º£½ÇÂÛ̳

Applying for a Passport

• Start with the U.S. Department of State website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on applying for a passport.
• First-time applicants must apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility and bring all the necessary documents. You can find detailed guidance for first-time applicants here.
• Passport processing typically takes about six weeks, but it may take longer depending on demand. If you're on a tighter timeline, expedited service is available for an extra fee and usually takes about three weeks.
  • If you need your passport sooner than that, you may pay for expedited service when applying for or renewing your passport
• You’ll also need official passport photos. These can be taken at places like FedEx, UPS, or Walgreens. Avoid using DIY photos, as the State Department often rejects them, which could delay your application.

• You may be eligible to renew your passport by mail if all of the following apply:
  • Your passport is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
  • It was issued when you were 16 or older
  • It hasn’t been reported lost or stolen
  • It was issued within the last 15 years
  • It was issued in your current name, or you can provide legal documentation of your name change (such as a certified marriage certificate or government-issued name change document)
• If your passport is lost, damaged, or destroyed, you’ll need to apply in person.
• If you're outside the U.S. and need to renew your passport, reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for the correct process and required documents. Remember, renewing your passport means you'll need to turn in your current one, which could affect your travel plans if you're abroad during the renewal process.

• You may be eligible to renew your passport online if all of the following apply:
  • Your current passport was valid for 10 years, and you are 25 years old or older.
  • It was issued more than 9 years ago, but less than 15 years from your intended application date.
  • You are not requesting changes to your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
  • You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks after submitting your application, as online renewals are only processed with routine service (same timing as mail-in renewals).
  • You are applying for a standard (tourist) passport—not a diplomatic, official, or service passport.
  • You currently live in the U.S. or one of its territories. Online renewal is not available if you're living abroad or using an APO, FPO, or DPO address.
  • You have your existing passport in your possession. It must be undamaged and not previously reported as lost or stolen.
  • You can pay online using a credit or debit card and are able to upload a digital passport photo that meets requirements.
  • You understand that once your application is submitted, your current passport will be canceled and can no longer be used for international travel.
• If your passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you must apply in person.
• If you're outside the U.S., contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information about how to renew your passport while abroad. Keep in mind that renewal requires surrendering your current passport, which could impact your travel plans.