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Passports are issued by national governments to facilitate international travel. United States passports are issued exclusively by the U.S. Department of State.These passports, which are booklets, are valid for travel by Americans anywhere in the world. United States passports conform with recommended standards (i.e., size, composition, layout, technology) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Some U.S. citizens hold dual citizenship, which means that an individual holds another citizenship besides U.S. citizenship. There are advantages and disadvantages of having dual citizenship and a second passport. However, in most cases dual citizenship is not a problem when renewing your passport since the U.S. government allows dual citizenship. Learn how to get a Passport: You can apply for a passport at many post offices around the country. The fees and payment methods are listed below. For an additional $15 fee, your passport photo may be taken at some of these offices as well. Use the Locator to find the closest Post Office to your home or office that accepts passport applications. Some offices may require an appointment to accept your passport application or take your photo, so please call first. Select, complete and print a Passport Application Form in advance to abbreviate your visit. Forms are also available at your local Post Office and many public libraries. * A U.S. passport is an internationally recognized travel document * A U.S. passport verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer * Nearly 7 million U.S. passports are issued every year * Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to issue United States passports * Only U.S. citizens (adults, children and babies) have the right to apply for a U.S. passport. If you are not a U.S. citizens, you first need to apply for United States citizenship Regular (blue cover) Issuable to all citizens and non-citizen nationals. Periods of validity: for those age 16 or over, generally ten years from the date of issue; for those 15 and younger, generally five years from the date of issue. Illustration: cover -- above right. A sub-type of regular passports is no-fee passports, issuable to citizens in specified categories for specified purposes. Official (maroon cover) Issuable to citizen-employees of the United States assigned overseas, either permanently or temporarily, and their eligible dependants, and to members of Congress who travel abroad on official business. Period of validity: generally five years from the date of issue.Illustration: cover -- right. Diplomatic (black cover) Issuable to American diplomats accredited overseas and their eligible dependants, and to citizens who reside in the United States and travel abroad for diplomatic work. Period of validity: generally five years from the date of issue. Emergency Issuable to citizens overseas, in urgent circumstances. Period of validity: generally one year from the date of issue. An emergency passport may be exchanged for a full-term passport. * Step 1 - Download the "United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide" (order information below) * Step 2 - Read carefully the instructions provided in the application guide * Step 3 - Fill out the application forms included * Step 4 - If there is a name change, include a certified copy of a legal document * Step 5 - Take passport pictures according to the instructions provided * Step 6 - Visit in person or mail the application forms to an official recognized passport facility. Include the following: proof of identity and citizenship, passport pictures and supplemental documentation (if applicable). Addresses and contact information are included in the application guide. * Step 7 - Receive your passport in 28 to 42 days or pay an expedited fee and receive your passport within 10 to 14 days. More information about the expedited processing can be found in the "United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide". |
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