General Passport
Information
Any regional
passport agency, designated Post Office, or any federal, state or
probate court can issue the passport application.
Look for "Passport Services" under the "Department
of State" listing in the Federal Government blue pages of
the telephone directory.
Normal processing time for a passport application is 6 weeks.
Fees for passports are $60 for anyone over 16 years of age,
and $40 for those under 16. Generally, if you know when you're
traveling, we recommend to fill in your departure date on the
passport application forms.
For those who need their passport in a hurry, expedited passport
processing is also available. There is a $35 fee per passport for
expedited processing. Passport applications sent together or at
the same time do not necessarily remain together and will be
mailed separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee for a U.S. passport?
Passport fees are Age 16 and over $60;under 16 is $40. To
expedite a passport, there is an additional $35 charge.
---------------------------------------------------
How long is a passport valid?
Age 16 and older valid for 10 years. Age 15 and younger valid for
5 years.
--------------------------------------------------
My child is under 16 and needs a passport. How do I get one?
If applying for a child under the age of 13, the child need not
appear in person. A parent or legal guardian can apply for the
child. The parent or guardian must show his or her current, valid
ID. If the parent is NOT a citizen, he or she must show an alien
registration card ("green card"), valid foreign
passport and other ID such as a driver's license. If the parent
does not have acceptable ID, someone with current, valid ID must
vouch for the parent. If applying for a child age 13 to 16, the
child MUST appear in person with the parent.
------------------------------------------------
Can I get my passport issued in my fiance's name for our
honeymoon?
Because your name isn't legally changed until the day you marry,
your passport must be issued in your maiden name, according to
the U.S. Government's National Passport Information Center (900-225-5674).
When you return from your honeymoon and once you have your
validated marriage certificate in hand you can have your
current passport amended with your new married name, free of
charge. Ask your local post office or passport agency for details.
-----------------------------------------------
I was recently married/divorced. How do I change my name on my
passport?
You will need to complete Form DSP-19, Passport Amendment/Validation
Application and send it along with certified documentation of
your name change (such as a marriage certificate or name change
court decree) and your current, valid passport to the nearest
passport agency. Agencies are listed on the back of the form.
Your documentation will be returned to you with your amended
passport. There is no fee for this service unless you require
expedited service.
------------------------------------------------
I was born abroad. How do I get a birth certificate?
If you were born in a foreign country to a U.S. citizen parent or
parents, and your birth was registered at a U.S. embassy or
consulate in the form of a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240),
this is acceptable and legal proof of birth and U.S. Citizenship.
If you need a copy of this form as evidence of your birth and
United States citizenship, please submit a written request which
includes the following five items: 1) The subject's full name at
birth and the date and country of birth. 2) Parents' full names,
including mother's maiden name, and their dates and places of
birth and nationality. 3) A daytime telephone number. 4)
Signature of the subject or parents. A legal guardian's signature
is acceptable only when accompanied by a certified copy of the
guardianship papers or court order of adoption. 5) A $40 fee per
document. Please send a check or money order made payable to the
Department of State. All requests should be mailed to: Passport
Services, Correspondence Branch, Suite 510, 1111 19th Street NW,
Washington, DC 20522-1705
--------------------------------------------------
Can I expedite the passport application?
To expedite service for your passport application, there is a $35
per application expedite fee. The Passport Agency processes
expedited passports within three working days from receipt of the
passport. If you would like overnight or express delivery,
payment for this service should be presented in person where you
apply or included with the other items by mail for passport
renewal. You should receive your passport in 7-10 business days
if using expedited service and two-way overnight delivery,
depending upon the reliability of your overnight service.