Passport requirements: Everything you need for a passport

Your passport is your license to travel. It enables you to enter other countries and return to the U.S. Obtaining a passport is a straightforward process, but there are a few things you need to get a passport. Below, you’ll find information about passport requirements so you can travel the world.

Who needs a passport?

All U.S. citizens, even infants, need a passport to travel outside the country by air.

Passport requirements for children under 16

Children under 16 must apply for a passport in person with their parent(s) present. Their parent(s) must then sign the passport application.¹ So, if you’re taking a family trip abroad, ensure everyone has a passport.

Passport requirements for children ages 16-17

Required passport application documents

Your first step toward obtaining a first passport is to fill out the U.S. State Department’s form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. You can download the form online, but you must present it in person at a passport agency or passport acceptance facility, along with several other documents. It’s important to remember that you can’t sign the DS-11 form until the passport acceptance official tells you to do so at your appointment.²

At your appointment, you will also need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: A U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship are all acceptable documents.
• Photo ID: A driver’s license, government-issued ID, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or previously issued passport (if you are applying for a new one) are all acceptable forms of ID.
• Photocopies of your proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID
• Passport photo
• Passport fees²

You must submit at least two secondary documents if you can’t provide a primary photo ID.³ Secondary forms of identification include:

• Social Security card
• Medicare (or other health insurance) card
• Student ID
• Employee work ID
• Other acceptable secondary IDs can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s travel website³

Applicants with dual citizenship need a U.S. passport to enter and leave the country, and they may also be required to use a foreign passport to enter and leave the country for which they share citizenship.⁴

How much is the passport application fee?

Passport fees vary from application to application. Age, location, current passport status and the type of passport document being applied for all affect the amount due. The US Department of State’s website has more information on the specifics of cost, plus a fee calculator you can use to get an exact number.⁵

How long do passport applications take?

Passport application processing times vary, but you might be surprised to learn you do have some say in the matter. There are several types of applications you can choose from, each with different fees, requirements and processing times.

• Routine passport application processing: If you applied for your passport on or after December 18, 2023, it takes around six to eight weeks to process a passport application.⁶
• Expedited passport application processing: If you need a passport right away, you can pay a fee to expedite the application process, which will take about two to three weeks.⁶
• Emergency passport application processing: You may be able to obtain a passport even sooner in the event of an emergency. The US Department of State classifies a “life or death” emergency as a family member in a foreign country who has died, is dying or has a life-threatening illness or injury. To get an emergency appointment, obtain proof of the emergency (death certificate, mortuary statement, letter from the hospital), proof of travel in the next 2 weeks (plane ticket, itinerary, etc.) and the usual application documents. Then, schedule your appointment.⁷

Where to get your passport photo taken

You have a few options when it comes time to take your passport photo. If you decide to go to a passport acceptance facility, you can simply have your picture taken there when you apply. Alternatively, many businesses offer passport photo services you can use if you’re applying by mail. An online search should turn up some options.

If you can’t find any businesses that offer the service, DIY is also an option. Have a friend or family member take your photo against a white or off-white background and print out a 2’’x 2’’ copy on glossy or matte-quality paper. See acceptable and unacceptable examples of passport photos on the US State Department website.⁸

Can a passport application be denied?

Applying for a passport usually comes with few caveats, as long as you’ve followed all rules and procedures. However, certain factors can invalidate a passport application, including:

• Outstanding child support payment of $2,500 or more⁹
• Seriously delinquent tax debt (via notification from the Secretary of the Treasury)¹⁰
• Unsealed federal warrant for the applicant’s arrest
• Federal or state court order
• Parole or probation conditions barring the applicant from leaving the country¹¹

How to renew your passport

If you already have a passport, you can simply renew it instead of going through a whole new passport application. A few steps are still involved in doing it this way, though.

Eligibility to renew your passport

First, you need to determine if you’re eligible to renew your passport. You are NOT eligible to renew your passport if any of the following apply:

• Passport was issued before you turned 16
• Passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• Passport was damaged, lost or stolen
• Passport was issued in a previous name without legal proof of name change¹²

Can you renew your passport online?

Unlike new passport applications, passport renewals cannot be performed online (not right now, at least). You can begin the process online, filling out the correct forms and gathering information, but to submit your application, you’ll need to send it via mail.¹²

Documents needed to renew your passport

The form you need is called Form DS-82. You can find it on the Department of State’s website and fill it out digitally or by hand. In addition to this, you’ll need to include several documents:

• Your new passport photo, printed out 2’’ x 2’’ on glossy or matte quality paper
• Your previous passport (must be your most recent)
• The passport fee
• Name change documentation (if applicable)¹²

How to renew your passport by mail

If you meet the requirements and have a valid passport to renew, doing so by mail can be a fairly straightforward process:

• Print out form DS-82 from the Department of State’s website. You can fill it out digitally or by hand.
• Procure a new passport photo. Be sure to follow the photo guidelines provided by the Department of State.
• In an envelope, enclose your completed application, new passport photo, existing passport, check or money order for the processing fee and any additional documents (such as name change documentation).
• Submit your application by mailing the envelope via USPS to a passport processing center. You can find information about which processing center to use on the Department of State’s website.¹³

Lost or stolen passport? Here’s what you should do

Losing your passport is a scary experience, but if you act fast, you can mitigate a lot of the potential damage. Report your passport lost or stolen. If you’re already applying for a new document, you can make a report in person, online or via mail. Doing so cancels your lost passport, ensuring no one else can use it under your identity. If you lose your passport after it has already expired, you don’t need to report it.¹⁴

Obtaining a passport may seem like a drawn-out process, but it’s simple if you take it step by step and meet all the requirements for a passport. Make a checklist of the tasks you need to complete and keep your upcoming travel plans in mind.

Once you’ve ensured that you will be able to travel to other countries, ensure that you are covered if the unexpected happens before or during your trip. Find out how travel insurance can protect you and your travel plans.