You can also use the menu on the left column to access step-by-step instructions, application forms, and a list of places to apply for a U.S. passport. For mobile users, access this menu by switching to landscape view on your smartphone.
General Passport FAQ
Who needs a passport?
Any U.S. citizen, independent of age, who plans to exit and/or return to the United States. Minors age 16 or younger can present evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate when returning from Canada or Mexico by land. A passport is not required for reentry when traveling on a closed-loop cruise.How long does it take to get a passport?
Routine processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Expedited processing currently takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Emergency passports can be processed at regional centers as quickly as the same day. Currently, this is limited to customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days).Same day passport service is available under certain circumstances.
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What is the validity of a passport?
- Passports issued to minors age 15 or younger are valid for 5 years.
- Passports issued to applicants over age 15 are valid for 10 years.
- Limited-validity, emergency passports are usually valid for 1 year.
When should I apply for a passport renewal?
It is recommended that you begin the application process to renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. However, the passport renewal application can be submitted at any time as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.Passports issued to applicants age 16 or older can be renewed by mail up to 5 years after the expiration date.
What Do I Do If My New Passport Did Not Arrive? What to do after your new passport arrives, including how to check it for errors, protect it, store it safely, and prepare for international travel.
What Do I Do If My New Passport Did Not Arrive? Question: I applied for a new passport but it has not arrived in the mail. What do I need to do in order to get it so that I can travel abroad? ...
Help! I washed my passport. Question: I accidentally washed my passport in the washing machine. Now, it is has water damage. Can I still use it or does it need to be replaced?
I have an Official Passport and want to get a Regular Passport Question: I'm in the military and currently deployed and I received my Official Passport. I want to be able to visit Canada and I can't with an Official ...
The birthdate on my passport and license do not match Question: My name is Lucy. I'm a foreigner who became an American. My passport says 1955 which is the correct date but my license and social security ...
I found a US Passport and want to know where to send it? Question: I found one US passport on the road (Near Del Amo Shopping Mall, Torrance, CA) on 26th Nov with semi-damaged condition and do not know ...
How do I correct wrong birthdate on passport? Question: What do I need to do if I just realized that my birth year on my passport is incorrect and does not match my American Citizenship Certificate?...
How do I notify you that I have found my passport? Question: Recently I had reported my passport as lost but I found it today, I had misplaced it when I took it to the Social Security Office, for proof of ID....
What needs to be done with a passport when someone dies? Question: When someone dies, is there anything that needs to be done with their passport?
Answer: Yes, there is something you can do with passport ...
Problem with Signature in Passport Question: When I was signing my passport, my pen ran out of ink and also I did not write my middle name. I wrote over the original signature with a different ...
Is passport information public records Question: I am a private investigator and wanted to know if passport information was public record, is it possible to check someone's name and find when ...
British Passport for U.S. Citizen Question: I am a U.S. citizen born here in the U.S. and still lives here. My mother was originally from England. Am I allowed to get a British passport?
Still Have Questions?
The links below provide additional information to help answer your United States passport questions.
- General Passport FAQ
- Passport Expediting
- New Passport FAQ
- Expedited Passport Renewal
- Passport Renewal FAQ
- Passports for Minors (Age 15 and under)
- Passports for Minor Age 16 or 17
- Passports and Child Support Issues
- Passport Name Change FAQ
- Passport Application Form
- Supporting Documents FAQ
- Passport Photo FAQ
- Passport Name FAQ (name on application, in passport, and signature)
- Passport Expiration FAQ
- Obtaining Copies of Travel Document
- Getting U.S. Passport Abroad
- Travel to Canada
- Travel to Mexico
- Questions about Felonies and Warrants
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If routine service is too slow, you may need an agency appointment or help from a registered courier. Compare your options before you decide.
