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Thousands of Post Offices ™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo.

• Renewing Passports : If you answer 'Yes' to all 5 eligibility questions in the " Renew a Passport by Mail " section, mail your renewal form directly to the State Department. If you don't meet all the renewal requirements, you'll need to go to a Post Office in person and do a new, first-time passport application.
• First-Time Passports (and Passport Photos) : Schedule your in-person appointment online.

Schedule an Appointment

Alert: --> online scheduler to make an appointment for passport services to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. The State Department has extremely limited passport services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expect significant delays of several months before receiving your new U.S. passport. Learn More

Alert: Please use our online scheduler , a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk, or visit a Post Office retail counter to make an appointment for first-time passport and photo services. Alternatively, find a location near you with passport walk-in acceptance hours.

First-Time Passports

First-time applicants and people who aren’t allowed to get a new passport by mail.

Apply at a Post Office

Expedited Delivery

Renewing Passports

Most people renewing a passport should mail their application directly to the State Department.

Renew by Mail

Passports for Minors

Passports for children under 16 have special requirements. Make sure you are prepared.

Apply for a First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person at the Post Office.

Step 1: Gather Documents Early

Generally, you should apply for your new passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally—at least several months in advance. Passport processing times may vary, so be sure to check the latest State Department service estimates . First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.

• Application forms (unsigned)
• Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Passport fees

Apply for a Passport in Person

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package

Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.

• Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
• Print your completed application. DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Postal employee must witness your signature.
• Have a passport photo taken.
• Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
• Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
• State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Get Started on Your Application

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk.

Scheduling Online

• Go to Schedule an Appointment .
• Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• You can search for appointment by location or date first. If you search by location first, you'll then be asked to choose a date and time; if you search by date first, you'll then need to choose a location and time.
• After you choose your appointment location and time, provide your contact information, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Click Review Appointment , then confirm your appointment.

If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, click the Manage Appointments tab and enter your confirmation number and email address or phone number.

Using a Self-Service Kiosk

• Go to a Post Office location with lobby self-service kiosks. Find USPS Locations
• At the self-service kiosk, touch the screen to begin, then select "Other Services," then "Passport Scheduler."
• Choose the passport service you need, then enter the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• Search for Post Office locations by ZIP Code™ or City/State and choose a location.
• Select an available appointment date and time, then agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Enter your contact information and decide if you'd like to receive SMS text notifications.
• Review and confirm your information, then select “Schedule Appointment” to finalize.
• Take your printed receipt listing your confirmation number and appointment details.

Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance & Processing Fees

First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra. Learn how to calculate fees and what you can use to pay for them.

Application Acceptance Fees – Postal Service

Pay acceptance fees in person at the Post Office. You may pay by check or money order, payable to "Postmaster," debit card, or credit card.

• $35.00 - Post Office acceptance fee
• $15.00 - Post Office photo fee (if needed)

Application Processing Fees – Department of State

State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from USPS fees.

• State Department Fees State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online .
• Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
• Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You can buy a money order at the Post Office with cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. You cannot pay with a credit card.

Application Status Updates

• Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are on their way to the Department of State. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page " U.S. Passports ."

Renew a Passport by Mail

If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail .

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail

A minor's passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor's passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person . An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.

You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer "Yes" to all 5 of the following statements:

Your passport:

• Is in your possession to submit with your application.
• Is undamaged other than normal "wear and tear."
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• Was issued within the last 15 years.
• Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport .)

If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.

State Department Renew by Mail

Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.

• Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
• Print and sign your DS-82 form.
• Have a passport photo taken. You can schedule a passport photo-only appointment at a Post Office ™ location.
• Calculate your passport renewal fees .
• Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
• Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
• TIP : Pay for Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your application. Order easily online: Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope or Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope .
• Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.

How to Renew a Passport - Details

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application

Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.

Choose one of the following services:

• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Delivery Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Signature Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail Express ® Service (for overnight delivery requests)

Compare Delivery Tracking Services

Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress

If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking ® to see when your package is delivered.

• With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.

USPS Tracking Status

U.S. Passport Application Status

Expedited Passport Delivery

Get a new passport faster in emergencies & special cases.

If you need your passport faster for emergency travel or another special case, you can send your passport application via Priority Mail Express ® service and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery.

Life-or-Death Emergency

If you need to travel within 72 hours (3 business days) for an immediate family member who is dead, dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury:

• Visit the Life-or-Death Emergencies page on travel.state.gov to learn if you are eligible.
• The State Department processes these requests by appointment only.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel.

Urgent Travel in Less than 10 Weeks

If you are traveling in less than 10 weeks, you must call the State Department Passport Agency to schedule an appointment:

• You can call 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) to schedule an appointment.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel, and you must provide proof of travel.

Note : An extremely limited number of appointments are available for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days), and other restrictions apply .

Get My Passport Fast

Renew Your Passport Fast

If you pay an additional $60 for expedited service and mail it with Priority Mail Express , you can get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.

• Check your eligibility under Renew Your Passport by Mail, Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail .
• Prepare your application as listed under Renew a Passport by Mail, Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package .
• Add these special fees, both payable to the U.S. Department of State, to your regular processing fees.
• $60.00—Expedited application processing at the State Department
• $18.32—1- to 2-day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department
• Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
• Ship your application to the State Department by Priority Mail Express. Cost varies by location.
• Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
• Children need evidence of citizenship.
• Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
• NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years. They are not "renewable": When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them. When making a passport appointment for a child, please choose "New Passport Only" or "New Passport with Photo Services."

Apply for a Minor's Passport

• Department of State Passport Website English | Español
• Ask Questions at the National Passport Information Center
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Plan Your Trip with the Traveler's Checklist
• Get Help in an Emergency Overseas

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.

Report Your Lost/Stolen Passport

When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department

Editor's Note

Even if you're an avid traveler, you might not be entirely aware of when your U.S. passport expires and how to renew it .

Rest assured: The process is relatively straightforward, and most applicants can easily do it online.

Here's everything you need to know about renewing your U.S. passport.

When should you renew your passport?

When timing your passport renewal, there are many dates to consider. I would argue the most important date to remember is six months before your passport expires. This is because many countries require travelers to have a minimum of six months of passport validity left at the time of entry.

As long as you submit your passport for renewal at least six months in advance, it should also cover your expiration and travel dates.

Additionally, remember that U.S. passports are valid for 10 years for most adults and five years for passports issued before the age of 16.

When you identify all of the dates for your specific circumstances, you should check current passport processing times , which change frequently.

Current processing times

If you do not have travel booked within the next two months, the agency advises you to renew your passport via routine service to receive it within six to eight weeks. For travel within the next two months, your best option is expedited service. For either option, you should tack on another two weeks for processing to begin and another two weeks for the passports to be returned.

Urgent travel

If you have international travel planned in the next 14 days, you have a few options to renew your passport. Your first option falls under the urgent travel category, which is for non-emergency travel within two or three weeks. In this case, you should attempt to make an appointment at a passport agency or center, either online or in person.

For life-or-death emergencies necessitating international travel within three days, you must provide documentation of a qualifying emergency circumstance to make an appointment. Do this online if you've not yet applied for a passport or via phone if you have applied.

Note that you can schedule these appointments up to two weeks prior to travel, but your appointment must fall within three business days of travel. Also, note that appointments for urgent travel are limited and cannot be guaranteed.

How should you renew your passport?

Most people are eligible to renew their passport via mail; this requires completing a Form DS-82 and providing a photo, your most recent passport and a check for the fees. Passport photos must meet the specified guidelines listed here .

All passport applications sent by mail must be transmitted via the U.S. Postal Service — no exceptions. If you use another carrier, your renewal package will be returned to you without being processed. If you're mailing your passport renewal application from Canada, you must use Canada Post.

If you meet one of four circumstances — including if you applied for a child under age 16, lost your passport or received your most recent passport 15-plus years ago — then you must renew your passport in person at a passport acceptance facility . Some facilities allow walk-ins, while others require appointments, so double-check your desired location's requirements.

How much does it cost?

Renewing your passport costs $130 for a passport book, $30 for a limited-use passport card and $160 for both the book and a passport card. If you plan to expedite your service, factor in an additional $60. You can also pay $18.32 for faster mailing.

Use the U.S. Department of State's online calculator to estimate fees for your specific renewal.

Bottom line

Remember that your passport number will change when you renew it, so you'll need to update your passport information for any Trusted Traveler Program membership online.

Passport processing times change throughout the year, but renewing your passport at least six months before travel should account for any processing delays.

Related reading:

• If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
• Best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
• Why you should renew your child's 5-year passport after 4 years
• Here are 15 places you need a visa to travel with an American passport
• Guide to getting your child's passport
• Easy ways to check your passport application status

How Long it Takes to Renew Your Passport And What to Do If You're Traveling Soon

Don't miss out on the cost of your entire trip because you forgot how long it takes to renew your passport.

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When you’re planning a trip abroad, there are so many elements to consider — Where is the dollar strong ? How will you get around once you’re there? Is travel insurance worth it ? Do you need to know any basic phrases in another language to get by? — that sometimes, it’s easy to forget you need to consider one key point: how long it takes to renew your passport. 

The Department of State said in a press release in December that processing times are back to pre-pandemic levels. Keep in mind, though, that it's still a handful of weeks to get a renewed passport, as we'll get into the details below. This is a big change from March, when the Department of State warned there were higher than average wait times to renew your passport.

"Our dedicated staff have worked countless hours to reduce passport processing times," the State Department said in October. "We are investing in supporting and modernizing our technology, increased staffing levels by ten percent, and have hundreds of additional staff in the hiring pipeline. We remain focused on lowering processing times, and this reduction is an important first step."

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You don’t want to waste dollars and miss out on the cost of your entire trip just because you were unable to get your passport back in time, so here’s what you need to consider when renewing a passport for your trip.

When you need to renew your passport

Passports expire after 10 years, so it’s not a process you’ll need to do particularly often. You should keep in mind, however, that there are some countries that will not let you enter them if your passport is expiring within six months of your travel dates — so it’s good practice to renew beforehand. This is a requirement for many countries in Asia or South America, for example. 

If you are traveling with someone who got their passport before they turned 16, keep in mind their passport will only last five years before it expires.

How long it will take to renew your passport

Typical passport applications are processing in six to eight weeks for routine services per the State Department. If you opt to spend the money to expedite your passport (an additional $60 on top of the usual application costs), you will get it earlier, but it’s still a wait: two to three weeks.

Keep in mind, the State Department does not include mailing times in that estimate. It can take up to two weeks for it to receive an application in the mail, as well as up to two weeks for you to receive your finalized passport back in the mail.

The State Department also noted in its December statement that they are seeing "unprecedented demand" for passports this year, but they are taking efforts to tackle that demand.

If you want to avoid the stress of waiting or the extra fees associated with expediting your passport, we recommend applying for your passport as early as you can if it’s near expiration date, or if it has been lost or damaged.

What to do if you need a new passport and you’re traveling soon

Sometimes, life just happens and you’re unable to get a passport in time for your trip. Don’t worry — you do have options.

If you don’t have a viable passport and you’re traveling abroad within two weeks, you can try to make an emergency appointment at a passport center. You’ll have to call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule this appointment and bring proof of your imminent travel with you. Then, you’ll be able to get a passport in time for your trip. 

You can also use this service if a life-or-death emergency comes up and you need to travel internationally within 72 hours.

Passport processing times are daunting right now, so your best move to avoid anxiety or extra costs is to handle any passport needs while planning your travel. Still, it is possible to get a last-minute emergency passport, so don’t worry too much if that ends up being your situation — you’ll be relaxing on your vacation abroad soon enough!

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Becca van Sambeck is a writer and editor with experience in many fields, including travel, entertainment, business, education, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in outlets like NBC, Oxygen, Bravo, the University of Southern California, Elite Daily, CafeMom, Travel For Teens, and more. She currently resides in New York City.

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How to Get a Passport in One Day

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

You booked an international flight, applied for (or renewed) your passport and have patiently waited for the blue book’s arrival. Weeks have gone by, and there’s still no sign of your passport in the mail.

With an upcoming travel date approaching faster than Usain Bolt running toward the finish line in the 100-meter dash, you might be stressing about where your passport is and whether you can get a passport quickly should you need to shift gears.

If you’re wondering “Can I get a passport in one day?” The answer could depend on where you live. So if your passport hasn’t arrived or you forgot to send it in for a renewal, here’s what you need to know about passport processing times and 24-hour passports.

What types of passport services are available?

The U.S. Department of State offers four types of passport services: routine, expedited, urgent travel and emergency. The type of service depends on whether you have proof of confirmed travel dates and when you’re traveling.

Routine and expedited processing timelines are prone to change, while urgent and emergency processing remain set. Current posted processing timelines for routine and expedited service are as follows:

Routine processing: Six to eight weeks.

Expedited processing: Two to three weeks.

Routine passport service is the slowest service available. This option is best for travelers who don’t have any international trips coming up within that time frame. To apply for a new passport or renew an existing one, you’ll need to submit your documents by mail or at an acceptance center , such as a library or post office.

Expedited passport processing still takes several weeks, according to the State Department. You’ll submit your application the same way you would for routine processing. Expect to pay a $60 fee on top of the routine passport fee for expedited service.

Urgent travel

If you’re traveling internationally sooner than expedited processing will allow, you’ll want to select nonemergency urgent service to receive a passport in time for your trip.

If you’ve already applied for a passport and are within 14 calendar days of travel, you should call the National Passport Information Center to notify the processing agency of your upcoming travel. If you haven’t applied yet and are traveling within 14 days, you need to make an appointment to visit a passport agency in person.

If your international trip starts within five calendar days, you must schedule an appointment at a passport agency. You’ll also need to provide proof of travel. Keep in mind it can be tricky to get an appointment since time slots fill up quickly.

An emergency passport can be processed within 72 hours only if you have a qualifying life-or-death emergency. You must call a passport agency for one of these appointments and provide proof of international travel.

Qualifying life-or-death emergencies include:

An immediate family member has died.

An immediate family member is dying or in hospice care.

An immediate family member has a life-threatening injury or illness.

Immediate family members include parents, legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings or grandparents.

You must get documentation of the emergency, such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary or a letter from the hospital. If the documents aren’t in English, you must have them translated by a professional translator. However, they don’t need to be notarized.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport to book an international flight?

How to make an appointment at a passport agency

There are a limited number of appointments available for applicants traveling internationally within 14 days or who need to apply for a visa within 28 days.

To make an appointment at a passport center for urgent travel, you must call 1-877-487-2778 (closed on federal holidays). For life-or-death emergency travel, call 1-877-487-2778 during the week or 1-202-647-4000 outside of business hours. You’ll receive unique confirmation information that only you can use on the day of your appointment.

Note that you can’t transfer your appointment time slot to another person. If you can’t attend, you must cancel by phone or by emailing [email protected] , and your time slot will be assigned to another person.

A passport agency appointment is free of charge. If you’re asked to pay for an appointment, it’s not a legitimate appointment. Walk-ins appointments aren't available.

Bring a completed passport application, a passport photo, a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, and payment for passport processing. Also, don’t forget the documentation required for one-day passport renewal, such as proof of travel and life-and-death emergency documentation.

» Learn more: What’s the passport photo dress code?

U.S. passport agency locations

If you need to rush your passport, you can make an appointment at one of the 26 U.S. passport agencies that are open to the public across the country. If the closest and most convenient location doesn’t have open time slots, check the next closest one to which you can drive.

For example, Los Angeles and San Diego are within driving distance.

The U.S. passport centers are located in the following cities:

Aurora, Colorado.

Buffalo, New York.

El Paso, Texas.

Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Los Angeles.

Minneapolis.

New Orleans.

Philadelphia.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

San Francisco.

San Juan, Puerto Rico.

St. Albans, Vermont.

Stamford, Connecticut.

Tucson, Arizona.

Washington, DC.

For locations and operating hours, go to the passport agencies page on the State Department’s website and scroll down to the frequently asked questions.

Can you get a passport in one day?

If you’re trying to get a passport in 24 hours, know that it might not be easy. It could take longer to process your passport, even if you score one of the limited appointments at a passport agency.

Make sure to bring the exact documents required for a passport and ensure your photo follows the guidelines outlined by the State Department. Your trip is at stake, and you don’t want to mess this up.

» Learn more: Can you wear makeup in a passport photo?

As a last resort, contact your member of Congress

If you can’t get an appointment at a passport agency and all else fails, contact your U.S. representative's office. Believe it or not, they may be able to expedite the processing of your passport. However, you shouldn’t rely on this method — use it as a last resort only.

You still might not get your passport in one day, but it’s worth a try if you only have a week or two left before your trip, especially if you don’t live near a passport agency. Use a Google search to find out who represents your district and how to contact them.

How to get a passport in 24 hours

"Maybe" is the answer to “Can I get my passport in one day?”

The only way to get a same-day passport is by visiting one of the passport agencies — but only if you can get an appointment — and even that can take longer than 24 hours. The available slots are hard to come by, and you might be left behind while your travel companions jet off without you.

If you think you’ll travel in the future, we recommend applying for a passport now. And if you currently hold a passport, check its expiration date and renew well in advance to avoid having to scramble later.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Welcome to Consumer Rescue

Fiascos and Fixes

Yes, you can still get a new passport fast. This is how

Michelle Couch-Friedman

Consumer reporter and ombudsman

April 7, 2023

Have you checked the expiration date on your passport recently? If you haven’t, and your plans for this summer include international travel, you better go have a look. Unfortunately, if you need a new passport, you won’t be able to get one fast using standard or expedited methods.  

As of March 24, the U.S. Department of State says the current processing time for a standard passport application is 10-13 weeks. Expedited applications are projected to take 7-9 weeks. However, based on our complaint files, these time frames are on the low end of the scale.

But there is still a way you might be able to get a new passport fast in 2023. I say “might” because this way is not for the faint of heart — it won’t be easy, cheap, or guaranteed.

Here’s how one determined traveler obtained a brand-new passport in just several days and how you can, too, if you’re up for the challenge. 

Here’s what to bring to your appointment

5 steps to get your passport fast with an urgent travel need, april 2024: passport processing time has returned to “normal”, oops my passport expired — again.

Imagine your entire family is excitedly packing for your first international adventure since the beginning of the pandemic. You’ll soon be on your way to the Caribbean to relax and enjoy some sun and tropical drinks. 

Or will you? 

The traveler in this tale neglected to look at his passport’s expiration date until a few nights before his family’s trip. That’s when he was shocked to discover the document had expired – two years ago!

But no worries, he thought. Consumer Rescue could surely help him.

Why was this guy so confident about that, you might ask.

Well, that’s the embarrassing part of this story. 

The traveler in need of a new passport is my husband. The family, happily packing for the trip that was now in jeopardy, is mine. 

Worse, this isn’t the first time this husband of mine has found himself in this type of passport fiasco.

Can this trip be saved? (Hint: Not without a new passport)

As you can imagine, the mood in our household swiftly changed. As a travel ombudsman, I was well aware that in 2023, it’s nearly impossible to get a new passport fast. 

The U.S. Passport Service has been overwhelmed with the onslaught of applications as COVID restrictions around the world have lifted, and Americans are rediscovering their love of international travel.

Frankly, I was doubtful that we would be able to find a way to get my husband’s passport renewed in time for our trip. But this was a special vacation. We were traveling to St. Martin to celebrate my youngest daughter’s 18th birthday, and we were meeting friends and extended family on the island.

So I had to try to save this trip.

If I could snag my husband an appointment at a regional U.S passport office based on an “urgent travel” need, I knew, he could have his passport within hours. 

But I also knew those appointments are quite limited and are increasingly difficult to obtain.  However, living just outside of New York City gave us the advantage of being in close proximity to quite a few regional passport agencies. 

I hoped I would be able to secure an appointment for my husband at one of those passport offices. 

That turned out to be a lofty goal. 

Limited hours to call for an appointment at a U.S. passport agency

Our first obstacle: The hotline to make an appointment at a regional U.S. passport agency (1-877-487-2778) is only live Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Time).

It was Sunday night when my husband discovered his passport was expired and needed to be renewed. We wouldn’t even be able to begin to try to get an appointment until the next day.

I spent the evening scouring the internet to find out if there was any other possible way to get a passport fast. Bottom line: There isn’t. 

In past years, before the pandemic, passport expeditor companies were able to bypass traditional routes for renewals. For a $250 fee, these services would do all the work for the traveler and deliver a brand-new passport within hours. 

I know this because, as I alluded to above, this isn’t my husband’s first time overlooking his passport’s expiration date until an international trip was set to begin. 

What about those passport expeditor services?

Some years ago, we were taking my mother-in-law and niece to France for spring break. That is until he handed over an expired passport at the check-in counter and was denied boarding our flight. 

Just like the many travelers you’ve read about on this site who have been denied boarding international flights and cruises because of a missing or expired passport, it was soon clear that he wasn’t flying anywhere that night.

• Carnival Cruises rejected me and my expired passport
• No, you can’t fly internationally with a library card!

My husband headed out of the airport with a promise that he would try to meet us in Paris as soon as possible.

And I headed to the City of Lights with my mother-in-law. 

It was certainly not how I expected that trip to start out. 

American Express Travel Services directed my husband to a trusted passport expeditor in New York City, who quickly was able to get a new passport for him. He met us in Europe the next day. 

But those services don’t have any special clout in today’s post-pandemic world. The ones that still exist may just be preying on desperate travelers who have waited too long to renew their passports. 

Warning: On its site, The U.S. Department of State warns travelers that couriers and expeditors are not able to get you a passport any more quickly than if you apply at a U.S. passport agency. So beware if a company claims to be able to get your new passport fast for a hefty fee. 

In 2023, the only way to get a new passport immediately is the hard way… no shortcuts now. 

Getting an endless busy signal … and then success!

The Monday morning before our scheduled family trip to the Caribbean, I dialed the U.S. Passport Service’s number a few moments before 8 a.m. I got a busy signal. I spent the next half hour dialing the number over and over and getting a busy signal each time. 

Then… surprisingly… success. But only partial success. I was now connected to the scheduling system for an appointment at a regional passport office. However, there would be a lengthy wait to reach a human. 

The good news? The system counts down the minutes until you can expect to speak to a person. 

After about 45 minutes, there was a real agent on the phone. He asked a few questions about the nature of my husband’s urgent travel to confirm that the trip was imminent. 

The scheduler searched his database, first for appointments at one of the regional passport offices in a reasonable radius of New York City. Then gradually, his radius got wider and wider. Until finally, he explained that there were no appointments anywhere in the entire system for the next five days. 

The representative recommended that I try back in an hour because the system constantly updates. An appointment at one of the passport agencies could open up at any time, he advised.

Dejected, I hung up and redialed… and went through this same process five more times. 

I was beginning to think I was on a fool’s errand trying to get my husband a new passport in time for this trip.

You can get a new passport tomorrow – in Puerto Rico

But then several hours later – real success! 

The person on the line said that an appointment had just opened up the next day – in Puerto Rico. I quickly grabbed it. 

Then we spent the next several hours planning the logistics of flying from New York to San Juan for the passport appointment. Next, I filled out all the required documentation for his passport renewal. My husband went to CVS to get his new passport photos.  

And even though we were all flying to the Caribbean and it would seem like a convenient hop from Puerto Rico to St. Martin, it wasn’t. 

Because of last-minute unavailability of flights between the two islands, my husband had to book a flight back to New York to connect to a flight to St. Martin. 

Nothing about this trip was going smoothly.

The next day, the girls and I flew to St. Martin to begin our vacation. My husband flew the 1,600 miles to San Juan and went straight to his appointment at the U.S. passport office there. 

At the passport agency, the agent required the following items to process the document that afternoon:

• Proof of international travel within 14 days of the appointment
• DS82 (previously completed passport renewal form) 
• His expired passport 
• A check or money order for the renewal fee ($130)
• A check or money order for expedited processing ($60)
• His passport photo

Then the processor gave my husband a ticket to return later that day to pick up his new passport. From start to finish, it took about six hours.

Note: The in-person fees for a passport renewal are the same as for an expedited passport by mail ($130 application fee and $60 processing). But the extra flights and hotels involved in this fiasco tacked on an extra $1,500 to the vacation.

Soon my husband was on his JetBlue flight back to New York, where he would spend the night before boarding a United Airlines flight to St. Martin. 

Finally, after two days of traveling nearly 5,000 miles, he landed in St. Martin and joined us for the vacation that was already in progress.

1. Determine if you are eligible

You must have a confirmed international trip in the next 14 days in order to qualify for an appointment at one of the regional passport agencies. Note: You will be required to provide proof. 

2 . Call the National Passport Service

Here’s the tricky part: Scoring an appointment at one of the 26 regional passport agencies in the United States. There are limited slots available, and you can only make an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778. This number is operational from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday (Eastern Time). 

For the hearing impaired, the number is 1-888-874-7793.

If your passport needs are due to a life-or-death situation, you can call 202-647-4000 during hours in which the above lines aren’t open. Do not call this number if you don’t have a life-or-death problem.

Note: Make sure that your appointment is in your name. You can’t use someone else’s appointment, and the passport agencies do not accept walk-ups. You will be rejected at the door if you try to use someone else’s appointment.

3. Print out and complete your passport application ahead of time

Before you show up at your appointment at the U.S. Passport Service’s regional office, print out the application and complete it. These Passport forms can be found here on the U.S. Department of State website.  (P.S.: Bookmark that page, and you can also track your passport’s progress as well.)

4. Bring all the necessary documents with you to your appointment

Remember to bring your current passport, a check or money order, your passport application or renewal form, your photos, and proof of your imminent international travel. 

5. Return later in the day and pick up your newly minted passport. 

It will be a few hours before you’ll be able to pick up your new passport, so plan accordingly.

My youngest daughter and I just completed our passport renewal experiment.

Amelie, my 19-year-old daughter, needed to apply for a brand-new adult passport. At the same time, I needed a expedited renewal because of a surprise trip to Europe.

Here are our passport renewal stats:

I applied for my passport renewal at a USP branch and paid for expedited approval. I also paid for priority delivery service provided by USP. The verdict: I received my new passport in 17 days.

My daughter applied for her new adult passport on Feb. 22 and didn’t pay for any special services.

Amelie received her adult passport five weeks after she applied for it.

The Bottom Line

Waiting too long to renew or apply for a passport can be an expensive and anxiety-provoking fiasco. For most travelers, now is a great time to apply for your passport if you need to renew it.

The good news is that there are plenty of beautiful destinations – even tropical ones like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands – you can visit without a passport if you choose not to get one.

Of course, you can also consider taking a closed-loop cruise if you don’t have a current passpor t. But proceed with caution, as cruising without a passport comes with its own perils.

• This is what happens if you miss your cruise without a passport

As for me, I’ve got another ten years before I have to worry about my husband and his next passport fiasco. 😝  (Michelle Couch-Friedman, Consumer Rescue)

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

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Passport Requirements and Emergency Assistance

Passport requirements and recommendations.

Are you planning to travel abroad in the near future? If so, you will need a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months after your anticipated date of return to the United States .

We also highly recommend confirming that your emergency contact person also has a valid passport, in case they need to travel abroad to support you for a medical emergency requiring an extended stay in the hospital.

You can apply for a new passport or renew your existing one at Texas Global ! The Passport Services office is an authorized U.S. passport acceptance facility offering appointment-based services to the public, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit Passport Services at Texas Global for more information.

Insurance and Emergency Assistance

Did you know that all UT Austin students and employees are enrolled in overseas insurance and emergency assistance coverage through On Call International?

This service provides emergency travel benefits to allow your emergency contact person to join you in cases when hospitalization is required for more than 24 hours. Learn more about this policy by visiting the Global Risk and Safety webpage for Overseas Insurance .

If you have any questions or concerns about upcoming international travel, please contact the Texas Global Risk and Safety team at [email protected] .

An official website of the United States government

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply in person.

Eligibility to get a passport

If you are not able to renew your U.S. passport or if this is your first one, you will need to apply for a new passport. To be eligible, you must be either:

• A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or
• A qualifying U.S. non-citizen national

You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility for a new passport. It cannot be done online or by mail.

Items you need to apply for a passport 

• You can Fill out Form DS-11 online and print it, or 
• Download Form DS-11 [PDF, 5 pages, 1.9 MB] and fill it out by hand, or
• Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up Form DS-11
• Do not sign Form DS-11 until you are at your appointment and the passport acceptance official tells you to do so. 
• Original proof of citizenship
• An acceptable photo ID
• A photocopy of both your citizenship document and photo ID
• Passport photo
• Passport fee

Apply in person. Find your local passport acceptance facility.  This facility could be a library or post office. Some facilities require appointments or have limited hours.

If you need your passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need to change your name or correct your new passport

After you receive your passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated passport to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

Check the status of your passport application

Follow the steps from the Department of State to  check the status of your passport application online .

LAST UPDATED: April 18, 2024

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Can I smile in my passport photo? Yes, but up to a point

Whether or not a photographer prompts subjects to “say cheese,” many of us probably default to a wide smile at picture time.

But when taking a photo for a passport , you need to resist that urge. The travel document comes with a set of guidelines on various aspects of the shot, from the background to attire and even the expression on a person’s face.

If you don’t follow those, it could delay your passport and cause trouble for your travel plans. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a deadpan headshot.

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Can I smile in my passport photo?

Yes, but not necessarily the way you’d smile in other pictures. Travelers need to close their mouths and make sure their eyes are open, according to the U.S. State Department’s website. 

But your photo may make the cut even if your teeth are showing – to a point.

If your smile is stretched and your eyes are squinting the way they might be after someone tells a “stomach-wrenching joke,” that’s too far, according to David Alwadish, president and CEO of ItsEasy.com, a passport and visa concierge service.

A natural, relaxed smile is more likely to be accepted in his experience. “You just can’t distort the face,” he said. I am smiling with my teeth showing – by force of habit – in my own passport I renewed in 2022, and all went smoothly.

Why can’t I smile widely in my passport photo?

The State Department calls for more neutral looks “because photos with exaggerated expressions can make it more difficult to readily identify the passport holder,” a spokesperson told USA TODAY in an email.

The International Civil Aviation Organization “sets global standards and recommended practices for travel documents,” they added.

Joy Hess, owner and lead travel consultant at Outside the Lines Travel, has advised clients to “smize,” – a la America’s Next Top Model – and keep their mouths closed.

While you may be able to get away with not doing so, you run the risk of your photo being rejected by the State Department. And even if the photo is accepted, it could slow you down at the airport, particularly when using self-service machines at passport control.

“If they can't match your face to what's on the passport … that's when someone will come over and escort you to the line where the human is,” Hess said. “So, it would cause a delay.”

She smiled in a previous passport photo and has seen even real-life officials do double-takes. “They'll look and look again and look again because, you know, usually it's the morning and I’m not smiling,” Hess said.

Passport renewal can be a pain: What to know about applications

What if my passport photo is rejected?

If an applicant’s photo doesn’t meet the criteria, “the passport agency will request a new photo that fits the stated guidelines and their passport application will be delayed,” the State Department spokesperson said.

In those cases, Alwadish said travelers will get a letter notifying them that their application is on hold and they need to send in a new photo. Applicants are responsible for any expenses associated with mailing an additional picture, according to the State Department.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can I smile in my passport photo? Yes, but up to a point

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Is my passport still valid? New rules and prices around soon-to-be expired ID

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With more bank holidays coming up, many of us are excited to leave the country. But before you set off, you’ll want to double check your passport.

We don’t mean check that it is definitely in your bag or pocket, but really pay attention to your passport details.

That’s because since Brexit , new rules have come into play and are now in effect for British travellers .

Since the UK has now left the European Union , travelling to Europe and the Schengen Zone comes with some complications, as UK passport holders are now’third-party nationals’.

This means that your passport now needs to be issued less than ten years before your arrival date to the destination.

So, now the issue date is just as important as the expiry date, meaning your passport needs to be less than ten years to the day you’re landing.

Before, you could travel with a passport that was out of date by up to nine months, (meaning you were able to use it for more than ten years).

Now, not only must your passport be less than ten years old, you also need to make sure it has at least three months remaining on its expiry.

Simply put, if you’re travelling to Spain on 5 May, you need to make sure your passport was issued after 5 May 2014 and expires no earlier than 5 August 2024.

Anyone who fails these rules will be turned away, which is already happening to some British travellers.

What are the new passport renewal rules?

These rules apply to Brits travelling to all EU member states, except Ireland. They also apply to other countries in Europe’s Schengen area, such as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, and Monaco.

Now, your UK passport must:

• have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU country (the date of issue)
• be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave (the date of expiry)

How can I check if my passport is still valid?

Check the date of issue on your passport – is it issued within ten years of the day you land?

Add three months to the day you leave the country – does your passport expire after that?

If the answer to the questions above is ‘yes’ then you don’t need to worry. But if it is ‘no’ then you’ll need to either apply for a passport renewal or get an emergency travel document (especially if your travel date is soon, or you get turned away at the airport).

How much is passport renewal in 2024?

You will need to renew your passport though the HM Passport Office , which allows you to renew it through the post or online.

You can use the online service to renew your passport at a cost of £88.50. You’ll need: a  digital photo ; a credit or debit card; and your old passport including passports to other countries.

You can get a paper application form by either going to a Post Office that has a  Check and Send service , or calling the  Passport Adviceline . This costs £100.

To renew your child’s passport, it’s slightly cheaper. Online, the service costs £57.50 – you’ll need a digital photo of your child, their old passport, any valid passports from other countries, and any court orders relating to your child.

You can also renew their passport by post, in the same way you would for an adult, which costs £69.

You can pay by either a debit or credit card – fill in the form in the application pack, or send a cheque made payable to ‘HM Passport Office’

You’ll need two new and identical printed photos of yourself.

What makes a passport invalid?

Other than passport issue and expiry date problems, there are other ways the document might be rendered invalid, for example if there is physical damage to it.

Vicky Pattinson was recently turned away at the airport when her passport was chewed by her dog, and there are ways a passport might be deemed invalid.

This can be if:

• Details are indecipherable
• The laminate has lifted enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution
• There’s discolouration of the bio-data page
• There’s chemical or ink spillage on any page
• There are missing or detached pages
• The chip or antenna shows through the end paper on the back cover for the new style e-passports
• The chip has been identified as damaged after investigation

If your passport is damaged and you have an overseas trip booked that’s shorter than a month away, you’ll need to use the  Fast Track service . This involves attending an appointment at a Passport Office (you can choose between Belfast, Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport or Peterborough), where you’ll need to hand in a completed application form, two valid passport photos, and any supporting documents.

You’re guaranteed to receive your new passport in seven days but these appointments get booked up quickly – especially in peak season – so book one as soon as possible.

What happens if my passport is invalid?

The Consular Section at the British High Commission regularly receives panic calls from Britons at the airport – someone in the family was not allowed to board the flight because their passport expires in less than six months.

The British High Commission can help by processing an  Emergency Travel Document  (ETD). This costs £100 and is usually issued within 24 hours. Visas for ETDs may be required; some countries that allow visa-free entry on a regular passport will require a visa for an ETD.

As you can see, these scenarios result in added costs and unexpected delays, so check your passports ASAP.

What other rules are coming into effect for UK travellers?

British travellers to European and Schengen countries are also no longer ablefor stay at length.

Now you can only stay for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period, whereas before you could have stayed longer.

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Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Expand the boxes on this page to see how much you need to pay for a passport, and what types of payment to use. You can also  use our fee calculator  to figure out the cost of your passport. The fees you pay depend on:

• If you want a passport book, passport card, or both documents
• How fast you need your passport, and 
• Where you apply

What fees should I pay?

I'm applying for the first time as an adult (16 and older).

You will need to pay both an application fee and an acceptance fee. Pay the acceptance fee to the facility which takes your application, and the application fee to the U.S. Department of State.

Our Apply in Person page has more information on how to submit your application.

I'm an adult (16 and older) and I'm renewing my passport

Pay an application fee to the U.S. Department of State.

Adults (16 and older) may be able to renew their passport. Our Renew page has more information on how to submit your application. 

My child is under 16 and I'm applying for their passport

You will need to pay both an application fee and an acceptance fee. Pay the acceptance fee to the facility which takes your child's application, and the application fee to the U.S. Department of State.

All children must apply in person. Our  Children Under 16 page  has more information on how to apply. 

I'm changing or correcting my passport

I need to rush my passport or pay for a special service.

Add these fees to your total application fee. Include the amount in your check or money order which you make payable to the U.S. Department of State.

Passport fee calculator

Answer a few questions and we'll calculate your passport fees..

Where do you currently reside?

Check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for information on how to apply for a passport.

Have you ever had a U.S. passport?

Do you still have the passport in your possession?

Note: If you want to renew both a valid passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. For example, if you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card. If you want to renew either a valid book or a card, you must submit the specific document you want to renew.

Is the passport damaged or mutilated?

Do you know the issuance date of your passport?

Do you know if your passport is still valid?

What is the Issuance Date of your passport?

Have you reported it lost or stolen to Passport Services?

Are you replacing a "Limited Validity" Passport?

Was your passport issued domestically or overseas?

What was the validity of your limited passport?

Was your passport limited due to an ongoing change of your gender marker or a naturalization certificate replacement?

What is the Issuance Date of your Limited Validity Passport?

Do you require any changes or corrections to what is currently printed on your passport?

Select all that apply:

Do you have an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document demonstrating your legal name change under federal or state law?

Passport Options

Passport type, passport type: book, passport type: card, passport type: book & card, change/correct passport, renew passport, processing method, processing method: standard, processing method: expedited, processing method: expedited at agency, processing method: overseas processing.

* To be eligible, you must make an appointment and provide proof of international travel.

If you have a life-or-death emergency or other need for urgent travel abroad, the passport agency or center will do everything possible to issue a U.S. passport in time for your trip.

Total Payable to Department of State

Total Payable to Department of State - Information.

• list example

Acceptance Facility Fee

Acceptance Facility Fee - Information.

We accept different forms of payment

Applying at a passport acceptance facility (post office, government office, library).

Go to our Apply In Person page to find the steps to apply.

You will need to pay both an application fee and an acceptance fee. Pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the acceptance fee to the facility which takes your application.

To pay for the application and special services such as expediting your application:

• Submit a check  (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) or  money order  payable to "U.S. Department of State"

To pay the separate acceptance fee:

• Personal checks and money orders
• Credit cards. The facility may add a surcharge to cover the cost of the credit card transaction.
• Cash. You must provide the exact amount.

Renewing by Mail

If you are renewing by mail :

• Send us a check  (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) or  money order  payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• When renewing by mail from Canada, you must pay by check or money order payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.

Applying or Renewing at a Passport Agency

Go to our Passport Agency and Center page  for steps on how to apply at one of our 26 locations across the country.

• Credit cards : Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover
• Debit cards (or prepaid cards that are not linked to a line of credit or bank account): Visa or Mastercard
• Digital wallet payments such as Apple, Google, or Samsung Pay

We also accept checks, money orders, and cash. Make checks and money orders payable to the "U.S. Department of State."

• Checks: personal, certified, cashiers, and travelers
• Money orders: U.S. Postal, international, and currency exchanges  
• Cash: must provide the exact amount  

Requesting a Refund for Expedited Service

Service Commitment

If you paid the $60 fee for expedited service when you applied and you did not receive expedited service, you may be eligible to  request a refund  of this fee. We cannot refund any other passport fees or your travel expenses if you miss your trip.

Non-Refundable Fees

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

Learn more about refunds on our Refund of Expedited Passport Fee page.

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