Passport FAQ's
PASSPORT INFORMATION
Very important! Please read the following information regarding changes to passport requirements. These changes impact U.S. Citizens and non-U.S. Citizens. For more information, please see the U.S. State Department website for passport information. Expired passports are not acceptable.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CARRY A PASSPORT VALID FOR SIX MONTHS BEYOND THE DURATION OF YOUR TRAVEL.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. I have a life or death emergency overseas and need a passport. What should I do?
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Life or Death Emergencies involve serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family that require you to travel within 24-48 hours outside the United States. Customers must appear in person at a passport agency for emergency service and documentation of the emergency may be requested.
Please call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (TTY/TDD 1-888-874-7793) to schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Agency. Our automated appointment system is accessible every day, 24 hours a day.
If an appointment that will meet your needs is not available and you are calling from 6:00 a.m. to 12 midnight, ET, Monday-Friday, except federal holidays, please stay on the line and follow instructions to speak to a Customer Service Representative (CSR). The CSR will give you guidance on what to do. CSRs are available on weekends for limited hours to assist customers traveling within 7 days.
If an appointment that will meet your needs is not available and you are calling on a federal holiday or during hours the CSRs are not available, please call 202-647-4000 and explain your situation to the operator.
- Back to Top – - 2. I am preparing for official travel. How do I obtain my diplomatic, official or regular no-fee passport?
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The Special Issuance Agency, located in Washington, D.C., issues no-fee passports to citizens traveling abroad for the U.S. Government, their dependents (if permitted to accompany them), and certain others who are exempt by law from payment of the passport fee.
For more information see Diplomatic, Official, and Regular No-Fee Passports
- Back to Top – - 3. What is an E-Passport?
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An Electronic Passport is the same as a traditional passport with the addition of a small integrated circuit (or electronic chip) embedded in the back cover. The chip stores:
- The same data visually displayed on the data page of the passport;
- A biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photograph, which will facilitate the use of face recognition technology at ports-of-entry;
- The unique chip identification number; and
- A digital signature to protect the stored data from alteration.
- Back to Top – - 4. I am traveling very soon. How do I get a passport in a hurry?
- 5. How long does it take to get a passport?
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Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. During busier times, such as the summer travel season, we encourage customers to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 10 weeks. See Processing Times for more information.
- Back to Top – - 6. Who should maintain a valid U.S. passport?
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Passport Services recommends that the following U.S. citizens maintain valid U.S. passports.... Those
- Those with family living or traveling abroad
- Those thinking about a vacation abroad, or
- Those with a job that could require international travel.
In the event of an emergency involving a family member abroad, a short-notice airfare bargain, or an unexpected business trip, already having a valid U.S. passport will save time, money and stress.
- Back to Top - - 7. How do I replace my damaged/mutilated passport?
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Passports that are mutilated, altered, or damaged are no longer valid for travel. Additionally, altered or mutilated passports are not acceptable as evidence of U.S. citizenship. Please see How to Apply for the First Time (In Person)for instruction on how to replace your damaged passport.
- 8. Where are the instructions for filling out the passport forms?
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Instructions are on the back of the forms.
- Back to Top – - 9. How many blank visa pages do I need to travel?
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Some countries require your passport have two (2) to four (4) blank visa/stamp pages. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. See Add Extra Pages for how to request more visa pages.
- Back to Top – - 10. How long is a passport valid and when should I renew my passport?
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If you were 16 or Older when the passport was issued, then your passport is valid for 10 Years.
If you were 15 or Younger when the passport was issued, then your passport is valid for 5 Years.
The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or the front of your Passport Card.
If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the date of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
If your passport has already expired, you may still be able to renew your passport by mail. See How to Renew My Passport.
- 11. I'm renewing my passport. Do I get the old one back?
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Yes, we return the old, cancelled passport to you although it may be sent separately from your new passport. It is a good idea to keep it in a safe place as it is considered proof of your identity and U.S. citizenship.
- 12. I was recently married/divorced. How do I change my name on my passport?
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You will need to complete DS-5504, U.S. Passport Re-Application Form, within one year of the issuance date of your current valid passport and submit along with the following:
- The same data visually displayed on the data page of the passport;
- The passport to be replaced
- Certified documentation of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree with your new name); and
- Two recent passport photos.
After one year of the issuance date you must submit a DS-82, Application for Passport by Mail, your current passport, certified documentation of your name change, two recent passport photos, and pay all applicable fees.
- 13. Do I have to provide my Social Security Number?
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Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6039E) requires you to provide your Social Security Number (SSN), if you have one, when you apply for a U.S. passport or renewal of a U.S. passport. If you have not been issued a SSN, enter zeros in box #5 of the passport application form you are completing. Contact the Social Security Administration to request a Number. If you are residing abroad, you must also provide the name of the foreign country in which you are residing. The U.S. Department of State must provide your SSN and foreign residence information to the Department of Treasury. If you fail to provide the information, you are subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS. All questions on this matter should be directed to the nearest IRS office.
