Passport FAQ

Is a passport required?

Every American citizen is required to present a valid passport when exiting and re-entering the United States. There are a couple of exceptions. Passports are not required for closed-loop cruises and minors can travel by land or sea to Canada with only evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Naturalization Certificate. Also, passports can be substituted in cases of land border crossings with trusted travel program cards such as Nexus cards (US/Canada), Sentri cards (US/Mexico) and FAST cards (commercial truckers) or an enhanced driver's license.

Who should apply for a new passport

Applicants should apply for a new passport if they have never possessed a passport previously; are a minor; were a minor when their most recent passport was issued; cannot submit their most recent passport because is was lost, stolen or damaged; have a passport that was issued more then 15 years ago; or have had a name change which they cannot legally document.

What application form should be submitted to get a new passport?

Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport

What other documents are required?

Evidence of United States citizenship
Proof of identity
Photocopy of identification document
One passport photo

What are the new passport fees?

Application fee (passport book) - $110
Application fee (passport card) - $30
Execution fee - $25

How long does it take for a new passport application to be processed?

Currently, passport applications are being processed in 4-6 weeks for routine service.

Can a new passport application be expedited?

Yes, include an additional $60 in your payment for the expedited service and write the word "expedite" on the envelope. Processing the application will take up to 3 weeks.

Is it possible to get a new passport in less than two weeks?

Yes. There are two ways to do this. One, you can schedule an appointment and visit a regional passport agency. There are twenty such agencies located in major U.S. cities. Two, you can apply through a professional expediter such as Online Passport Services.

When should I apply for a passport renewal?

American citizens are encouraged to submit an application for passport renewal approximately 9 months before their travel document expires. The reason the application should be submitted early is to both provide adequate time for processing and to comply with the entrance requirement of many countries that a passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond one's travel dates.

Can I renew my passport if it is expired?

It depends on the expiration date. Passports issued to adults are valid for 10 years. However, you can still renew a passport by mail if it was issued up to 15 years ago. This gives you up to 5 years beyond the expiration date to apply for the renewal.

Can I apply for a renewal if I have the passport number but not the actual passport?

No, you can only apply for a renewal if you can submit your most recent passport.

What application form do I use to renew my passport?

Form DS-82: Application for a Passport by Mail

What is the cost of renewing a passport by mail?

The application fee is $110 for a passport book and $20 for a passport card. There is no execution fee.

How fast can I get a passport renewed?

Routine service takes 4-6 weeks. Expedited service by mail takes 2-3 weeks. You can get your passport renewed in a day or two by applying at a regional passport agency.

How can I expedite my passport renewal if I cannot personally visit a regional passport agency?

The only way to get a passport renewed in less that two weeks if you cannot personally visit a regional agency is to apply through an experienced passport renewal expediting service.

Is a passport required for a minor to travel abroad?

Each American citizen, independent of age, must possess a valid passport in order to travel abroad. This includes minors, even infants. There are a couple of exceptions such as travel by land or sea to Canada or on a closed-loop cruise. Othere than these, everyone needs a passport when crossing international borders.

Where can I apply for a passport for a minor?

Submit the application form and supporting documentation at a passport application acceptance facility.

Which application form is used to get a passport for a minor?

Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport

What other documents are required?

• Evidence of United States citizenship


• Evidence of parent/child relatonship


• Parent(s) or Guardian(s) identification


• Photocopy of identification document(s)


• Two passport photos

Do minors require the consent of parent(s) or legal guardian(s)?

Yes, all minors under the age of 16 must have the consent of their parent(s) or guardian(s) in order to obtain a passport. This is provided by both parents appearing with the minor and signing Form DS-11. If only one parent appears, this parent must also submit the non-applying parent's written consent (Form DS-3053) or evidence of sole legal custody.

How must does it cost to get a child's passport?

Application fee (passport book) - $80
Application fee (passport card) - $20
Execution fee - $25

What is the validity of a minor's passport?

A minor's passport is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.

How long does it take to get a passport for a minor?

It take up to 6 weeks for standard service. An optional fee of $60 can be paid to expedite the application. Expedited services is usually completed in up to 3 weeks. There are two options for those who need to get passports in less time. One, apply at a regional passport agenc. Two, employ the services of a qualified travel document expediter.

When should I replace my passport?

You should replace a passport when it is lost, stolen or damaged or if you have been issued a limited-validity passport in an emergency.

What form is used for a passport replacement?

Basically, replacing a lost, stolen or damaged passport requires applying for a new passport. Therefore, the form to be used is Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. passport. If you are replacing an emergency, limited-validity passport, then it depends on whether the passport has expired or not. If it has not expired, then you can renew by mail using form DS-82. If the expiration date has passed, then you need to submit form DS-11 at an authorized application acceptance facility.

How do I report the fact that my passport was lost or stolen?

You can report a lost or stolen passport by either calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or submitting Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen.

How much does it cost to replace a passport?

The fees are the same as those for a new passport.

Application fee (passport book) - $110 (adult) / $80 (minor)
Application fee (passport card) - $30 (adult) / $20 (minor)
Execution fee - $25

Where do I go to replace a passport outside the U.S.?

Visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to get a passport replacement while abroad.

How long does it take to replace a passport?

Routine process is generally completed in 4-6 weeks. A request for expedited service can get the replacement processed in up to 3 weeks. Quicker service can be secured at a regional processing center through a reliable passport expediter if you are unable to personally visit the regional agency.

When should a passport name change be requested?

You should apply for a passport name change any time your name is legally changed. This can be through marriage, divorce, court order or exclusive use of a name for five years.

Will my current passport be amended with the new name in it?

No. Passport are no longer amended. A new passport will be issued to you.

What are the requirements to change the name in a passport?

This depends on whether your current passport was issued less than a year ago or more than a year ago and if you can submit evidence of the legal name change.

What do I send if my passport was issued less than a year ago?

You can mail your current passport, completed form DS-5504, an original or certified copy of the document that serves as evidence of the legal name change and two passport photos if required.

What do I submit if my passport was issued more then one year ago?

In this case, you need to submit your current passport, form DS-82, an original or certified copy of the document that serves as evidence of the legal name change and two passport photos along with payment for the fee.

What do I do if I cannot submit evidence of the name change?

You must appear at a passport application acceptance facility and submit your current passport, completed but unsigned form DS-11, at least three public records that show exclusive use of the assumed name for five years. two passport photos and payment for the fees.

How much does a passport name change cost?

If your passport was issued less than a year ago, there is no fee. If your passport was issued more than a year ago, the fee is $110. If you cannot submit certified evidence of the name change, the application fee is $110 and the execution fee is $25.

Can I expedite the name change in my passport?

Yes, the fee for expedited service is $60.

How long does it take to get the name changed in a passport?

If you apply for routine service, it takes 4-6 weeks. If you request expedited service, the process should be completed in 2-3 weeks. Applicants who need to get names in passports changed faster can either apply at a regional agency or go through a qualified expediting service.

What is expedited passport service?

Expedited service allows you to obtain your passport more quickly than routine processing.

How quickly can you expedite a passport?

Applications sent by mail or through a local acceptance facility can be expedited in 2-3 weeks. Same day passports are available at regional passport agencies.

What if I cannot personally visit a regional passport agency?

You can authorize a professional expediter to submit the application for you.

How much does it cost to expedite a passport?

Expedited service fee paid to the U.S. Department of State is $60. This does not include other fees paid to the government. Fees for private expediters range from approximately $79 for two weeks service to $399 for same day service. They key to avoiding this expense is to apply early. However, things can happen unexpectedly which make it necessary to use this service. Compared to the expenses of that can incur if you live far away from a regional agency or the loss of having to cancel your international flight, it may be the least expensive route.

Are private expediting services a scam?

No. Professional expediters provide a legitimate service that is authorized by the U.S. Department of State. Expediters have been around for decades and must be registered with the regional agencies in order to submit applications at these locations. This does not mean that every expediter provides quality service. Neither does every car repair shop or any other service-oriented business. If you need your passport in a hurry, be sure to go with a registered passport expediter.