PASSPORT INFO

---

Your passport must be signed and in good condition and valid for at least six months from the date of return to the US. You should also have at least two blank pages available for visas or entry stamps.

Many countries require travelers to hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the departure date, to avoid any risk the traveler may get stranded and overstay the visit period. Although some countries do not strictly enforce this 6-month rule, for example some countries specify validity of 3 months instead, airlines also have an obligation to check traveler’s documents. If your passport will expire less than six months after your trip, you could be denied boarding. 

It is not worth the risk; U.S. passports can be renewed up to a year before they expire, so when the time comes just go ahead and renew your passport to avoid the stress and added expense of an emergency passport application.

Documents required to apply for a US passport:

The passport application procedures are slightly different for a first-time applicant vs. renewing an expiring passport, for minors, etc. but  in general, the requirements for a U.S. passport are as follows:

• Proof of citizenship (certified U.S. birth certificate or previously issued U.S. passport)
• Valid I.D. (driver’s license)
• 2 Passport Photos
• Passport Application Form
• Checkbook or money orders to pay the passport fees.

How much does a U.S. Passport cost?

$130 passport application fee for adults

$100 for children under 16 years 

$60 additional expedited service fee (optional)

$22.05 additional for 1-2 day return shipping (recommended)

$35 facility acceptance fee (for first-time applications or minors)

*Passport expediting services can facilitate urgent passport renewal applications for an additional, separate fee.

Adults can renew an expiring U.S. passport by mail. If you are getting your first passport or applying for your child's passport you will need to sign and submit your application at a passport acceptance facility.

Acceptance facilities include clerk of court offices, designated post offices and public libraries, and certain other local government offices which can accept passport applications. Find the nearest acceptance facility where you can submit your U.S. passport application. Some of these locations also have on-site photo services to get your passport photos taken. Search here to find a convenient passport acceptance facility near you.

The requirements to replace a lost or stolen passport are the same as to apply for a first-time passport. 

If you lose your passport abroad, you need to apply for a new passport at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Bring your travel itinerary with you, a copy of your missing passport, photos taken ahead if possible, and be ready to complete and sign the application, and pay all fees at your appointment. 

It is very important to keep a copy of your passport and any valid visas seperately from your passport and where you can access them while traveling, in case your passport is lost or stolen. A copy of your lost passport serves as proof of citizenship for the issuance of a replacement, limited validity passport. 

If your passport is replaced, keep in mind that any visas issued to that passport, including e-Visas and ETAs, also need to be replaced.

If you’ve been the victim of crime and have other financial difficulties getting home, let the consular officer know your circumstances and they will do all they can to assist you. If you don’t have enough time for a regular passport to be issued before your planned return home or on to the next destination, the consular section can issue an emergency passport. 

Although emergency passports are valid for a year, they are really only intended for the remainder of your trip and to get you safely back home. You should renew your passport once you are back in the United States, so that you’ll have a full 10-year passport for your next trip. Take care of your next passport as well, if someone loses multiple passports they will run into additional questions and added difficulty applying for renewals later on. 

*Once you have reported a passport lost or stolen, it is no longer valid for international travel. Make sure that you have searched everywhere possible before replacing it with an emergency passport, and if you do find it later you need to turn it in. You cannot use a canceled passport again.

Hopefully it will never happen to you, but if you do lose your passport abroad, U.S. embassies and consulates are there to help.