Passport Application/Renewal

From Tuesday, January 23rd U.S. travelers will need a passport to fly back into the country from any destination outside the U.S., including Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada. Until the new rules, travelers could often complete such a trip with the proper photo identification and birth certificate alone.

As a result, the number of people applying for passports is increasing. Despite the rush, passport agencies continue to promise their standard 6-week turnaround time. The State Department is also offering an expedited service with a turnaround time of about two weeks, for an additional $60 fee on top of the $97 to apply for a new passport (for kids under age 16, the cost is $82) or $67 to renew a passport.

If you're planning to travel abroad, and already possess a passport -- you may feel you need not worry about anything else. But beware of the fact that some countries require not only a valid passport, but one that will be valid for up to 6 months after you leave that country.

You must apply for a new passport in person at one of about 9,000 passport application acceptance facilities nationwide. You will need two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.

U.S. passports are valid for 10 years and you might not remember exactly when your passport is going to expire. So, open your closet, look at your passport and, if needed, apply for a renewal. Passport renewals can be done either by mail, or in person at a passport agency. Visit this page to find a passport application acceptance facility near you.

Application by Mail: if you have an undamaged passport that was issued to you in the past 15 years and you were at least 16 years old when that passport was issued, and you still have the same legal name, you can apply by mail. You'll need to send: (i) completed application form (available here) (ii) Your most recent passport (iii) 2 color passport photos taken in the past 6 months (iv) Fees for processing the application ($67), payable to the Department of State (v) If your name has changed, you'll need to include a certified legal document specifying the change.

Apply in Person: If you do not meet the criteria to apply by mail, you must apply in person. Also if you have lost or damaged your passport, or need expedited service to receive your renewed passport, you need to do so. You must present the same materials as for a renewal by mail and the (i) Proof of U.S. citizenship, in the form of a certified U.S. birth certificate or your expired passport, as long as it is not damaged. (ii) Proof of identity, such as a driver's license or government or military ID. You may also present an expired passport if it is not damaged. (iii) Your Social Security number.

Real Emergency: If you want your passport within 24 hours, you can make an appointment at one of the 15 passport agencies nationwide that are open to the public and prove your emergency. If you have such a case, first call the State Department's toll-free number at 877-487-2778 for more information. Here is the list of 15 passport agencies that are open to the public.

Also visit this U.S. State Department page for more information.