All passport answersRequirements
The Next Generation passport and its information page
By Tom Jones
Editor-in-Chief, PassportOfficesLast reviewed Editorial policy
Short answer
What is the Next Generation U.S. passport?
The Next Generation passport is the current U.S. passport design. Its information page is made of rigid polycarbonate, with a laser-engraved photo and stronger anti-fraud features, plus the electronic chip. Older passports stay valid until their expiration date, so you don't need to replace yours early.
Next step
Open the Passport requirements guide
Actionable steps, requirements, and tools to move forward.
Key takeaways
- The information page holds your photo, name, birth date, passport number and expiration date.
- Don't bend the polycarbonate page.
- No need to replace a valid older passport.
Full answer
Damage to the data page or chip can make a passport unusable. See our damaged-passport guide if yours is cracked.