General Passport Info - The Basics of American Passports

The passport info below will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this very important travel document. Passport requirements are occasionally modified so it is important to verify which application and supporting documents you need. If you are unable to find answers to your questions, visit our Passport FAQ page where you will find answers to hundreds of questions about very specific situations in relation to passport services. You can even submit your own question if necessary.

Passports 101

• What Is a Passport?
• Who Needs a Passport?
• Where to Get a Passport?
• Who issues passports?
• Which United States passport service do I need?
• How fast can you get a passport?
• How much does a passport cost?
• What is RFID and why is a chip used?

Passport Applications

• Which passport application do I need to use?
• Which documents serve as evidence of citizenship?
• Which documents are acceptable as proof of identity?
• Am I required to enter travel dates on the passport application?
• What application do I use to correct typing errors in my passport?

Passport Renewals

• Can an expired passport be renewed?
• Will I get my passport back when I apply for a renewal?
• Can I apply for a renewal early?
• How fast can I renew an expired passport?
• How do I get my passport expedited if I already applied for a renewal?

Passports for Minors

• What are the requirements for passports for minors?
• What is the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program?
• How do I renew a child's passport?
• How do I change a child's name on a passport after adoption?
• Does an infant need a passport ot travel abroad