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How can I check to see if I have a valid passport?

Question: My last passport expired May of last year. I thought I had renewed it but now can't locate it. Do I need to renew or can I get a duplicate?

Answer: First of all, the State Department does not issue duplicate passports. You can apply for a passport record if you want to discover if you applied for a renewal. The fee is $150 and it takes up to six weeks.

Here is the dilemma. If you did NOT renew the passport you currently posses, then you are eligible to renew it by mail. All you need to send is completed Form DS-82, the passport, a passport photo and payment of the fee. For a complete list of requirements, click the link below.

Apply to Renew Passport

If you did renew the passport and, then, lost it, you are not eligible to renew it by mail. You need to report the lost passport by calling the National Passport Information Center and, then, appear in person to apply for a new passport. For instructions, click the link below.

Get a New Passport

Comments for How can I check to see if I have a valid passport?

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Is my passport still good?
by: Anonymous

Question: I remember misplacing it and reporting it online as I was providing info requested but was not able to complete the last few question recall answering most but not finished

Answer: If you did not call the NPIC or mail in the lost passport form, your passport should still be valid.

Passport validation
by: Anonymous

Question: I just renewed my passport and I went in to renew my driver’s license. The RMV said that they couldn’t validate the passport. What could that mean?

Answer: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 regarding your concern.

Is my Passport still valid?
by: Sal

Question: My daughter applied for a passport renewal. She used an old application form that I used to renew my passport a few months earlier. But when she finally got her passport, it had her picture but my information was on her passport, my name and date of birth. She reapplied and got her passport fixed. It seems that she had my passport number on her application. Does this invalidate my passport? How do I find out my passport is still valid?

Answer: The mix up should not affect your passport. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Lost passport
by: Denise

Question: I misplaced my passport during my move and also I am newly remarried and I think the old one is expired! With that said I want to know if I can renew it and change my name all at the same time? Please please help me!!!

Answer: Hi, Denise. You cannot renew since the passport is not in your possession. You need to submit a new application.

How?
by: Joe

Question: How do I check to see if I have a valid passport or not? I can't remember when I got mine and know that it is deep in storage.

Answer: You may request for a passport record but that can take a long time. You need to see the actual passport to check the expiration date. If you're in doubt, you can always just apply for a new one.

Passport Valid
by: Anonymous

Question: I just recently gotten off felony probation. How do I check to see if my passport is still valid?

Answer: If you did not receive any notice that your passport was invalidated, it should still be valid for travel until it expires.

Passport validity
by: S Smith

Question: My passport expires March 31 next year. For a trip to England from September 17-October 1 this year. Is my passport valid?

Answer: Yes, you passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in England.

Ms.
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to renew my passport that expired July 2019. It was issued July 2009. I don't remember if I was issued a passport card. How can I check if I was issued a passport card? I do have a Passport Services Information Card. Is that the same thing?

Answer: The information card is not the same as the passport card. You may call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport Revoked due to Child Support
by: Anonymous

Question: How do you know if you passport is revoked in writing due to child support if your address changed from the address you applied for your passport?

Answer: Please contact the State Child Support Enforcement Agency handling your case regarding your issue.

Lost passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Will the State Department notify me in some way if my passport has successfully been reported missing? I found my passport but I am not sure if I ever reported it missing online.

Answer: To report a passport lost, you either need to call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 or send Form DS-64 in the mail with an application for a new passport. If you did neither, your passport is most likely not reported as lost and is still valid.

Is my passport still valid after applying for a new one
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied for a new passport forgetting I had one from 2014. I received a letter stating to send in my valid passport that was issued in 2014. With that letter was a lost/stolen form to fill out and mail back. I never filled it out. I found my passport from 2014 the next day. I called in and got a few representatives . I asked them if my 2014 passport is still valid and they stated they aren’t sure since I submitted an application for a new one. They put a ticket in for the agency to call me: I received the call today from the agency and was told that my 2014 passport is still valid since I never reported it was lost and never sent in the DS-64 form. I asked if me applying for a new one would make it invalid and the lady said no and that I can use my 2014 passport. Is this correct? I know this is coming from the agency and not the customer service you get when you call. But just want to make sure this is correct.

Answer: If you were told the passport is still valid, it most likely still is. The best way to find out for sure is to go to the airport and check if it will be accepted at the gate.

If using passport to apply for REAL ID
by: Anonymous

Make sure your passport is signed. My REAL ID application was held up in legal as fraudulent because I forgot to sign my passport. DHS would not verify it as valid.

Passport IRS issue
by: Anonymous

Question: I received a letter that the IRS had certified my delinquent tax debt to the State Department. I have since paid that debt in full as of today. I leave for an international trip in 6 days. Does the State Department usually revoke a passport? I have never received a letter from the State Department about my passport. How could I verify that my passport is still valid?
Thanks.

Answer: Please call passport services at 1-877-487-2778 for answers to your questions.

How to tell if passport is still “active”
by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport in an airport and reported it lost/stolen because I couldn’t find it the 5 hours I was in that airport. Months later an official from that airports customs section contacted me saying that it had been found and it was not showing that it was reported lost stolen and that he was going to mail it to me however it would take months to get to me. But I received confirmation when I submitted the lost/stolen form. I am on a time line for needing to use my passport so how can I figure out if mine is still valid or I need to apply for a new one?

Answer: Once reported lost or stolen, a passport is automatically invalidated to prevent identity theft, among other issues. Please apply for a new passport.

Valid?
by: Anonymous

Question: I halfway filled out a lost or stolen DS-64 online but didn’t submit it and exited out of the page. Did my info get saved? And is my passport still valid?

Answer: The form will need to be submitted to officially report the passport as lost. Your passport is still valid.

Stolen passport was returned
by: Anonymous

Question: I had my passport stolen out of my car with many other belongings two years ago and it recently made its way back to me. My question is- I can’t remember if I claimed that it was stolen or not. How can I find out if it is still valid?

Answer: You may have the passport checked at a nearby airport's international gate, if you can. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport book still valid or no more?
by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport card but not my passport book. I did call and report the loss of my passport card and submitted DS 64 indicating the lost of my passport card but not my passport book, so my passport book will still be valid, right? Just clarifying, thanks!

Answer: You're right. Your passport book is still valid

IRS delinquency
by: Anonymous

Question: When my passport expired last year, I sent it, along with my filled out application and fee, to have it renewed. I heard back that the IRS had me certified as delinquent and my renewal was denied. I have now received a Reversal of notice of certification as delinquent from the IRS. Since I no longer have my old passport, am I still eligible for a renewal or do I now have to apply for a new passport?

Answer: Since you cannot send your most recently-issued passport in the mail, you need to submit a new application.

Is my passport still valid?
by: Anonymous

Question: I had a picture of my passport compromised last summer. I called the state department and I am not sure if they cancelled my passport or not. I tried to apply for a new passport but it said i don't need to report it lost. I have my passport, but I am worried that it is invalid. How do I check to see if I can leave the country with my current passport?

Answer: You may go to the closest international airport to have a gate officer check your passport.

Tax Debt and Passports
by: Anonymous

Question:

I do owe more than $51k in federal back taxes. I've hired an attorney and they're working with the IRS. I'm supposed to be traveling abroad soon but am nervous that my passport won't work.

I don't know if they've mailed me a letter because I've moved residences 3x in the last 6 years but have been at the same one for 4 years. Is there a number I can call or a website I can go on to see if my passport is still valid? I had a payment plan set up at one point but once the debt went over $50k they stopped that plan and we'll be focusing on a solution after I pay 2018 tax due next month.

Answer: Please contact the IRS regarding your concern. You may also call passport services at 1-877-487-2778.

Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Where can I call to see if my passport is suspended because of child support?

Answer: If your passport was suspended or revoked due to child support arrears (rarely happens), you would have been notified by mail. Please contact the State Child Support Enforcement Agency for more information.

Did they cancel my passport book too or not
by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport card at the airport in Canada on my flight back to the US but I still have my passport book with me. Thus I went online to report my lost passport card, while filing up the form on one page there was a selection between passport book and passport card which both I have to fill up my info needed otherwise it won’t get me through the next page, and there was 4 questions on both too that needs for me to select and click the questions. For passport book I click a) yes I still have my passport book on my possession but for passport card I click b) the selection of Lost. It then went through the next page and I clicked submit. Will that cancel both my passport book and passport card? Or just my passport card. How can I be sure that my passport book was not cancelled? Need response ASAP thanks.

Answer: If you tried to complete Form DS-64 online but did not submit the form by mail, your passport book is still valid and your passport card is still not reported as lost.

Is my passport current
by: P.S Hamilton

Question: I've misplaced my passport. is it still current or do need to get a new one? Going out of the country march 10th.

Answer: Whether or not your passport is current does not matter since it is misplaced. You need to apply for a new passport to use for your upcoming trip.

limited validity passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I received a limited validity passport outside the United States in November last year. It has an expiration date of November this year. I have not replaced it yet and now i need to take an emergency overseas trip next month. Can I still use the limited validity passport for the trip?

Answer: Some countries do not allow entry to individuals who use limited-validity passports. Please contact the embassy of the country you are traveling to to verify their requirements.

Is my passport valid
by: Anonymous

Question: I filled out an form for lost passport but inadvertently typed my SS# incorrectly - since then I have found my passport - how can I check to see if my current passport is still valid?

Answer: If you filled out the application online but did not submit it by mail, the process was not completed and your passport is still valid.

Passport?
by: sera

Question: If I never received a letter stating that my passport is invalid, am I still able to use it? I called the guy and told them it had been lost but I recently found it. I never submitted the paper work required for a lost passport.

Answer: Hi, Sera. If you called 1-877-487-2778 to report the passport lost, it is already invalid. You need to submit Form DS-64 when you apply for a replacement.

Is the passport book still active?
by: Anonymous

Question: I reported my son's passport card (looks like a drivers license) as lost- and received confirmation. However wanted to make sure my son's passport book itself is still valid?

Answer: Yes, it should still be valid.

Passport information
by: Anonymous

Question: How do I check to see if my passport is valid?

Answer: If the passport is undamaged and the expiration date on the data page has not passed yet, it is most likely valid. If the State Department has invalidated your passport, you would have been notified via mail.

checking if a passport is valid
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi all. I applied for a passport renewal for my daughter who's 10 years old and it came. My wife filed it away & forgot to tell me so I called the U.S. passport service to report I never received it (but then I looked around the house and found it a few minutes later). I called to report that I found it and was told by another US Passport rep that the first rep didn't seem to cancel or report the lost passport. But I am worried that they may have cancelled my daughter's passport. Can I go to the nearest airport and check to see if my daughter's passport is still valid? Help me please!!

Answer: Typically, when a passport is reported as lost, it is automatically invalidated. Since you are getting conflicting information, you can either call passport services again and ask to speak to a supervisor to confirm the status of your child's passport. You may also have an airport gate official to check the passport.

Passport validation
by: Abdul

Question: I have misplaced my U.S. passport and applied for a new one. Now that I found the old one, can I still travel with it? I don’t know if I filed a form to cancel the old one or not who can I ask and check?

Answer: Once an application for a new passport is received, any old (albeit valid) passport is automatically invalidated. You can no longer use your old passport for travel.

passport
by: Anonymous

Question: That's what I thought but I have an open application under my name now and they keep sending me letters to fill out the lost or stolen form or i won't receive my new passport. I explained to them that I have my new passport as well as the lost one.

Even a supervisor could not tell me yesterday if my new passport was valid or not.

Answer: You may go to the closest international airport to have a gate official check if your passport is still valid for travel.

Is my new passport valid
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied to renew my passport October 1st. After weeks of no tracking, I was advised by an agent that it was lost and to file the lost or stolen form and apply for passport in person.

I did this on Oct 31st. Three days later, I got my new passport. Two weeks later, the agency found my lost passport, sent it back to me with holes punched in it. I keep getting letters by mail and email from the agency that I need to file the lost or stolen form or I won't receive my new passport. I already received my new passport and the lost one. Every time I call someone tells me something different, including a supervisor. I am trying to book a vacation and don't even know if my new passport is valid.

Answer: There should be no reason for your new passport to be invalid. What you reported lost was the old one which was returned to you with holes punched. If you did not report your new passport as lost or stolen, it should still be valid.

Check to see if I have a passport
by: Michael K

Question: Just wondering...if I was adopted and had a passport then, can I check now?

Answer: You may request for a passport record.

Finding my passport
by: Anonymous

Question: How can i find out if i have a passport? I'm quite sure i had one when went out the country with my grandmother. My grandmother is deceased and my mother doesn't remember.

Answer: You may request for a passport record. Alternatively, you can proceed to applying for a new passport.

Can my passport be revoked/flagged for student loan delinquency?
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, I have defaulted on my student loans. I have lived outside the U.S. for over 10 years now but will be visiting soon. A friend from an old job told me they're getting notifications about garnishing my wages (from IRS?) even though I've been gone 10+ years. I'll be visiting family soon and am worried my passport could be flagged somehow upon entry and I won't be able to enter US. Could IRS revoke my passport over defaulted student loans?

Answer: Please contact the IRS regarding your concern.

Name Change
by: Anonymous

Question: If I have a passport under my married name and have now gotten divorced, does anything prevent me from using my passport under my married name as long as I book my travel with that same name? The DMV now has my name changed back and does not match my passport.

Answer: There should be no issue as long as the names on your passport and ticket/s match.

Child/Spousal support
by: Anonymous

Question: Can an existing passport be revoked, restricted, or otherwise impacted by a child support claim over $2500 from a state child support agency or is this limited to passport applications?

Answer: Revocation is possible but it rarely happens. Also, the passport holder will be notified by mail if his/her passport will be revoked.

Check if Passport is Valid
by: Anonymous

Question: I got about halfway through reporting my passport as lost/stolen on the state department's website, when a family member informed me that they had my passport. I want to make sure that the request for a stolen passport didn't go through. I called customer service and they told me they couldn't help me, and to mail in a request to the PO box in Virginia. Is this accurate information? Is there a simpler way to check if a passport is valid?

Answer: Your passport is still valid. It will only be invalidated if you mailed the form or called 1-877-487-2778 to report the loss.

follow- up question
by: ade

New Passport
by: Ade

Question: My son was born in the USA and he has a US birth certificate and passport. He has been living in the Phillipines for almost 7 years. His US passport expired in 2014. Could you please tell us how to save his US citizenship and renew his passport? My son is now 8 years old.

Answer: If your son has U.S. citizenship by birth, he will not lose it just because he lives outside the United States. Your son needs to apply for a new passport with both parents at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Follow up:

Question: I'm planning to renew his passport by next year, and the total years of living in Philippines is 10 years. Aside from renewal fee, are there any penalties I need to pay for overstaying?

Answer: If your son is also a Philippine passport holder, there should be no issue with overstaying. However, if he is not a Filipino citizen and has stayed in the Philippines without a visa or residency permit, you may face issues. I recommend that you contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila for further advice.

Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello,

I filled out the form online to change my last name after I got married. I printed it out but never sent it in. Is my passport still valid?

Answer: Yes, it is. You will need to mail the application with the rest of the requirements to finalize the passport name change.

Self
by: Jacqueline A

Question: Trying to figure out if my passport is still good or not.

Answer: The passport's expiration date is printed on the data page. If you are planning on traveling, you may also check if your passport still meets your destination's entry requirements.

Status
by: Anonymous

Question: I am going to take a tour overseas. I would like to check my passport to make sure there is no any problem with it before leaving in about 6 more weeks. Is there any website that I could use to check? Or do I have call to any place?

Answer: Your passport is good for travel as long as it is not expired and/or damaged and still meets the entry requirements of your destination country. You may check the expiration date of your passport on the data page.

How to check if my passport is still valid for travel
by: Anonymous

Question: Can I check to see if my passport still valid for travel?

Answer: You may check your passport's data page to check the expiration date. Also, you need to check the entry requirements of the country you are traveling to.

Son not sure if he has a passport
by: Anonymous

Question: We are planning a family trip but unsure if my ex husband has already obtained a passport for my 11-year-old son. He won’t tell us. How can we find out if a passport already exists for the child before we spend to apply for one?

Answer: Please contact customer service at 1-877-487-2778.

Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Will a valid U.S. passport be revoked or just not renewed on due date after IRS debt certification notice?

Answer: Your renewal application may be denied or your passport may be revoked. Either way, you will be notified in writing once this happens.

Valid Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I called the 877 number. They only asked my name no other information. Because they were going to send me the Form DS 64. I never received it to fill out. My former husband took my passport and put it in his safe! Once I called, he returned my passport. Is it still valid? I went to TSA and they stated as far as they could tell it was valid. I called the 877 number and received the same information. As long as, I did not give my social nor passport book number and did not fill out anything it should be valid?

Answer: Once a passport is reported as lost, it is already invalidated. Submitting Form DS-64 is used when you are applying for a new passport.

Valid Passport?
by: Anonymous

Question: I renewed my passport about 4 years ago. I didn't make my flight so I never used it. I did receive a letter in the mail that the payment wasn't processed (check) but I view my account and payment was taken out. Never bother looking in to it but I'll be taking a trip on 8/11 and like to know if my passport is valid to travel.

Answer: If you are in possession of the passport, it should still be valid. You may call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Passport flagged as lost or stolen but it isn't
by: Anonymous

Question: Family member is detained at the Paris airport. Customs is saying the passport is flagged as lost or stolen but it isn't and never was. He went for vacation but was taken to a 4 by 4 holding cell. Please HELP!

Answer: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Paris to seek assistance for your relative.

Lost and found
by: Patricia

Question: I lost my passport then found it. I do remember that I called to have info on what to do but I don't remember if I report it lost on the same call. I never fill out the form of lost or stolen. How can I confirm if is still valid? Expiration date is on July 2019.

Answer: Hi, Patricia. If you did not report the loss during the call, it is most likely still valid. Also, you only need to submit Form DS-64 when you are applying for a new/replacement passport.

To confirm, you may go to the closest international airport and have an official check your passport.

Can someone report my passport lost/stolen?
by: Mist

Question: I have a family member who is angry that I’m traveling and knows my personal info such as birth date and SS number. Could they report my passport stolen and invalidate it without my knowledge?

Answer: Yes, it is possible. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

HELP!
by: Anonymous

Question: I thought I lost my passport, "reported" it but never received an email confirmation. I did get a reference number online when I reported my passport lost.

I ended up finding it. I want to know if it's still valid. I need to know if I can use it or if the confirmation was correct and that it was reported lost. I called 877-487-2778. NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO HELP. I called a few times over and over again. They give me different information every time. Is there some way online to check to see if my passport is still active or a different number to call to have them check and tell me if it's still active or not. And also give me information on how I can get a new one.

Answer: You cannot report a passport lost online. You can fill out Form DS-64 online but you still need to print, sign and mail it to the address on the form. Since you have not done these things, your passport is most likely still valid.

You may confirm by having it checked at an airport gate.

Proof of passport
by: Anonymous

Question: How do I obtain proof that I never had a passport?

Answer: You may request for a passport record which may take a long time. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

Filled out but didn't sign DS64
by: Anonymous

Question: I misplaced my passport and filled out a lost passport form online. I did everything until the last step which was to print out a signature page, sign it, and scan it in. (Before I could sign and scan the page in, I was informed that someone had found my passport). Is my passport still valid? Or did everything the form I submitted without the signature invalidate my passport?

Answer: You cannot submit Form DS-64 online. You still need to print. sign and mail the form to officially report your passport as lost. Your passport is most likely still valid.

Passport still valid
by: Anonymous

Question: I found out the IRS has mistakenly flagged my SSN saying I’m deceased which I am not. I have a trip to Europe next month. Is my passport still valid?

Answer: It should be. Please contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for further assistance.

Passport valid
by: Dominique

Question: How do you know if your passport is revoked to travel?

Answer: Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778.

If one owes taxes is passport void?
by: Anonymous

Question: On the news they stated if you owe taxes your passport is going to be void. My friends and I are going to Canada for the weekend in May and one of my friends was concerned because she owes taxes from a couple of years ago. How do we find out if her passport is good as well as the others and my own?

Answer: What you may have heard is about the IRS certifying tax debt and possibly revoking passports or denying passport applications of those who owe more than $50,000 (including interest and penalties).

As of last report, the IRS started tax debt certification in January 2018. The IRS is required to notify you in writing at the time the IRS certifies seriously delinquent tax debt to the State Department. The IRS is also required to notify you in writing at the time it reverses certification. The IRS will send written notice by regular mail to your last known address.

If your friend has not received any notices or knows for a fact that her tax debt does not amount to be considered seriously delinquent, she should be allowed to travel to Canada and get back to the United States using her current valid passport.

Check for valid passport
by: James SS

Question: To whom may it concern, I'm inquiring if I was issued a passport back in the 90's. I've had multiple addresses and might have lost it during moving. Thank you for your time.

Answer: You need to request for a passport record in order to find this information out.

Peace Corps Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I returned from my Peace Corps service in 2015, but my Peace Corps passport is still valid until 2020. Can I use this passport or does the Peace Corps notify the consular section and make the passport void?

Answer: You cannot use the Peace Corps passport for personal travel. You need to apply for a new 'civilian' passport to use for leisure or business travel.

How to check if my passport is active.
by: Edwin alarcon

Question: Checking my passport because I fly the 25th of this month and would like to know if I could fly out.

Answer: There is no system in place where you can check the validity. The expiration is printed on the data page of your passport.

DID I EVER HAVE A PASSPORT?
by: Maryann L

Question: Hello, I don't remember if I had a passport in my maiden name of Maryann (Last Name). It would have been many years ago. Please advise.

Answer: We edited out your last names and email address for your security.

You may request for a passport record through the National Passport Information Center. Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.

Lost Passport then Found It
by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport. I called in to report it lost. I was told to fill out a form and fax it in. I never filled out the form and months later my passport was found and returned to me. Again, all I did is call in and reported the passport lost/stolen but DID NOT fill out or submit a form. Is my passport still valid? It is not expired.

Answer: Since you already reported it lost, your passport is already deactivated and can no longer be used for travel.

You need to submit Form DS-64 with your application for a new passport.

Need to find out validity of my passport please!
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a US citizen currently residing in France for a couple of years. I lost my passport a couple of days ago and went to the police to report it. It has since resurfaced. I'm trying to find out if it is still valid after having been reported it to the police. It's unclear to me because of the language barrier whether there was a form submitted to invalidate my passport. When I call 877-487-2778 I'm told they can't help me because I'm not in the US, and when I call the consulate in France they give me the number 877-487-2778. Can anyone help me?

Answer: If you have not officially reported the loss of your passport online or by submitting Form DS-64, your passport is still valid.

Showing invalid number
by: Arvind

Question: Hi my name is Arvind HXXXXX KXXXX. Just two months ago I came from Saudi Arabia after completing my employment contract. Now when I am searching for new job and writing my passport number in the requirement box,
it shows 'YOUR PASSPORT NUMBER IS NOT VALIDATE'. How is this happening? My passport is valid until 2020.

Answer: We edited your name for your security.

If you were able to travel with your passport and re-enter the United States, the problem may not be the passport. Please contact the administrator of the website you are using to find out if they are having issues.

Need to know
by: Clive

Question: I don't know whether or not I have a passport.

Answer: If you have been issued a passport in the past, passport services should be able to pull up a record through a file search. The fee for this service is $150 and is non-refundable.

I can't locate my passport
by: BB

Question: I can't locate my passport and i have a cruise 29 Oct. how can I find me out if it is still valid?

Answer: Passports issued to adults are valid for 10 years. If you can remember when the passport was issued, you may be able to tell if that passport is still valid.

Having said that, you need to report the loss of your passport then apply for a new one before your trip. If you apply for expedited sevice now, you will get your new passport in 2-3 weeks.

Do I need a passport for the Bahamas?
by: Maurine

Question: I am taking a cruise to the Bahamas. Do I need a passport?

Answer: If you are taking a closed-loop cruise to The Bahamas -- one that starts in a U.S. city, travels to the Bahamas and ends in the same U.S. city, you may not need a passport. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency says this about closed loop cruises:

"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents."

We recommend that you contact the cruise line you are traveling with to verify document requirements.

Valid passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I cannot find my passport and do not know the expiration date. How do I check if it is still valid?

Answer: Passports issued to citizens age 16 and above are valid for 10 years. If you remember when your passport was issued, count ten years and you get a approximate expiration year.

In case you find out that your passport is still valid, you need to report the loss by calling 1-877-487-2778 or by submitting Form DS-64.

Possible damage
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has been in my pocket on hot days and some of the print on the front cover has faded slightly. All pages are in tact, as are the covers. wondering how to tell if it's been in too much heat or bent too much to be considered invalid.

Answer: What constitutes significant damage is ultimately decided by the officer who inspects your passport at ports of entry/exit. We recommend consulting an airline you have flown with in the past to see if your passport is still valid for travel.

Stumped
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a valid passport and I know the number and the expiration date. I do not have it in my possession right now and need to know the exact name it is under (whether or not I used my full name or just first and last). Is there a way I can get that quickly?

Answer: Passport details are protected under the Privacy Act. You have to submit a request for your passport information in writing, along with proof of your identity. Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more details.

Want to know if passport is still valid
by: Anonymous

Question: The only reason I am asking this question is because the last time we used our passports was in 2010 or 2012 but it will expire on March 04, 2018.

Answer: Yes, your passports are still valid. You may use them for travel until the expiration date.

However, you still need to check the entry requirements of the country/countries you plan on visiting to see if you have enough validity left on your passport.

Lost or Not? expire
by: Anonymous

Question: How can I determine if my passport has been reported as lost. I filled out forms online, but didn't submit anything. I also sent an email to the airport asking if they had found it. Then I found it myself. How can I determine if it is still valid?

Answer: If the passport has not been officially reported as lost, it is likely still valid. You may call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.

Passport
by: Anonyjmous

Question: I have found my passport. Is it still valid?

Answer: Please check the data page of your passport. The expiration is indicated there. If it has not expired, it is still valid unless you reported it as lost or stolen. In which case, it is already invalidated and you need to apply for a new passport.

Do I need to renew or apply for a new passport?
by: Anonymous

Question: About 15 years ago I think I got a temporary passport, it was a half size sheet of paper with my info on it. I had to rush to get it for a surprise vacation to Mexico. Not sure if I need to renew or file for a new one.

Answer: If it was a temporary passport, it would have been expired for more than 5 years by now. You need to apply for a new passport in person at an acceptance facility. You will need the following:

1. Form DS-11 (completed but unsigned)
2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship
3. Proof of identity
4. Photocopy of ID
5. One passport photo
6. Payment for fees

Routine service takes 6-8 weeks to complete. If you pay for expedited service, you will have your passport in 2-3 weeks.

Passport lost and found
by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport last year, reported it lost/stolen, and found it a month later. I never received a confirmation email stating that my DS-64 form had been submitted successfully. Is there any way to check if my passport is valid? I'm wondering if maybe I didn't submit the form correctly.

Answer: Once reported lost, a passport is already invalidated and can no longer be used for travel. Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.

Passport limbo
by: Anonymous

Question: Old passports were lost so forms mailed in for new ones. Then of course the old passports were found. We received an email that one of the forms (DS64) wasn't signed, so this would mean are old passports are still valid, correct? Is there a website or phone number of a service than can run your passport information to confirm it's valid?

Answer: Please call 1-877-487-2778 to speak to a customer service representative.

Lost then found
by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport and filled in the online form to report it missing then i found it a few weeks later. Is it still good or do I need a new one?

Answer: Once reported lost, a passport is already invalidated and can no longer be used for travel. You need to apply for a new passport.

Passport renewal
by: Mark

Question: I had a passport 30 years ago and have not used it for 30 years. Is it still good for a renewal or do I have to apply all over?

Answer: You need to apply for a new passport. You need to submit the following in person at a passport acceptance facility.

1. Form DS-11
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship
3. Proof of identity
4. Photocopy of ID
5. Passport photo
6. Payment for fees

Do I have a passport?
by: Ricardo

Question: Hi. My name is Ricardo. I am a US citizen and living on the USA my whole life. Believe or not, I never question myself if I ever had a passaport until know.

My parents passed away few years ago and I have no idea if they ever applied for me. I was searching information and it looks like you need to submit a true statement of what happened to your previous passport. Now, I am afraid if I request for a renewal I will get into trouble.

Answer: You will not get into trouble. Since you cannot state for sure that you had a passport, do not check the box on the application about previously being issued a passport. For new passport instructions, click here.

Is my passport still valid?
by: Anonymous

Question: I lost my passport and obtained a new one that was only good for one year. It is now expired. I just found my original passport but is it still good?

Answer: No, it is not. You need to apply for a new passport.

New Passport
by: Ade

Question: My son was born in the USA and he has a US birth certificate and passport. He has been living in the Phillipines for almost 7 years. His US passport expired in 2014. Could you please tell us how to save his US citizenship and renew his passport? My son is now 8 years old.

Answer: If your son has U.S. citizenship by birth, he will not lose it just because he lives outside the United States. Your son needs to apply for a new passport with both parents at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

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