A valid passport is essential for travel to any foreign country.
Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of a trip. Check your passport early and renew it well to avoid trouble before your travel.
Note that if your passport expires 3-6 months from your entry date, you may be prevented from foreign travel!
 |
| U.S. Passport |
Apply for a New Passport
This must be done in person, either at a post office that offers that service or at a U.S. State Department office. You can also apply online at the U.S. Department of State.
Proof of Citizenship
You must have proof of your U.S. citizenship, including:
- Notarized (embossed seal) copy of your birth certificate- Valid photo I.D. or driver's license
Cost & Processing Time
The standard fee is around USD 110. It will take at least 4 to 6 weeks, or you may pay an expedited processing fee of USD 60 to have it processed in 2 to 3 weeks. You can pick it up in person or pay a USD 25 fee to mail it.
Renew Your Existing Passport
When renewing your passport online, note that many sites will help you renew your passport, but they charge for their help. Be sure to visit the U.S. Department of State first to avoid paying extra fees to third-party agencies.
 |
| Dept. of State |
You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport:
- Is submitted with your application
- Is undamaged (other than normal "wear and tear")
- Was issued when you were age 16 or older
- Was issued within the last 15 years
- Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
If the above statements do not apply, you must Apply in Person using form DS-11.
Please note: If you are not in the United States, please see Applying for a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States.For more information, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html.
Photocopy Your Passport
Keeping track of your passport, travel documents, and cards is also important while traveling.
Always keep your passport in your hand; do not set it down or let it go out of your sight. Consider money belts or bra wallets to increase the safety of your cash, cards, and identification.
Make a photocopy of your cards, passport, and I.D. before you leave and put them in your carry-on. Keep your passport with you and keep the copy in your luggage back at the hotel, or put the copy in the safe to access information in the event of theft.
Passport Questions?
Visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html.
Automated passport information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1-877-487-2778/ 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY).
Customer service representatives are available:
Monday- Friday (8:00 am to 10:00 pm Eastern Time)
Saturday (10:00 am to 3:00 pm Eastern Time)
*Except on Federal Holidays
Email: NPIC@state.gov:
Most email inquiries are answered within 24 hours.
Please call for the status of your passport. We cannot email that information.
Do not email for travel emergencies. Contact us by phone only.
