), there are a number of required documents you must have. These include:

1	US Passport Application Form DS-11
2	PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP: Evidence of U.S. citizenship AND a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) must be submitted with your passport application. The photocopy must be on 8 ½ inch by 11 inch paper, black and white ink, legible, and clear. PROOF OF IDENTITY: You must present your original identification AND submit a photocopy of the front and back with your passport application.   One must be an original document (not a photocopy) proving U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship Photocopy of U.S. citizenship must be on 8.5 x 11” white paper and have a copy of the front and back side (if there is writing on both sides) photocopy cannot be double sided. One must be a current photo identification document such as a valid driver’s license, government ID, or military ID Photocopy must be on 8.5 x 11” white paper and have a copy of the front and back side (if there is writing on both sides) photocopy cannot be double sided. The same ID document must also be presented if you are applying in person.
3	On a plain white or off-white background 2 x 2 inches in size In color Taken within the last 6 months reflecting your current appearance If eyeglasses are worn, they must be removed in photo More information on passport photos requirements and examples as established by the Department of State. For a $15 fee, your passport photo may be taken at many of the Post Office facilities that accept passport applications. Please check with your local Post Office™ facility to make sure it offers photo service and whether an appointment is necessary if you need passport photos.
4	For information on passport fees visit the Department of State’s website.
5	For more information on these documents and requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/apply.html.
Photo Source: U.S. Department of State 2017 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

What is an Acceptable Form of Identification?

• For a list of all acceptable identification secondary IDs please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/identification.html.

Acceptable Primary IDs:

• Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
• Fully-valid U.S. driver’s license or state non-driver’s identification card
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state or federal)
• U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
• Valid foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by the parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)

Where Can I Apply for a US Passport?

• To locate a USPS Post Office facility where you can apply for a passport or have your passport photo taken for an additional fee, click here for our Post Office Locator tool.
  Once on the Post Office Locator webpage, perform the following actions:

1. Location Types: “Passports” should automatically be displayed, if not select from dropdown
2. City and State or your ZIP Code™: type your city and state, or zip code
3. You may narrow your search by selecting “Refine Search” below the Location Types dropdown menu. Refine Search: Select your preferred hours and available services
4. Click the “Search” button
5. Within: Select the miles from your desired location you are willing to travel to a Post Office facility

• The Search Results will display a list of Post Office locations within your search choices, with the following information for each Post Office facility:
  • Address
  • Passport appointment hours; if an appointment is required or not
  • Passport photo services; if available at that location or not
  • Phone number to call for additional information
  • Link to the Department of State for additional information

How do I pay U.S. Passport fees at a local  USPS Post Office facility?

• Two separate payments are required for passport services. One is an application fee which is provided to the Department of State, the second fee is an acceptance fee that is paid directly to the Postal Service:
  • Application Fee and any Additional Services Fees payable to “U.S. Department of State”
    • Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) and money orders
    • Credit and debit cards CANNOT be accepted
    • Please visit passport fees and payment methods for the U.S. Department of State.
  • $25 Acceptance Fee Paid Separately payable to “Postmaster”
    • USPS Money orders
    • Personal checks
    • Debit or credit cards
• For additional information, please see FAQ What Forms of Payment are Accepted for Post Office Retail Transactions?

How do I schedule a passport appointment?

The USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler will schedule a passport application appointment every 15 minutes during passport hours of operation. To schedule a passport appointment online:

1. Please visit the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler (www.usps.com/scheduler) and click “Schedule an Appointment”.
2. Complete all required fields in the form with an asterisks.
3. Click “Review Appointment”.
4. Click “Schedule Appointment”.

You can learn more by visiting the FAQ – USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler.

You can find your local Post Office facility’s passport hours of operation through the Postal Locator.

How can I find information on lost passports, errors, fees, expedited processing and refunds?

• Report a lost or stolen valid passport immediately! If your passport has been lost or stolen, please see additional information on compromised identities and identity theft.

What about applying U.S. Passports in person and minors?

• You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if at least one of the following is true:
  • You are applying for your first U.S. passport or
  • You are under age 16
  • Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16 or
  • Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged or
  • Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago or
  • Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change
• Please note that additional requirements exist for minor children under 16 years of age and for minor children 16-17 years old:
  • Minor Children Under 16 years of age
    • Must apply in person with both parent(s)/guardian(s).
    • Parent(s)/Guardian(s) must submit evidence of their relationship to the minor applicant.
    • When applying for a minor under age 16, both parent(s)/guardian(s) must present acceptable identification at the time of application.
    • Both parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide consent authorizing passport issuance for a minor under age 16.If you cannot submit primary identification, then you will need to submit documents that meet secondary identification requirements. For more information on passports for minors (under age 16) please visit Department of State’s FAQ for minors.
  • Minor Children 16 and 17 years old
    • Must appear in person at the time of application
    • Have a parent or guardian present photo identification if the minor does not have identification of his or her own
    • Establish parental consent (You may be requested to provide written parental consent for a child age 16 or 17 if it is not implied on the application)
• If none of the above statements apply to you, you may be eligible to U.S. Passports Renew by Mail using Form DS-82.
• For further questions regarding the passport application process and criteria, please refer to the U.S. Department of State:
  • By website https://travel.state.gov
  • By phone
    • 1-877-487-2778 (1-877-4-USA-PPT)
    • 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY)
    • Available:
      • Customer Service Representatives are available Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 10:00pm Eastern Time
      • Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm Eastern Time
      • Excluding federal holidays
      • Automated passport information is available 24/7
  • By email: [email protected], most email inquiries are answered within 24 hours; however, the status of a passport will not be communicated via email.

What else do I need to know when applying for a Passport with the USPS?

• Do I have to provide my Social Security Number on my passport application?
  Yes. The FAST Act (Public Law 114-94) requires you to provide your Social Security Number (SSN), if you have one, when you apply for a U.S. passport or renewal of a U.S. passport. If you do not have a SSN, enter zeros in box #5 of your passport form. The Social Security Administration can issue you a SSN for future use. If you fail to provide the information, you will encounter a delay in processing and/or denial of your passport application. You will also be subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS pursuant to Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6039E).
• Will I receive my new passport and documents back in one envelope?
  • Passport Book Only: You may receive your newly issued passport and your citizenship documents in two separate mailings.
  • Passport Card Only: You may receive your newly issued passport card and your citizenship documents in two separate mailings.
  • Passport Book and Card: You may receive three separate mailings; one with your citizenship documents, one with your newly issued passport book, and one with your newly issued passport card.
  • If you do not receive a second mailing within 10 business days of receiving the first, please contact the National Passport Information Center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-487-2778; 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY).
• For passport questions, travel emergencies, delivery questions, or scheduling an appointment at one of the Regional Passport Agencies.
• Non Refundable Fees
  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.
• Service Commitment
  If you pay for Expedited Service and do not receive your passport within 2-3 weeks after applying (assuming two-way Priority Mail Express® service is chosen), you may submit a refund request with the U.S. Department of State for the Expedited Service Fee.

Need more information? Check out these FAQs:

• What Forms of Payment are Accepted for Post Office™ Retail Transactions?
• What is the USPS Credit Card Signature Policy?

Contact U.S. Passports