United States Passport F. A. Q.

US Passport Visa Guide prepared this F.A.Q. to assist you in applying for your U.S. passport. If you have other questions that you think would assist future users of this site please let us know and we will add them!

Where Can I Get Passport Application Forms? Passport acceptance facilities stock passport forms. You may download the forms from the State Departments Website: http://travel.state.gov/download_applications.html or obtain them by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778)

When Should I Apply for a Passport? Apply several months in advance of your planned departure. If you will need visas from foreign embassies, allow more time

When can I expect to have my passport? How is it returned to me? If you apply at a passport acceptance facility, the same day that you apply, your application will be sent to Passport Services for processing. Your will receive your passport within 6 to 8 weeks via first class mail

If you apply at a passport agency, you will receive your passport within 5 weeks (25 business days) via first class mail. Your passport will be mailed to the mailing address you provided on your application. If you need your passport sooner we highly recommend using one of the Passport Services reviewed on our site!

What Should I Do if My Passport Is Lost or Stolen? If your still valid passport is lost or stolen, you can report the loss when you apply for a new passport. In addition to Form DS-11, you will need to complete a Form DS-64, "Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport." You may also call 202-955-0430, which has voice mail for no business hours, Eastern Time to report the loss or theft of your passport. It is further advisable to report the loss or theft to your local police department. If you are abroad, immediately report the loss to local police authorities and the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Do I Need to Obtain a Separate Passport for My Baby? Yes. All persons, including newborn infants, are required to obtain passports in their own names.

What Do I Do if My Name has Changed? If you need to get a valid passport amended due to a name change, use Form DS-19. You will need to submit the original court document indicating the name change along with the DS-19 form and your current passport for amendment.

What Else Should I Know About Passports? Before traveling abroad, make a copy of the identification page so it is easier to get a new passport, should it be necessary. It is also a good idea to carry two extra passport-size photos with you. You should also check to see if you have run out of visa pages. Please note the last few pages of your passport are for amendments only and cannot be used for adding visas to your passport.

Is there any reason my passport application would be denied? The most common reason passport applications are denied is due to applicants not submitting the required information. For example; a photocopy of a birth certificate or passport photos that are on a dark background. The Passport Agency screens an applicant's background during the application process. Passports will be denied for the following reasons: 1. Outstanding child support 2. Outstanding Felony/Criminal Warrant (Not including Civil infractions or parking tickets) Prior Felony Conviction that prohibits international travel

What is a passport? A passport is definitive proof of a person's citizenship. The US Department of State has the sole authority to issue a passport. A passport is required when traveling internationally to identify a person as being a national of a certain country. For example a U.S. passport is proof that you are an American and a citizen of the United States.

Do I need a passport to travel internationally? Yes. The only acceptable proof of US citizenship recognized by the international community is a US Government issued passport. All countries require you to present your valid passport before being admitted into the country you are traveling to. You will not be allowed to board an international flight without a valid passport.

My child is too young to sign his/her own passport. How do I sign my child's passport? In the space provided for the signature, the mother or father must print the child's name and sign their own name. Then, in parenthesis by the parent's name, write the word (mother) or (father) so the Passport Agency knows who signed for the child.

I'm renewing my passport. Do I get the old one back? Yes, we return the old, cancelled passport to you. It is a good idea to keep it in a safe place as it is considered proof of your U.S. citizenship.

Is the US Passport Office open on the weekends? Holidays? No. The US Passport Office is also closed on weekends. The US Passport Office observes national holidays.

What is a Passport Acceptance Facility? A Passport Acceptance Facility is a government agency, such as a Main Branch Post Office or a local Clerk of the Court, which has been given the authority by the Department of State to act on its behalf in assisting US citizens applying for passports. An agent at the Passport Acceptance Facility will check that your application is in proper order and prepare it for submission.

Why do I need to appear in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility? You need to appear before the official in order to pledge an oath that you have faithfully and truthfully completed the application for a US passport. You will be asked to sign the application after having sworn to the oath. Your signature will attest to your having done so. The official will check your state issued ID to verify your signature and physical description.

Is my proof of citizenship returned? Yes. Your proof of citizenship is returned along with your newly issued passport. Any documentation used to show proof of name change will also be returned to you.

Why are the documents placed in an envelope and sealed by the Acceptance Agent? This procedure ensures the Department of State that no one has tampered with your application prior to submission. Do not open the envelope! Breaking the seal will invalidate the procedure and the application will be cancelled regardless of your travel circumstance.

How long is my passport valid? Unless restricted to a specific validity, most US passports issued to adults (over 18 years at the time of issuance) are valid for 10 years. Passports for individuals under the age of 18 are valid for only 5 years. Non-US passport validity varies by nationality.