The United States Postal Service (USPS) processed an estimated 4.4 million first-time passport applications in 2020. This volume generated $197.3 million in revenue from the Postal Service’s acceptance and photo fees.
From these figures, you can imagine the significant demand for passports in the U.S., indicating the huge number of Americans who want to travel outside the country.
If you’re one of these individuals, having a passport should be one of your top priorities. But if you’re applying for a passport for the first time, how do you request an appointment? What requirements do you need? What if you’re traveling with your family?
This article discusses scheduling a passport appointment and what to expect during the application process. This article also discusses how to expedite a passport application, what fees to pay, and how to renew a passport.
FindPostOffice.org can help you search for USPS locations where you can request a passport appointment in California, Illinois, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, Arizona, and other states. Through FindPostOffice.org’s online search tool, you can search for post offices by city, state, or ZIP code.
“How Do I Schedule a Passport Appointment?”
The USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler is an online tool on the USPS website that can help you schedule a passport application.
Through this tool, you can book passport appointments from the convenience of an internet-capable desktop, laptop, or mobile device. You can also visit a local post office facility with a self-service kiosk to schedule an appointment.
You can go online and do the following steps to schedule an appointment:
- Visit the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler page on USPS.com and click “Schedule an Appointment.”
- Fill out the required fields in the form.
- Click “Review Appointment.”
- Click “Schedule Appointment.”
If you prefer to schedule using a kiosk, follow these steps:
- Select “New Passport with Photo Services” or “New Passport Only” on the screen.
- Input the number of individuals applying for the passport.
- When the screen displays the available locations for the appointment, select your desired location from the list for the passport application appointment.
- Enter your name, email, and phone number.
- Confirm that the information displayed on the screen is correct by selecting “Schedule Appointment” to schedule the application.
- After the scheduling, the kiosk terminal prints a hard-copy receipt. USPS will also send a confirmation email and an SMS text notification upon request.
By Appointment Only
On March 25, 2020, USPS started conducting all passport application services by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, you must use a computer or mobile device to visit the USPS website’s Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler page.
This page helps you schedule an appointment through four easy steps, allowing you to provide your application details and choose the day, location, and time.
The scheduler displays available appointment times of participating post offices offering passport appointment services. After scheduling your appointment, you will receive notifications of your application.
USPS Offers Passport Application Tips
Before you travel abroad, securing a passport can help you avoid hassles associated with international travel. However, passport processing can take several weeks, so applying for a passport in advance can help ensure your travel schedule is on time.
Successful Traveling Begins With a Passport
A valid passport should be one of the first items on your travel check-off list. Your passport is an essential travel document required to enter other countries as it provides proof of your identity and nationality.
Applying for a Passport Is Only a Few Clicks Away
The Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler at USPS.com provides a convenient way to book your passport appointment online. To schedule your appointment, follow the instructions on the USPS website’s passports page and pay the appropriate fees.
It Is Important to Note That the Postal Service Does Not Issue or Process Passports
When using the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler, remember that it only helps you schedule a passport application appointment.
USPS does not process passports or guarantee their approval.
Instead, passport agencies operated by the U.S. Department of State process routine and expedited passport applications. These agencies differ from passport acceptance facilities like post offices, local government offices, and libraries.
What to Expect
If you schedule a passport appointment, prepare your required documents and mark your calendar for the appointment schedule. The following sections discuss what to expect when applying for a U.S. passport.
Be Timely
As of March 24, 2023, routine passport processing typically takes 10 to 13 weeks. On the other hand, expedited processing can take seven to nine weeks.
If you’re traveling to another country soon, ensure your passport is processed well before your travel plans.
Take a New Photo
According to the U.S. Department of State guidelines, the photo you submit for passport application should be taken within the last six months. Other essential photo requirements include the following:
- Use a clear image of your face without filters commonly used on social media.
- Have someone else take your photo instead of using selfies.
- Remove your eyeglasses for your photo.
- Use a white or off-white background without lines, shadows, or textures.
Passport Video
Some passport acceptance facilities produce videos and short presentations providing helpful passport application tips. Consider watching these videos before you apply for a passport.
The essential information you can learn from these videos includes application requirements, passport validity, and locating a USPS office for an appointment.
Apply Early
As mentioned earlier, passport applications can take several weeks. If you apply for routine passport processing, do so at least 10 to 13 weeks before your travel date.
If the country you’re going to requires a visa, you will likely need a longer time to account for the visa processing time.
Passport Applications Are Experiencing Delays
Although the State Department website at Travel.State.gov mentions the passport processing times for routine and expedited services, delays can still occur.
For example, your application can take a few days to travel from the post office to the State Department and back to your mailbox. You must account for these delays when scheduling your appointment and travel plans.
Use Online Self-Service Tools
The USPS website provides a comprehensive resource for passport applications in the U.S. This online service offers helpful information for first-time, renewing, and minor passport applicants.
Preparing to Travel Out of the Country
Remember to check your passport’s expiration date when making international travel plans. Some countries require passports to have a six-month validity. Therefore, renew your passport early to avoid travel issues due to your passport’s expiry.
The passport application process takes several weeks, so applying for your first-time or renewal passport as soon as you know you will need it is essential. You can check the approximate processing times on the State Department’s travel page.
Application Status Updates
If you applied for a passport in person or by mail and need to check your application status, you can use the USPS online passport status system.
After applying for or renewing your passport, the system may not provide a status update for two weeks. One reason for this non-update is that your application and supporting documents may still be on their way to the Department of State during those weeks.
You can check the passport processing times on the State Department website’s U.S. passports page.
What’s New?
Passport application processes and fees can change due to various circ*mstances and needs. Among these changes are passport execution fees, as discussed below.
Passport Execution Fee
If you’re a first-time adult passport applicant, you must pay two fees: an application fee and an execution or acceptance fee.
The table below shows the various passport application products and their corresponding fees as of January 2023:
| Product | Application fee | Execution fee |
| Passport book | $130 | $35 |
| Passbook card | $30 | $35 |
| Passport book and card | $160 | $35 |
Apply for a First-Time Passport
Passport applications can be complex and time-consuming for some people. If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, the following steps can help make your application more manageable.
Step 1: Gather Documents Early
As soon as you have plans to travel internationally, apply for a new passport at least several months before your travel date. Ensure to bring the following documents:
- Unsigned application forms
- Proof of identity and photocopies of the front and back of this document
- Proof of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the front and back of this document
When your application and documents are ready, bring them to the post office for processing. Also, check the latest U.S. State Department passport processing service estimates to help you plan your appointment.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package
Visit the U.S. State Department website and do the following actions:
- Fill out Form DS-11 (application for a U.S. passport form) on the website and print your completed application.
- Do not sign your application form until you arrive at the post office and a postal employee witnesses your signature.
- Have your passport photo taken according to specifications.
- Photocopy your U.S. citizenship and proof of identity documents.
- Calculate your fees.
You can use credit cards, money orders, and checks to pay for post office acceptance fees.
For State Department fees mailed with your application, you can pay with a money order or personal, certified, traveler’s, or cashier’s check payable to the U.S. Department of State.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
Post offices offering passport services have set hours, so you must schedule an appointment using the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler.
You can also use the self-service kiosk in the post office lobby for scheduling.
Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance and Processing Fees
As mentioned earlier, first-time passport applicants must pay the application and execution fees. Aside from these costs, additional fees include passport photo fees and fees for faster processing.
When paying the acceptance fees in person at the post office, you can pay by debit card, credit card, check, or money order payable to the USPS postmaster. These fees are as follows:
- Post office acceptance fee: $35
- Post office photo fee (if needed): $15
State Department fees are payments separate from USPS fees and sent to the U.S. Department of State with your application package.
Passports
A passport is a government-issued document that helps verify your nationality and identity for international travel. For example, you need a passport to enroll in an international education program that requires travel.
Thousands of post offices in the U.S. accept first-time passport applications for the State Department. Most of those post offices can also take your passport photo.
USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler
This tool is a web-based application that allows you to schedule a first-time passport application appointment at your local post office facility that offers passport appointment services.
Important Notes
Passport customers can choose either routine processing or optional expedited processing for an additional $60. Additionally, the State Department suggests the following tips:
- Plan your appointment and apply early.
- Use trackable mail when sending your application to track its delivery progress before it enters the Department’s system.
- As of April 2023, you must pay an additional $18.32 for one- to two-day delivery for your completed passport’s return.
Contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or check the U.S. Department of State’s website to learn about current passport operations.
“How Do I Renew a Passport?”
You can renew your passport by filling out Form DS-82 (Passport Renewal Application Form) if your passport passes specific qualifications. The following sections discuss the steps for renewing your passport.
Renew a Passport by Mail
If you can renew your passport based on the above qualifications, fill out Form DS-82 and mail your completed renewal application to the State Department for processing.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew Your Passport by Mail
If you have an adult passport, you can renew it by mail if it meets the conditions:
- Undamaged aside from normal wear and tear
- Not reported lost or stolen
- Can be submitted with your application
- Issued within the last 15 years
- Issued when you were 16 or older
- Issued in your current name, but you have a document, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, proving your name change
- Not limited to less than the usual 10-year validity period for an adult passport due to multiple passport loss, theft, or damage
If you have a minor’s passport, you cannot renew it by mail. Instead, you must submit a new, first-time passport application in person.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package
Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months after you enter their country.
Learn to prepare your application package correctly, and don’t wait for your passport’s validity to expire before processing your renewal. Ensure to include all the required documents so the State Department can process your passport on time.
Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application
After ensuring you have all the documents prepared, choose a USPS mailing service with delivery tracking to send your renewal application. You can select from one of the following services:
- USPS Priority Mail service with Signature Confirmation
- USPS Priority Mail service with Delivery Confirmation
- USPS Priority Mail Express for overnight delivery
Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress
If you use a USPS delivery service with tracking, go to the USPS Tracking page to determine when your package will arrive.
- USPS Tracking lets you see when your application arrives using your receipt’s tracking number.
- The USPS online passport status system allows you to check your application status if you apply in person or by mail.
Expedited Passport Delivery
Sometimes, you may be in a hurry and want your passport processed faster than usual. The sections below discuss how to expedite your passport application.
Get a New Passport Faster in Emergencies and Special Cases
Suppose you need your passport sooner due to an emergency or other special cases. You can send your application through Priority Mail Express and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery.
Some situations where you can get faster passport processing service are as follows:
- Life-or-death emergency: You must travel within three days (72 hours) due to an immediate family member who passed away, has a life-threatening illness or injury, or is dying.
- Urgent travel needs in less than 10 weeks: You must travel within 10 weeks and have proof of travel.
Renew Your Passport Fast
Through routine passport processing, you can receive your renewed passport in 10 to 13 weeks.
However, you can get an expedited service by paying an additional $60 and mailing your application with Priority Mail Express. This way, you can get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.
Passports for Minors Under 16
If you have a child under 16 and you’re applying for their passport, they have special requirements, which are as follows:
- Both parents or guardians must authorize the child’s passport issuance. Generally, the best way to consent is for the parent or guardian to accompany the child during the application.
- Children must have proof of citizenship.
- Parents or guardians must provide proof of parental relationship.
Passports for minors are valid for five years only and are not renewable. Thus, when their passport expires, they must apply for a new passport.
You can make a passport appointment online for your child by choosing “New Passport Only” or “New Passport with Photo Services” on the USPS passport application page.
State Department Travel Resources
The following sections list the various online travel resources that can help you process your passport, plan your trip, and get help during an emergency.
U.S. State Department Website
Some helpful links, pages, and programs to help with applying for or renewing your passport are as follows:
- Travel.State.gov is the official Department of State website’s passport page.
- National Passport Information Center is a page on the State Department’s website for questions about passport applications.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service allowing U.S. citizens and nationals living and traveling overseas to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.
- Traveler’s Checklist is a page with helpful information to help you plan your travel.
- Emergency Overseas is a handy resource for getting help when encountering an emergency abroad.
Lost or Stolen Passports
If your passport has been lost or stolen, report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.
Life-or-Death Emergencies
Life-or-death emergencies include serious injuries, illnesses, or deaths in your immediate family requiring you to travel outside the U.S. within three days (72 hours).
In case of such emergencies, contact USPS within three days to apply for emergency passport service and provide the following:
- A passport application with supporting documents
- Life-or-death emergency proof, such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a signed letter from a hospital or medical professional
- An itinerary or proof of international travel
How to Contact USPS
If you’re in the United States, you can contact USPS through the following numbers:
- 1-877-487-2778, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time (E.T.), except on federal holidays
- 1-888-874-7793 for TTY (teletypewriter) assistance if you have a severe speech impediment or are deaf or hard of hearing
- 202-647-4000 if contacting outside the hours mentioned above
Contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy if you’re applying outside the United States.
Bon Voyage – Aloha – Cheerio – Farewell – Adios!
If you need more help, recommendations, and safety tips regarding your travel plans aside from passport applications, contact USPS or the U.S. Department of State.
FAQs
Here are some quick answers to commonly asked questions regarding passport applications through USPS.
Scheduling a First-Time Passport Appointment
You can refer to these questions and answers concerning first-time passport applications:
- Can I schedule an appointment online at all post office locations?
Not all post offices accommodate passport appointments. To know which locations provide such services, use USPS.com’s postal locator or visit a post office near you.
- How long will a passport appointment take?
A passport appointment can take about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on whether you need to have your passport photo taken. If you’re applying with a family, each member will require an additional 15 minutes.
- Are passport photo services available?
Yes, USPS provides passport photo services at select post office locations. Consider using the postal locator tool on the USPS website to determine whether your local post office offers such services.
- Are non-passport photo services available?
Some post offices offer photo services and other forms of identification for a $15 fee.
To schedule an appointment for these services, visit the retail counter at over 17,000 USPS post offices nationwide, any self-service kiosk, or the USPS website. Appointments can take about five minutes per person.
- What are the available times for passport appointments at post office facilities?
Each post office has different hours for passport services. Use the USPS postal locator to determine your local post office’s available passport appointment times.
Another alternative is to use FindPostOffice.org’s online locator to check the available hours at a post office near you.
- There is no post office location that offers walk-in passport services in my city. What do I do?
Check the Department of State website at Travel.State.gov to locate a passport office that accommodates walk-in applications.
- How far in advance can I book my appointment?
You can request a passport appointment up to four weeks in advance through the Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler on the USPS website.
- Is there a cut-off time for scheduling a same-day appointment?
USPS allows you to schedule same-day applications until 2:00 AM C.T. on your requested appointment date.
- Will I receive appointment reminders?
Yes, USPS will send a confirmation email immediately after you book your passport application. The Postal Service will also send a notification email 24 hours before your appointment.
- Will I be briefed on the necessary documents to bring for the appointment?
Yes, USPS sends a list of necessary documents in the confirmation email and lists them on the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler website.
You can also view all necessary forms on the U.S. State Department’s passport application website.
- Is the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler available in another language?
As of June 2023, the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler page is available in English only.
- If I’m not currently in the United States, how can I apply for a U.S. passport?
If you’re in a country outside the United States, the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country may have a different passport processing procedure than if you’re applying within the U.S.
In most countries, the U.S. embassy or consulate will require you to apply in person for all passport services. In other countries, the embassy or consulate can permit access to passport services by mail.
To determine the passport appointment procedures in your country, check the U.S. embassy or consulate website for more information.
- Can I schedule an appointment if I don’t have internet or computer access?
If you cannot book your passport appointment online, consider the following options:
- Schedule your appointment through a self-service kiosk at your local post office.
- Call the USPS Customer Care Center to determine the post office locations offering walk-in passport services.
- How can I book a family appointment?
You can book up to six members when scheduling an appointment for your family through USPS. The USPS appointment scheduler will provide a block schedule to serve all family members adequately.
This block can accommodate multiple 15-minute appointments, one for each member.
If you have a family of three, you need a 45-minute appointment block (15 minutes x 3 members = 45 minutes).
- Can I schedule an appointment for someone who is not a family member?
Although you can book multiple people per block schedule, USPS does not allow making appointments for non-family members.
- I will travel in two weeks and need to renew my passport. What are my options?
If you have an urgent need to travel within two weeks, schedule an appointment through the following options:
- Go to the nearest passport agency by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
- Visit the U.S. State Department website at Travel.State.gov.
Passport Renewal
Common questions regarding passport renewal include the following:
- How do I renew my passport?
Should you need to renew your passport, replace a lost or stolen passport, or request a name change, you can visit the Department of State website and send your request via mail.
When sending your application, you can use the following mailing options with the USPS Tracking service:
- USPS Priority Mail
- USPS Priority Mail Express for overnight delivery to most U.S. locations
- How can I check my passport renewal application status?
You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or access the USPS online passport status system to check the status of your application.
- Can I get my passport renewed at the passport acceptance facility?
Acceptance facilities do not accept Form DS-82 (passport renewal form). Thus, they do not process passport renewals. Instead, you must mail renewals to the State Department.
Modifying or Canceling an Appointment
If you need to change or cancel your passport appointment, you may encounter the following questions:
- Where can I find my existing appointment?
After scheduling your passport application, you can view your appointment in the following ways:
- In your confirmation email
- On the Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler page on the USPS website
If you visit the USPS appointment scheduler page, go to “Manage Appointments” and enter your appointment confirmation number. Also, enter the email address or phone number you used to create the appointment.
- Can I cancel my appointment?
Yes, you can cancel or edit your appointment through the confirmation email that will provide you with such choices. The email also gives you the option to schedule a new application.
- Can I change the time or location of my existing appointment?
Yes, the confirmation page and email you receive after scheduling an application allow you to edit your appointment time.
On the other hand, if you want to change the appointment location, you must first cancel your existing appointment. Then, schedule a new passport application at your new desired location.
Arriving for Your Appointment
Here are questions you may have concerning your scheduled appointment date:
- What if I am late for my appointment?
Suppose you arrive more than five minutes late to your scheduled appointment. USPS will forfeit your application or give it to another customer requesting passport services.
To avoid such situations, you must arrive at least 10 minutes early for your appointment.
- How will I know where to check in for my passport appointment?
Post office facilities usually have staff or signages directing you to the appropriate area or counter for passport services. You can notify the retail associate at the passport area that you have a scheduled appointment or wait for them to call your name.
- For a family appointment, what if not all family members have all the required documentation? Will the family members with documentation still be processed?
USPS will not process your family member’s passport application if they do not have full documentation.
However, if the other members have complete requirements, it’s up to you whether you want to proceed with their application.
- What if the name of the customer does not match the name of the appointment?
The customer’s name on the passport application should match the name on the appointment.
However, if your request is on behalf of a family member, such as a minor, you need to inform the clerk upon arriving at the counter.
Documents and Fees
Common questions regarding application fees and required documents include the following:
- How much is the passport application fee?
For individuals aged 16 and above, the first-time and renewal application fees are as follows:
- Passport book: $130
- Passport card: $30
- Passport book and card: $160
If you’re applying for a minor, the application fees are as follows:
- Passport book: $100
- Passport card: $15
- Passport book and card: $115
- What should I bring with me to the appointment?
On the day of your appointment, bring the following documents:
- A printed, completed, and unsigned Form DS-11
- Proof of U.S. citizenship. Refer to Form DS-11 for the list of acceptable U.S. citizenship documents
- Proof of identity (Refer to Form DS-11 for acceptable forms of identification)
- Photocopies of the front and back of your U.S. citizenship and identification documents
- An appropriate form of payment. Credit cards are not a suitable payment form for State Department fees
- Appropriate passport photo (You can take passport photos at select post offices for $15)
U.S. Passports – The Basics
You may encounter the following questions about essential U.S. passport information:
- What is the role of the United States Postal Service with passports?
The U.S. Postal Service can perform the following actions:
- Accept your first-time passport application.
- Take authorized passport photos.
- Review your application and forward it to the U.S. State Department for processing.
Note that USPS does not issue or create passports, and you cannot pick up passports from a post office. Instead, the State Department mails the passport directly to you.
- Can other companies assist me with passports?
Aside from USPS, some private courier companies, also called passport expeditors, can submit passport applications on your behalf. You can visit the State Department’s website for more information on these companies.
- What does a U.S. passport book or card look like?
The U.S. passport book is a booklet-style identification and travel document. Most U.S. passport books have a dark blue cover and contain 28 pages. Seventeen of these pages are left blank for visas and country entry and exit stamps.
The passport card is a wallet-size travel document you can only use to re-enter the U.S. at land border crossings and sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
The card is a smaller, less expensive, and more convenient passport book alternative if you frequently travel to the destinations mentioned above by land or sea. However, you cannot use the passport card for international travel by air.
- Why can’t I use the passport card to fly to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda?
The passport card is for U.S. border communities in the north and south, where residents cross the border frequently by land.
If you must travel to these destinations by air, the passport book is the only document approved for this type of travel.
- Can I apply for the passport book and passport card at the same time using the same application?
Yes, the application form allows you to apply for both products. If you have a passport book eligible for renewal, you can fill out Form DS-82 to apply for a new passport card by mail.
- How can I check my passport renewal application status with the Department of State?
If you applied for passport renewal and want to know your application status, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
You can also access the online passport status system for updates about your application.
- Where do I find general passport information?
You can find general passport information, such as fees and appointment instructions, on the U.S. Department of State website’s passport page at Travel.State.gov.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can obtain passport information, in English and Spanish, by contacting the National Passport Information Center.
You can also stop by your local post office and ask the USPS staff about passport information.
- How do I contact the Department of State for passport information?
You can contact the State Department’s National Passport Information Center regarding your passport through any of the following ways:
- By website: Travel.State.gov
- By email: NPIC@state.gov
- By phone: 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TTY)
The State Department’s customer service representatives are available Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM E.T., excluding federal holidays.
- My passport has been damaged. Can I continue to use this passport?
If your passport has significant damage, especially the book cover or the page with your photo and personal data, you must apply for a new passport.
Damage conditions that can require you to replace your passport include:
- Water damage
- Extensive wear and tear
- Unofficial markings on the data page
- Missing or torn-out visa pages
- Hole punch
Meanwhile, normal wear and tear, such as bending your passport after carrying it in your back pocket or fanning the visa pages after frequent opening and closing, do not constitute damage.
To replace your damaged passport, you must submit the following in person:
- The damaged passport
- Form DS-11
- A signed statement explaining your passport’s damaged condition
- All documents required by Form DS-11
- How long does it take to get a passport?
Processing times can vary depending on various circ*mstances, like the number of applicants, time of year, and unforeseen situations like natural disasters.
During peak periods like the summer travel season, the Department of State recommends that you expedite your application, especially if you’re traveling in less than six weeks.
Passport processing usually starts when the State Department receives your application, not when you apply for a passport or mail your application at an acceptance facility.
- What is an acceptable form of identification?
The State Department requires you to present one primary physical I.D. with your photo. If you cannot show a primary photo I.D., you can provide at least two secondary I.D.s instead.
For primary I.D.s, you need to submit only one of the following:
- Undamaged and valid or expired U.S. passport book or card
- Certificate of citizenship
- Certificate of naturalization
- Valid in-state driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
- Federal, state, city, or county government employee I.D.
- U.S. military or military dependent I.D.
- Valid foreign passport
- U.S. permanent resident card (green card) for parents of a U.S. citizen child applicant
- Matricula consular (Mexican consular I.D.) for parents of a U.S. citizen child applicant
- Native American tribal photo I.D.s and enhanced tribal cards
- Trusted traveler I.D.s, such as valid Global Entry, NEXUS, FAST, and SENTRI cards
The State Department can also ask you to provide an additional I.D. if you present any of the following primary I.D.s:
- Valid in-state non-driver I.D. with photo
- Valid in-state learner’s permit with photo
- Temporary driver’s license with photo
If you cannot present a primary I.D., provide at least two secondary I.D.s listed below:
- Temporary or learner’s driver’s permit (without photo)
- Valid in-state non-driver I.D. (without photo)
- Out-of-state driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
- Out-of-state, non-driver I.D.
- Temporary driver’s license (no photo)
- Employee work I.D.
- Medicare or other health cards
- Selective service (draft) card
- Social Security card
- Voter registration card
- Student I.D.
- School yearbook with verifiable photograph
- Expired driver’s license
- Form DS-71 (affidavit of identifying witness)
- How do I pay passport fees at a local post office facility?
To pay for passport services, you must make two separate payments:
- An application fee paid to the Department of State
- An acceptance fee paid to USPS
You can pay the application fee using money orders and personal, certified, cashier’s, and traveler’s checks. The State Department does not accept payment through credit and debit cards.
For the acceptance fee of $35, the USPS postmaster accepts money orders, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
- How can I find information on lost passports, errors, fees, expedited processing, and refunds?
If you have a lost or stolen passport, report it immediately to the State Department to minimize identity theft risk.
You can find detailed instructions on the State Department’s website for correcting or changing passport information, such as your name or printing error.
If you need to make a passport appointment or get a passport quickly, contact the National Passport Information Center.
Suppose you have paid for expedited service but have not received your passport two to three weeks after application, even after choosing Priority Mail Express service. You can file a refund request for the expedited service fee with the State Department.
- What about minors and applying in person?
If you’re a minor applying for a passport, you can use Form DS-11 and apply in person if at least one of the following is true:
- You are below 16.
- You received your previous U.S. passport when you were below 16.
- You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.
- Your previous U.S. passport was lost, damaged, or stolen.
- You received your previous U.S. passport over 15 years. ago
- Your name has changed after receiving your U.S. passport, and you cannot legally document your name change.
Additional requirements for minors under 16 and minors 16 to 17 years old are as follows:
- Minor children under 16 must:
- Apply in person accompanied by both parents or guardians.
- Have their parents or guardians submit proof of relationship.
- Have both parents or guardians present acceptable identification during the application.
- Have both parents or guardians provide consent authorizing passport issuance for a minor under 16.
- Minor children 16 and 17 years old must:
- Appear in person during the application.
- Have a parent or guardian provide photo. identification if the minor has no identification
- Establish parental consent.
- What else must I know when applying for a passport with USPS?
USPS and the State Department will not accept digital I.D.s when you submit a primary I.D. with your photo.
A digital I.D. is an electronic representation of your personal identifying information. A driver’s license on a mobile device is an example of a digital I.D.
Also, when submitting a photocopy of the front and back of each I.D., ensure to follow these instructions:
- Photocopy must be black and white and printed single-sided on white, 8.5” x 11” standard paper.
- Image size must not be decreased. However, you can enlarge the image.
- Do I have to provide my Social Security number on my passport application?
Yes, you must provide your Social Security number (SSN) if you have one when applying for or renewing your U.S. passport.
If you do not have an SSN, you can enter zeros in the SSN field on your passport application form.
The U.S. Social Security Administration can issue an SSN for you. If you do not provide this number, you may encounter a delay in processing or denial of your passport application. Furthermore, the IRS can enforce a $500 penalty on you.
- Will I receive my new passport and documents back in one envelope?
Suppose you apply for a passport book only. You may receive your new passport and citizenship documents in two separate mailings.
If you only apply for a passport card, you may receive your card and citizenship documents in two separate mailings.
Suppose you apply for a passport book and card. You may receive three separate mailings:
- One for your new passport book
- One for your passport card
- One for your citizenship documents
- Is it safe to mail a passport with USPS?
If you plan to mail your passport safely, consider using the USPS Priority Mail Express.
Priority Mail Express provides next-day to two-day delivery with a money-back guarantee, free pickup, and tracking. These features can help ensure your passport arrives safely at its destination.
You can use FindPostOffice.org to search for USPS locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, New York, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Miami, and other cities in the U.S.
References
- Passport Application Acceptance Operations
https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/passport-application-acceptance-operations - USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Retail-Customer-Appointment-Scheduler - By Appointment Only
https://link.usps.com/2020/03/23/by-appointment-only/ - Passport Agencies
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html - Processing Times
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html - Passport Photos
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html - Passports
https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm - Passport Fees
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html - Passports and Visas
https://www.oswego.edu/international/passports-and-visas - Renew by Mail
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html - U.S. Passports
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html - Contact U.S. Passports
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us/passports.html - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
https://step.state.gov/ - Traveler’s Checklist
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-checklist.html - Emergencies
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies.html - Apply Outside the United States
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/outside-us.html - U.S. Passports – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/U-S-Passports-The-Basics - Photo Identification
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/identification.html - What are digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses?
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-digital-ids-and-mobile-drivers-licenses - APPLICATION FOR A U.S. PASSPORT
https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11.pdf - Priority Mail Express
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-express.htm
