Can I keep the visa pages from my current passport?

by Lauren
(Lombard, IL USA)

Question: I have visa stamps from really cool countries, and I would hate to lose them when I have to mail in my old passport. I need a new passport because I got married. Is there anything I can do to keep them?

Answer: If you want to know if you can remove the visa pages in your passport before mailing in it, the answer is "No".

Your old passport will be returned to you after you application is processed. Usually, the new passport and the old passport are mailed separately so they may not arrive on the same day.

For greater security, you are encouraged to use a secure means of packaging, such as a Tyvek envelope. It is also recommended that you mail your passport application and any personal documents using a traceable delivery method. For complete instructions, click the link below.

Apply for Passport Name Change

If you still feel uncomfortable in mailing your old passport, then you can apply for a new passport using form DS-11. This is the form that is used by those who either need to obtain a first-time passport or who are unable to submit their old passport.

Using form DS-11 does require you appear before an authorized passport agent. For more information, click the link below.

How to Get a New Passport

For a list of passport application acceptance facilities where you can submit the form in Illinois, click the link below.

Illinois Passport Offices

If you need to get the name changed or get a new passport fast (less than two weeks), you can apply at the regional agency or through a professional expediter. For details, click the links below.

Chicago Passport Agency

Get Passport Fast