Passport answers

Real answers to the most common U.S. passport questions. Every answer is sourced from official government data and reviewed against the latest State Department guidance.

Fees

How much does a passport cost?

A large adult passport book costs $130, a standard adult book costs $130, and a passport card costs $30. Children under 16 pay $100 for a book or $15 for a card. Optional expedited service adds $60 and 1–2 day return delivery adds $19.53. First-time applicants also pay a $35 execution fee to the acceptance facility.

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Processing times

How long does it take to get a passport?

Routine service by mail or at an acceptance facility typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from the time the government receives a complete application. Expedited service usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Regional passport agencies can issue passports for urgent travel within 14 days (or 28 days with a foreign visa) by appointment only.

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Photos

Where can I get a passport photo?

You can get a passport photo at many post offices, pharmacies, shipping stores, and warehouse clubs. You can also take your own with our free passport photo tool, which crops and checks a 2×2 inch image against the official requirements.

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Forms

What form do I need for a first-time passport?

First-time applicants, all children under 16, and anyone whose previous passport was lost, stolen, damaged, issued before age 16, or issued more than 15 years ago must use Form DS-11 and apply in person at an acceptance facility.

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Renewal

Can I renew my passport by mail?

You can renew by mail with Form DS-82 only if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name (or you can document the name change).

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Lost or stolen

What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen?

Report the loss or theft to the State Department as soon as possible with Form DS-64, then apply in person for a replacement using Form DS-11. You will need proof of citizenship and a photo ID.

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Name change

How do I change the name on my passport?

If your passport was issued less than one year ago, use Form DS-5504 to correct the name at no fee. If it was issued more than one year ago, use Form DS-82 and include a certified name-change document with the renewal fee.

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Travel requirements

What is the six-month passport validity rule?

The six-month rule means some countries require your U.S. passport to be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date. If your passport expires too close to your return, airlines may deny boarding and border officials may refuse entry even though the U.S. allows you to hold a passport until its expiration date.

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Child passport

What documents do I need for a child passport?

For a child under 16, you need Form DS-11, proof of the child's U.S. citizenship, proof of the parents' relationship to the child, both parents' photo IDs, parental consent, one passport photo of the child, and payment for fees.

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Expedited

What is an expedited passport?

Expedited passport service is an optional add-on that costs $60 and typically reduces routine processing from 6–8 weeks to 2–3 weeks. You can request it by mail with Form DS-82 or at an acceptance facility with Form DS-11. It does not guarantee a specific return date.

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Appointments

How do I make a regional passport agency appointment?

Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to request an appointment at the nearest regional passport agency. Appointments are reserved for travelers with urgent international travel within 14 days, or within 28 days if a foreign visa is required.

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Do I need an appointment to apply for a passport?

It depends on the facility. Some passport acceptance facilities accept walk-ins, while others require or strongly recommend appointments. Post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and other government offices set their own policies.

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Status

Can I check my passport application status?

Yes. You can check your U.S. passport application status online at travel.state.gov about 7 to 10 business days after the government receives your application. You can also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

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Documents

What is the difference between a passport book and card?

A passport book is valid for all international travel by air, land, and sea. A passport card is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The adult book costs $130 and the adult card costs $30. Both are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.

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