Infographic: How to Get or Renew a U.S. Passport
This infographic provides a simple, step-by-step guide for how to apply for a new passport or renew one you have.
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RENEW a passport by mail
You can renew your passport only if it's undamaged and all of the following apply:
- It was issued less than 15 years ago.
- You were 16 or older when you got it.
- It’s in your current name (or you can legally document the name change).
What you’ll need to provide
- Form DS-82
- Your eligible passport book
- Proof of name change if your name is different than the one on your old passport (marriage certificate or court order)
- Color passport photo
- Fee payment (check or money order)
For more information, see https://travel.state.gov/renew
Apply for a NEW passport in person
For any of the following:
- It’s your first passport.
- Your last passport was damaged or lost.
- Your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
- Your name has changed and you have no supporting legal documents.
- It’s for a child under age 16.
To get a new passport, you must go to a local passport acceptance facility. Some passport acceptance facilities require appointments. Many provide passport photos for a fee.
Find a nearby location: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
Passport acceptance facilities can be post offices, libraries, or county courts.
What you’ll need to provide
- Form DS-11
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth or naturalization certificate)
- Government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or military ID)
- Color passport photo
- Fee payment (check or money order)
Additional requirements for a child’s passport
- Proof of relationship to child
- Both parents and the child must appear in person or submit a consent form signed by an absent parent.
For more information, see https://travel.state.gov/applyinperson
For more on children’s passports, see https://travel.state.gov/passports/children
How long does it take to get or renew a passport?
Processing times change seasonally. Always check https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/processing-times.html for current estimates. Typically:
- Routine service - 6-8 weeks (by mail or in person)
- Expedited service -2-3 weeks (by mail or in person)
- Expedited service at agency locations - 8 business days, based on either of the following needs:
- Immediate life or death emergency
- Traveling within two weeks
Requirements for expedited service at passport agency locations
- You must show proof of emergency or upcoming travel in person at one of 26 regional passport agencies.
- You must have an appointment. Schedule one online at https://passportappointment.travel.state.gov/ or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card
Passport Book
- Required for all international air travel
- Valid for all travel destinations
- Valid for travel by air,land, or sea
Passport Card
- Valid for international travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda only
- Costs less than the passport book
- Wallet-size
https://travel.state.gov/passports
1-877-487-2778 / 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TTD) 24/7
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