The U.S. Department of State issues different types of US passports,
depending upon the specific need as summarized below:
New Passports*
You have never had a US passport, your passport has been expired for
more than 5 years, your passport has been damaged or mutilated, or you
were a minor (under age 16) when your US passport was issued and you are now
over 16 years of age.
Passport Renewals
Your current undamaged US passport will soon expire or has expired within the
last 5 years and your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were
over age 16 when your current US passport was issued, or you require a
replacement passport due to a legal name change (due to marriage, divorce or
professional reasons).
NOTE:
Minors (under age 16) should use the Passport for Minor process when renewing.
Lost/Stolen Passports*
You are unable to locate your current valid US passport or it has been stolen.
NOTE:
If the passport is no longer in your possession, but it has expired, you must
apply for a New Passport.
Passports for Minors*
You require a US passport for a minor child (under 16 years of age).
NOTE:
Minor passport application must be completed by parent,
guardian, or adult with court authorized documentation.
Second Passports
You are a frequent traveler and your travels abroad require you to submit one
US passport for travel visa processing while you are using the other US passport
to travel abroad. You may also need a second US passport if you plan to travel
to a country which objects to particular immigration stamps currently inside
your US passport (i.e. Israeli stamps).
Passport Name Change
The US Passport Services Office no longer amends valid US passports for a legal
name change (amending your married or maiden name, or changing your passport
for professional reasons). Instead, you need to apply for a replacement
passport via Passport Renewal.
Additional Passport Pages
If you travel abroad frequently and need more space for travel visas, you may
request additional pages to your current US passport for travel visas and
stamps.
* A certified birth certificate copy must be sent with your application for a
New, Minor, or Lost/Stolen Passport - instead of sending your original
certificate,
order a certified copy here.
There are two main ways of fulfilling your passport needs. One is going through
an expediting service and the other is directly through the government.
-
How to get a passport through an expediting service
Using an expediting service enables you to speed up the passport
application process, getting your passport to you in as little as
1-3 days. In addition, expeditors walk your passport through the
government application process providing convenience and security
to the consumer. You may wish to use one of these trusted Passport
Expediting Services:
-
How to get a passport through the government
The government is a safe and secure way of getting your passport. The
best way to get more information is by visiting an acceptance agency
(such as your local post office) or by visiting the following
government site, which provides a comprehensive array of information
for passport services:
www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
A passport application is one of the first steps to obtaining a new US passport,
renewing a passport, adding more pages to a passport, changing the name on your
passport or getting a passport for a minor. Often people use the terms passport
form and passport application interchangeably.
-
What is a passport application?
A passport application is a form designed by the government to
permit you to obtain a passport, which will enable you to travel
abroad and to be re-admitted in your home country.
-
Where do I find a passport application?
You can obtain a passport application many ways. One way is to
visit a passport acceptance agency, such as a post office.
Another way is to visit the government site
www.travel.state.gov,
or you may click on the links listed below to access the
passport application form that applies to you (Adobe Acrobat
will be required to view these forms):
- New Passport Application -
DS-11
- Passport Renewal Application -
DS-82
- Minor Passport Application -
DS-11
application, and
DS-3053
Statement of Consent for minor
- Lost/Stolen Passport Application -
DS-11
application, and
DS-64
Lost Passport Statement
- Application for Additional Passport Pages -
DS-4085
- Second Passport Application -
DS-82
application, and LETTER explaining why second passport is necessary
Remember to get your passport photos before submitting your application. The
following checklist should provide you with the information needed to obtain
correct passport photos. You can learn more about US passport photos on the
government regulations Web site:
www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
A certified birth certificate must be sent with your application for a New
Passport - instead of sending your original certificate, order a certified copy
through
VitalChek Express Certificate Service
.
US PASSPORT TYPES
