U.S. Passport
A U.S. passport is a government-issued form of identification that permits the holder to travel in and out of the United States. U.S. passports come in both book and card form, however, the passport card can only be used to travel by land or sea to and from Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Applying for a new U.S. passport
You must apply for a passport in-person at a passport-issuing facility if:
- You have never applied for a U.S. passport before
- You need to change the name on your passport
- Your last passport was issued when you were under 16
- Your passport is more than 15 years old
- You are currently residing outside the U.S (you can apply at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate)
You will need:
- A completed DS-11 form
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. birth certificate)
- Proof of identity (driver’s license or state-issued ID card)
- An acceptable passport photo (must meet specific requirements)
- Payment for the processing fees
- Proof of a legal name change, if applicable
Renewing a U.S. passport
You can renew your passport by mail if you meet the following requirements:
- Your current passport was issued when you were 16 years of age or older
- Your current passport was issued within the last 15 years
- You have your current passport in your possession
- You do not need to change the name on your passport
Passport Costs
Books for adults: $135 new, $110 for renewals
Books for minors: $105
Cards for adults: $55 new, $30 for renewals
Card for minors: $40
Passport applications can take several weeks to process, so it is recommended that you apply for a new passport or renewal at least 6 months before you will need it.
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