This page gives you a clear and professional primer on the U.S. passport—what it is, who can get it, how to apply or renew, what to prepare, typical timelines, fees, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow travelers down.
A U.S. passport is a federal travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State. It certifies two things: your identity and your citizenship (or eligible U.S. nationality). The modern booklet includes a machine-readable zone, an electronic chip in e-passports, and layered security features that help prevent fraud. It allows you to depart and re-enter the United States, apply for visas where required, and identify yourself to airlines, border officers, and service providers globally.
What a passport does not do: it does not guarantee entry to another country, it does not replace local identification requirements abroad, and it does not create immunity from foreign laws. Each destination applies its own admission rules, including proof of funds, return tickets, health requirements, and visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) rules you must meet.
Most travelers use the passport book (blue cover), valid for international air, land, and sea travel. The passport card is a wallet-sized credential designed for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean locations—it is not valid for international air travel. Travelers who frequently drive or sail to neighboring regions appreciate the card’s convenience, but you still need the book for flights and destinations that stamp or place visas.
| Product | Where It Works | Who Typically Uses It | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Book | Worldwide (air/land/sea) | Most travelers | Required for flights, visas, and broad international use |
| Passport Card | U.S.–Canada/Mexico/Caribbean/Bermuda (land/sea) | Border commuters, cruisers | Not valid for international flights; does not replace the book |
U.S. citizens and eligible U.S. nationals may apply. First-time applicants, most minors, and adults who do not meet renewal criteria must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (often a post office, clerk of court, or library) or at a U.S. embassy/consulate if applying abroad. Adults renewing an undamaged passport issued within the prior 15 years, when they were 16 or older, and in the same name (or with legal proof of name change), typically renew by mail.
Create a labeled folder such as US-PASSPORT_[LAST_FIRST] with subfolders for Citizenship, Identity, Photos, Payments, and Extras. Scan at 300–400 DPI, crop edges cleanly, ensure orientation is correct, and verify that every data point (spelling, order of names, suffixes, dates) matches what you will place on the application form. For in-person DS-11 applications, bring originals and photocopies as the acceptance agent will review and submit them.
DS-11 is for first-time applicants and others who are not eligible to renew by mail (e.g., minors, adults with very old/undamaged passports outside the 15-year window, or name changes without proper documentation). You apply in person at an acceptance facility; the agent verifies your identity, witnesses your signature, and forwards your packet.
DS-82 is the mail-in renewal form for eligible adults. You submit your most recent passport, a compliant photo, fees, and any legal proof of name change. This path is generally faster and simpler because you do not need to visit an acceptance facility.
Total cost depends on whether you apply in person (execution fee applies) or by mail, whether you choose the book, card, or both, and whether you add expedited processing or faster delivery services. Processing times vary with national demand and seasonality. Always check live guidance before booking non-refundable travel; posted windows fluctuate over the year.
| Scenario | Fee Drivers | What to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| First-time adult (DS-11) | Book/card + execution fee + optional expedite/delivery | Original proofs, photocopies, 2x2 photo, accepted payment |
| Adult mail-in renewal (DS-82) | Book/card + optional expedite/delivery | Most recent passport, photo, name-change proof if any |
| Minor (under 16) – DS-11 | Application + execution + optional expedite | Child + both parents/guardians (or proper consent docs) |
| Lost/Damaged replacement | Application fees + supplemental forms | Loss/theft statement if required; citizenship & ID proofs |
Adult passports are generally valid for 10 years; passports for children under 16 are generally valid for 5 years. Many countries require at least six months of remaining validity on arrival. If you plan a long trip or need visas that take time, renew early to avoid conflicts or last-minute processing stress. Eligible adults can renew by mail under DS-82; others must apply in person under DS-11.
If you need a passport urgently, you may request expedited processing for an additional fee. In life-or-death emergencies or imminent travel within specific timeframes, appointments may be available at passport agencies/centers—eligibility, documentation, and proof of travel are typically required. If you are overseas and your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate; once requirements are met, they can issue an emergency limited-validity passport to help you continue travel or return home.
For risk management, enroll your trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so you receive alerts and your nearest embassy can reach you if needed. You can register at step.state.gov.
Photo failures are a top reason for re-submission. Use a recent color photo (taken within the last 6 months), 2 x 2 inches, plain white/off-white background, facing camera directly, neutral expression (or natural smile), eyes open, no heavy shadows, hats, or tinted glasses. If you wear prescription glasses, check current rules before including them in the photo. Children’s photos must also be compliant; for infants, use a plain background, keep the child’s eyes open if possible, and ensure no hand supports are visible.
Consistency across documents is crucial. Use the same spelling and order of names in your evidence and forms. If you have multiple IDs with different name formats (e.g., middle initial vs full middle name), align to the format on your citizenship proof or provide supporting legal documents that reconcile differences. Keep your records updated after life events—marriage, divorce, adoption, or court-ordered name changes—and retain certified copies for future renewals.
After submitting your application (or mailing a renewal), use the online status tools to track progress. Delivery is typically by mail; secure your mailbox, enable delivery notifications where available, and avoid leaving the envelope unattended. On receipt, check the biographic page for spelling, date, and gender marker accuracy. If you see an error, report it promptly for correction according to the published process.
Requirements, fees, and processing times are periodically updated. For step-by-step instructions, downloadable forms (DS-11, DS-82), appointment information, and the fee calculator, refer to the U.S. Department of State’s passport pages at travel state gov. When traveling, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for alerts and assistance via step state gov. Limit reliance on third-party summaries; always verify your scenario with official instructions before you submit or book non-refundable travel.
The book covers worldwide air/land/sea travel and is required for international flights. The card is for land/sea crossings to neighboring regions only; it does not replace the book where visas or flights are involved.
If your last passport was issued within the past 15 years, when you were 16 or older, is undamaged, and your name is the same (or you have legal proof of change), you typically renew by mail with DS-82. Otherwise, apply in person with DS-11.
Check current processing times and see if expedited service or an agency appointment fits your timeline. Bring proof of travel when required, and prepare a perfect document set to avoid back-and-forth.
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate for guidance. Once requirements are met, they can issue an emergency passport so you can continue travel or return to the U.S.