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Understanding U.S. Passport Basics

A U.S. passport is an official travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State that proves your citizenship and identity. It's required for most international travel outside the United States, including trips to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Without a valid passport, you cannot board international flights or cross certain borders, even if you're a U.S. citizen.

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There are several types of passports available. The most common is the passport book, a small booklet about the size of a deck of cards that contains your photograph, personal information, and visa pages. The passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized document that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but cannot be used for air travel. Some people carry both documents for different travel situations.

Passport validity periods vary by age. Adult passports (for people 16 and older) are valid for 10 years, while passports for children under 16 are valid for only 5 years. A passport is considered expired the moment the expiration date passes, even by one day. This means you cannot use an expired passport for travel, and you'll need to renew it before your next trip.

The cost of obtaining a passport includes both the passport fee and the execution fee. As of 2024, a new passport book for an adult costs $130 in fees, while a passport card costs $35. These fees are paid directly to the government when you submit your application. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee if you need your passport sooner than the standard timeline.

Practical Takeaway: Know which type of passport matches your travel plans. If you only travel by land or sea to nearby countries, a passport card may be sufficient and costs less. If you plan international air travel anywhere in the world, you need a passport book. Check your current passport's expiration date at least 6 months before any planned travel.

Citizenship and Identity Documentation You'll Need

Before you can obtain a passport, you must prove two things: that you are a U.S. citizen and that you are who you claim to be. The U.S. Department of State has specific documents that satisfy these requirements. Understanding which documents work is essential because submitting the wrong paperwork will delay your process.

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For proving citizenship, you have several options. The most common is a certified birth certificate showing that you were born in the United States or a U.S. territory. A certified copy means it came directly from the vital records office where the birth was registered, not a photocopy. If you were born abroad, you can use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or a Certificate of Naturalization. Those who obtained citizenship through naturalization should have a Certificate of Naturalization, which is a formal government document. If you don't have your birth certificate, you can request one from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born, though this typically takes 2-4 weeks.

For proving identity, you need a current government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include a valid driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or previously issued passport. Your ID must be current and not expired. If you don't have any of these documents, you can use a combination of documents such as a recent utility bill combined with a high school diploma or employee ID, though this is less common and may require additional steps.

There are special situations with different requirements. If you were born outside the U.S. to American parents, you may need to provide documents showing your parents' citizenship. If you've been married or divorced, you may need to provide marriage or divorce certificates. If your name has changed through marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need to provide legal documentation of that change. Some people born before 1911 or those adopted internationally have different pathways with specific documentation needs.

Getting certified copies of your birth certificate can take time. Most states offer online ordering through their vital records websites, and many allow you to pay for expedited processing. Some counties offer in-person service. Plan ahead and order your certified birth certificate as soon as you know you'll need a passport, rather than waiting until you're ready to apply. Having these documents ready before you visit the acceptance facility speeds up the entire process.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your citizenship and identity documents before visiting a passport acceptance facility. Order a certified copy of your birth certificate at least 4 weeks before you plan to apply. Confirm it says "certified copy" on the document—photocopies are not accepted. Having everything ready means your application can be processed immediately without delays.

Where and How to Submit Your Passport Application

Passport applications must be submitted in person at an official passport acceptance facility for first-time applicants or those whose passports were lost or stolen. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. The good news is that thousands of locations accept passport applications across the country, making it convenient for most people.

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There are several types of locations where you can submit a passport application. The most common are post offices, particularly larger branches in towns and cities. The U.S. Postal Service participates in the passport program and has trained staff to accept applications. County clerk offices also accept passport applications in many states. Libraries in some communities offer passport acceptance services. Finally, passport acceptance agencies, which are dedicated government offices in major cities, accept applications. You can find your nearest location by visiting the State Department's acceptance facility locator on their website.

When you visit a passport acceptance facility, you'll need to bring several items. Bring all your citizenship and identity documents discussed in the previous section. Bring a completed application form—either Form DS-11 for in-person applications or Form DS-82 if you're renewing by mail (though renewals have different requirements). You'll need a new photograph that meets specific requirements: it must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, in color, with a plain white or off-white background, and showing your full face looking directly at the camera. Bring payment for the applicable fees in the form of a check, money order, or credit card—specific payment methods depend on the acceptance facility.

The process at the acceptance facility is straightforward. You'll check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents to ensure everything is complete and correct. They'll take your application, verify your identity, and collect your fee. This is not the same as a passport interview—staff members are checking paperwork, not interviewing you extensively. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a receipt with a tracking number that allows you to monitor your passport status online.

Standard processing currently takes 6 to 8 weeks after your application is received. During busy travel seasons (spring and summer), processing times can be longer. Expedited processing is available for an additional $60 fee and reduces processing time to 2 to 3 weeks. Routine service is appropriate for most people planning ahead, but those with urgent travel needs should consider expedited processing when submitting their application.

Practical Takeaway: Find your nearest acceptance facility online before you gather your documents. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. Plan to visit during off-peak hours if possible (early morning or mid-week visits are typically faster). Allow 6 to 8 weeks for standard processing, or choose expedited processing if you need your passport sooner.

Photograph Requirements and Standards

Your passport photograph is one of the most critical components of your application because it must meet very specific government standards. A photograph that doesn't meet these requirements will be rejected, and you'll have to provide a new one before your application can be processed. Understanding the exact standards prevents this common delay.

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The photo dimensions must be exactly 2x2 inches, printed on matte or semi-gloss paper. The background must be white or off-white—no patterns, shadows, or colored backgrounds are permitted. Your full face must be visible and centered in the frame, occupying between 50 and 69 percent of the photo's area. Your face must be looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression—you can have a closed-mouth smile, but no wide-open mouth grins. Both eyes must be open, visible, and clearly focused. Your head should not be tilted, and both ears should be visible if possible.

There are specific rules about eyeglasses and other items. If you wear prescription glasses, you can wear them in your passport photo, but the lenses must be clear—