How to Get a Passport

Applying for a passport can be a rude awakening to the bureaucratic process. To avoid the headaches often associated with obtaining a new passport, read our How to Get a Passport guide. Soon enough you can simply fly away.

Introduction
- Traveling internationally is a major rite of passage for many, but first you'll need to obtain a valid U.S. Passport. Ordering a U.S. passport can take up to 6 weeks (though you can expedite the process for an additional fee), so apply for one as soon as you know you will be traveling outside the United States, or you see that expiration date creeping up on you. Note that as of January 23, 2007, all those traveling by air to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean will need passports.
Step 1: In Person or By Mail?
- Depending on your circumstances, you will either be required to apply for a passport in person, or be able to do so via the mail.
To Apply for a New Passport in Person
- You should apply for a passport in person if:
  - This is your first passport.
  - Your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
  - Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
  - Your previous passport has expired and it was issued when you were under the age of 16.
  - You have changed your name and do not have a legal document formally changing it.
To Renew a Passport by Mail
- You may renew a passport through the mail if you meet all of the following conditions:
  - You already have a passport, and it is undamaged.
  - You received it within the last 15 years.
  - You were at least 16 years old when it was issued.
  - You still have the same name as is on your old passport (or can legally document your name change).
Step 2: Take Photos
- You will need to bring two passport-size photos for your application.
1. Note this photo will be with you for up to 10 years (the expiration period of an adult U.S. Passport). This isn't the photo shoot, therefore, to break out any makeup, hairstyle, or other distracting fashion that might not match up to your day-to-day appearance.
2. Requirements for your two identical passport photos:
  - Two by two inches in size
    In color
    Taken in the last 6 months and reflecting current appearance
    In street attire
    Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
    No hats, scarves or headgear that will obscure the hairline
    No tinted lenses (unless medically required)
    No uniforms (unless religious and worn daily)
    If you normally wear eyeglasses, a wig, or a hearing aid, do wear those for your photo.
3. You can take and print your own digital photos if they meet all the requirements.
4. Otherwise, your local pharmacy or photo shop can often take passport photos.
If You Will Apply in Person
- Applying for your passport in person is often mandatory.
1. Determine the closest place to apply for a passport.
2. Don't forget to bring your passport photos.
3. You will need to present proof of U.S. citizenship with one of the following:
  - Previous U.S. passport (undamaged)
    Original birth certificate (with raised seal)
    Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
    Naturalization Certificate
    Certificate of Citizenship
4. If you do not have a certified birth certificate nor a previous passport, you will need a letter of no record and as many of the following as possible: baptismal certificate, hospital birth certificate, census record, early school record, family bible record, doctor's record of post-natal care.
5. If you claim citizenship through birth abroad to one or two U.S. Citizen parents, see the State Department's instructions for applying for a passport.
6. You will also need to prove your identity with one of the following, as long as you are recognizable:
  - Previous U.S. Passport
    Naturalization Certificate
    Current and valid U.S. Driver's License
    Current and valid Government I.D.
    Current and valid Military I.D.
7. If you do not have any of the above, you will need either a combination of signature documents (social security card, credit cards, etc.) or a person who has known you for at least two years to vouch for your identity. This person must be a U.S. citizen with proof of ID.
8. You will need to provide your social security number.
9. You will need to pay the appropriate fee.
10. Passport fees can be paid with a major credit card, debit card, check, bank order, money order, or in some locations, exact cash. Double-check beforehand.
11. If you are under the age of 17, you will need consent from a parent or legal guardian, and your parent or guardian may need to supply identification if you do not have any.
12. Minors under the age of 14 will need consent from both parents/legal guardians.
13. You may download the application form ahead of time, but be sure not to sign it until you are in the presence of a passport agent.
If You Will Renew By Mail
- You'll avoid long waits at a passport agency by renewing your passport by mail.
1. If your passport has been mutilated, damaged, or altered, you cannot apply by mail and must do so in person.
2. If you can renew by mail, download the application, fill it out, and be sure to sign and date it.
3. Note that renewal passports may only be sent to addresses within the United States or Canada.
4. Enclose two identical passport size photos.
5. Enclose the appropriate fee.
6. If your name has changed since your last passport, include a certified copy of the legal document specifying your name change: marriage license, divorce decree, adoption decree, or court order. Name changes by any other means necessitate an application for renewal in person.
7. If you need rush service, you may request an expedited passport through the mail. See the State Department's instructions for expedited service, or for emergency travel.
8. Mail your application and supporting documents in a padded envelope to the address listed on your application.
9. If you are currently residing outside the U.S., you should apply for a passport at your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
10. Note that you may not be eligible for a passport if you are behind on child support payments.
Checking on Your Application
- If your passport hasn't arrived within the time you expected (currently 4-6 weeks), be sure to check its status online.
Step 4: After Your Passport Arrives
- You're now able to travel world-wide! Note some countries may require advance visa applications, however.
1. Once you receive your passport, make sure to fill out the emergency contact information, and don't forget to sign it.
2. Make a copy for your records, and additional copies to give to a close friend or family member if you plan to travel soon.
3. If your passport is lost or stolen in the U.S., you'll need to report it and replace it. You will need to fill out a form and then apply for a new passport in person.
4. If you change your name by marriage or court order within one year of issuance of your new passport, you can apply for a new passport without incurring additional fees.
5. If you have caught the travel bug and run out of pages in your passport, you can apply for extra pages if you meet specific requirements. Note there is no fee for this service.
Resources for How to Apply for a Passport
- U.S. Department of State: How Apply for a Passport Renewal
- U.S. Department of State: How to Apply in Person for a Passport
- United States Postal Service: Passport Application Information
- U.S. Department of State: Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page
- U.S. Department of State: How to Get Your Passport in a Hurry
- U.S. Department of State: Passport Fees
- U.S. Department of State: Digitized Passport Photos
- U.S. Department of State: Application Processing Time
- U.S. Department of State: Checking the Status of Your Application
- U.S. Department of State: Applications and Forms
- U.S. Department of State: Lost or Stolen Passport
- U.S. Department of State: Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
- U.S. Department of State: Passports
- U.S. Department of State: How to Add Extra Pages to Your U.S. Passport
- United States Immigration Support: United States Passport Application Guide
- USA Today: Your Ticket to Anywhere: How to Get a Passport