In order to travel internationally, a passport is generally necessary.
A passport serves as a form of identification, predominately used at international border crossings, that has a level of global recognition.
The overall format of a passport remains fairly unchanged from nation to nation, providing a consistent resource for various border control authorities regardless of the nation being entered or exited.
How to Apply for a New Passport?
To get a new U.S. passport, you must complete the passport application process. This includes the completion of specific forms as well as the need to provide certain supporting documentation. There are fees associated with applying for a new passport and those are required regardless of the outcome.
How Long Does it Take to Get a New Passport?
Once your application is approved, a process that can take anywhere from a few days (when an expedited request is filed) to a many weeks, your new American passport will be mailed to your mailing address, which you will provide during the application process.
Due to the sensitivity of the documents, only trackable shipping methods are permitted. While this allows the use of certain post office boxes, such as those contained within official U.S. Post Offices, not all will qualify. General delivery addresses are not permitted. Failure to provide an appropriate address may result in the denial of your application or delays in receiving your documents.
Where to Get Passport Application Forms?
The first step required to get a new passport is to complete the necessary forms. The required forms are available online through the U.S. Passports & International Travel office, part of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. They can also be picked up in person at any U.S. Passport Agency or Passport Acceptance Facility. Depending on the exact situation, the application may need to be handled in person or can be sent in by mail.
Passport Application Requirements
If you are applying for your first passport, or your most recent passport expired five or more years ago, the DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport must be completed. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as an original Birth Certificate, copies of a state-issued ID card, information regarding the date and place of birth of your parents, an appropriate passport photo, and an accepted form of payment for the required fees. All of this material will need to be brought in person to a local Passport Agency location or a Passport Acceptance Facility.
Lost or Damaged Passport? How to Get a New One?
In cases where your current passport is lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, you will need to proceed as though you are requesting your first new passport. In addition to all of the information and documentation required for the new passport application process, you will need to complete a Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport in order to replace a lost or stolen passport. If the passport is being replaced due to significant damage, it will need to be brought in along with the other required paperwork.
Expired Passport? Need a New Passport Renewal?
If your new passport application will be for a renewal of a current passport, you will need to complete the Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal. Much of the same information that is required for the DS-11 is also required for the DS-82. You will also be required to provide your current passport in order to request a renewal, though this entire passport can be completed through the mail instead of in person.
How to Get a New Children's Passport?
When obtaining a new passport for a minor under the age of 16, or renewing a passport for a minor child, the application must be completed in person. Along with all of the information required for the DS-11, the parents or guardians will also need to appear. In cases where one parent or guardian is unable to attend, but is willing to consent to the passport, a form DS-3053: Statement of Consent must be completed and brought in by the available parent or guardian. If one parent or guardian cannot be contacted, a Form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances must be provided.
Children over the age of 16 complete the same process as adults for new applications as well as renewals. This allows the option of renewing a child's passport through the mail if they are over 16 years old.
Need a New Passport Due to a Name Change? or Error?
If you need a new passport to correct an error, Form DS-5504 must be filed out and sent in within one year of the issue date on the passport. This form is also used in cases involving a legal name change within the first year of issue, though an accompanying legal name change document, such as a marriage license or divorce decree, must also be supplied. Within the first year, the updated document can be obtained for no additional cost. After the first year has gone by, standard renewal procedures must be completed and the update will be subject to the same costs as a standard renewal.
Ineligibility For a US Passport
Certain conditions exist that may prevent you from being able to obtain a new U.S. passport book or passport card, whether it is your first time requesting the document or a renewal request. You are generally expected to be a U.S. citizen in order to have an American passport issued. If citizenship is renounced at any point, you are often expected to surrender your rights to a U.S. passport.
Certain criminal history items can lead to an application for new and renewal passport applications to be denied. Even if a passport is issued, certain previous convictions may limit your travel options as not all countries may accept your request to enter. The issuing of a U.S. Passport does not guarantee entry into any other foreign nation.
Additionally, and inability to produce certain supporting documents may lead to a denial of your application. While a file search can be requested, for an additional fee, it is possible the needed information may not be easily accessible.
Cost of a New Passport
Depending on the circumstance surrounding your application, your costs may vary. Often, there is a $25 execution fee for all in person applications, including those for minor children. Otherwise, the price can include $140 for new adult passport books and passport cards, $110 for adult passport books alone, and $30 for adult passport cards alone. The renewal costs for adults are the same, minus the $25 execution fee, and the minor child application fees are $95, $80, and $15 respectively, along with the $25 execution fee.
Additional fees may be required in cases where expedited service is requested, and copies of the travel documents supporting the need for expedited service are required. If you required a file search, such as in instances where citizenship documentation is not available, an additional $150 charge will be levied.