Choose your passport type based on your situation: New Passport if you are 16 or over applying for your first passport, your previous passport was issued under age 16, or it was issued more than 15 years ago. Passport Renewal if your passport is currently valid or expired within the last 5 years, is in your possession, undamaged, and was issued at age 16 or older. Child Passport if the applicant is under 16 years of age — even if they previously had a passport. Lost or Stolen Passport if your most recent passport cannot be located. Damaged Passport if your passport has unauthorized markings, a loose or missing cover, or cuts and tears. Name Change if your current passport is valid and you have legally changed your name. Second Passport if you are a frequent traveler who needs to obtain visas while actively traveling on your current passport.

Required documents vary by passport type. For all new and lost/stolen passports you must visit a Passport Acceptance Agent in person to have your identity verified — do not sign the application until you are in front of the agent. For a renewal you will need your most recent passport, a completed DS-82 form, a new passport photo, and the government fee check. For a new adult passport you will need a completed DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate with raised seal, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), proof of identity (driver's license or government ID), a passport photo, and the government fee check. Check the specific service checklist on our website for your passport type.

The correct form depends on your situation: DS-11 is used for new passports, first-time applicants, child passports, and lost/stolen replacements — this form must be signed in front of a Passport Acceptance Agent. DS-82 is used for passport renewals by mail. DS-5504 is used for a name change if your current passport is less than one year old. DS-64 is the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport and must be submitted alongside a DS-11 when replacing a lost or stolen passport. DS-3053 is the Parental Consent Form used when one parent cannot appear in person for a child passport application.

You must submit a photocopy of your ID with your application. A Primary ID (issued more than 6 months ago) is sufficient on its own — acceptable primary IDs include a state driver's license valid and issued at least 6 months ago, a federal/state/municipal photo ID card, a Green Card (INS Alien Registration), or a military ID with photo. If your primary ID was issued within the last 6 months or out of state, you must provide photocopies of 1 primary ID plus 5 secondary IDs. Secondary IDs include expired or suspended in-state driver's licenses, out-of-state licenses, passports, Social Security cards, student IDs, school transcripts or diplomas, military records (DD214), Medicare or health insurance cards, voter registration cards, marriage or divorce certificates, utility bills over 1 year old, vehicle registration, employment ID with photo, and more. Make sure all photocopies are very clear.

Accepted documents proving U.S. citizenship include: (1) An original previously issued U.S. passport. (2) An original or certified state-issued birth certificate with a raised seal — California and Texas residents must provide the long-form birth certificate showing parents' names. (3) An original Naturalization Certificate. (4) A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350) for those born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. (5) A File Search with the U.S. Passport Agency if you have had a previous passport but no longer have it — include a written request and an additional $150 check payable to the U.S. Department of State. To order a certified birth certificate online, VitalChek.com is a recommended resource.

You must submit one original color passport photo. Requirements: 2x2 inches in size, printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, taken within the past 6 months. The photo must show a full-face front view with a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. The head must measure between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches from chin to top of head, centered against a plain white or off-white background with no shadows. Do not wear glasses, hats, uniforms, or anything that obscures your face (exceptions only for daily religious attire with a signed statement). You can take your own photo with a smartphone using a plain white background — RushMyPhoto.com uses AI technology to verify compliance. Photos must not be retouched to alter appearance.

To qualify for expedited passport processing you must provide a printed document showing upcoming travel. Accepted proof of travel includes: (1) An electronic airline ticket or email confirmation of your airline reservation. (2) A reservation with an airline. (3) A reservation made through a travel agency. (4) A company letter on official letterhead. The company letter must include the anticipated dates of business travel, a brief description of the business to be performed, and an original signature from someone in your organization other than yourself.

If using a company letter as proof of travel it must be printed on official company letterhead and include: the anticipated travel dates, a brief statement describing the nature of the business to be conducted, and an original ink signature from a supervisor or colleague — it cannot be signed by the applicant themselves.

The U.S. Department of State only accepts checks or money orders — no cash or credit cards. Rules for writing the check: Do not use temporary or starter checks. Make it payable to 'US Department of State' spelled out in full — do not abbreviate. Write the dollar amount in full (e.g., $190 must be written as 'One Hundred Ninety and 00/100'). Write the applicant's full name and date of birth on the memo line. All personal checks must show a printed address. The standard government fee is $130 for a renewal and $130 for a new adult passport book, plus a $35 execution fee for in-person applications, plus an optional $60 expedite fee if applying through the post office. Fees are subject to change — verify current amounts at travel.state.gov.

A passport is an officially recognized government document that certifies a person's identity and citizenship, permitting them to travel abroad and re-enter the United States.

Standard post office processing takes approximately 6 weeks. Expedited service through the post office takes 2-3 weeks for an additional $60. Same-day service is available by scheduling an appointment at one of 25 regional passport agencies. By using a passport expediting service like RushMyPassport, no appointment is needed — processing times range from 1 to 12 business days depending on the service speed selected, plus shipping time.

Yes. RushMyPassport is owned and operated by Expedited Travel, LLC, officially registered with U.S. Passport Agencies and listed on the U.S. Department of State's Courier and Expeditor Companies page. This means the company is authorized to hand-carry passport applications on behalf of customers and operates within the guidelines of the Bureau of Consular Affairs and the Office of Field Operations.

The 1-Week Emergency Service means your passport will be processed in 5 business days. You must also account for shipping time in both directions. For example: if you send documents on Monday, they arrive Tuesday morning for submission. After 5 business days of processing, the passport is shipped back overnight. Plan accordingly for your departure date.

Most major cruise lines strongly recommend all guests travel with a valid passport. A passport allows you to fly back to the U.S. from a foreign port in an emergency, and to fly between foreign ports if you miss a scheduled embarkation point. Without a passport, your options in emergencies abroad are extremely limited.

The Letter of Authorization authorizes passport hand couriers to act as your representative when submitting your application. The U.S. Passport Agency requires your signature on this letter before it will release your new or updated passport to the courier service.

A passport card is a wallet-size travel document that can be used to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea only — it cannot be used for international air travel. It is most useful for those who live near the border and travel frequently by land or sea.

No. A no-fee military (brown) passport may only be used when traveling overseas in the discharge of official military duties. For personal travel you must use a regular-fee tourist (blue) passport. Military discounts are available — contact RushMyPassport to inquire.

RushMyPassport guarantees that it will submit your application for expedited processing. However, some circumstances outside their control can delay or suspend processing — examples include owing child support or back taxes, travel restrictions due to a felony conviction, or missing documentation. The advantage of using an expediting service is that issues are identified and communicated immediately, compared to standard post office processing where you may wait 3 weeks to receive a notification by mail.

If you have already submitted your application directly to the U.S. Passport Agency, RushMyPassport is unable to assist. You must contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

If you are NOT using a third-party expeditor, yes, you must appear in person at a full passport acceptance facility. If you ARE using a service like RushMyPassport, you only need to visit a local Passport Acceptance Agent (at a post office or county clerk). The agent verifies your identity and seals your documents — do NOT sign the application until you are in front of the agent. That sealed envelope is what you send to the expediting service. To find an acceptance facility near you, visit iafdb.travel.state.gov.

If your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, it is valid for 10 years. If it was issued when you were 15 or younger, it is valid for 5 years.

Submit your adoption paperwork as proof of citizenship. If a parent is applying for an adopted child's passport, you must also include documentation proving you are the listed adopter on the adoption papers.

You have three options: (1) Order online through VitalChek.com's express birth certificate ordering service. (2) Call or visit the Vital Statistics office in the state or county where you were born — you can often get a certified copy same-day with a valid ID. (3) If you have had a previous passport (even if lost or expired), you can request a file search from the Department of State for an additional $150 fee.

Without a primary form of ID such as a driver's license, military ID, or State ID card, you will be unable to obtain a U.S. passport. Review the full list of primary and secondary ID options at rushmypassport.com/help-center/proof-of-identity.

Yes. The most common reason for denial is missing required documents such as an original birth certificate, proper photographs, or incorrect fee. Applications are also denied for: outstanding child support, unpaid federal taxes over $50,000, an outstanding felony or criminal warrant, or a prior felony conviction that prohibits international travel. The Department of State may also request additional documents at its discretion.

Submit the Certificate(s) of Naturalization for your parent(s), your foreign birth certificate, and proof of your admission to the United States for permanent residence.

Yes. Submit your original naturalization certificate with your application. Your original documents will be returned to you along with your new passport.

Yes. You have five years from the expiration date to renew your passport under the renewal process, as long as it was a 10-year passport. This does not apply to temporary passports or child passports.

The expiration date is on the data page — the page that shows your name and photo. Look for the field labeled 'Date of expiration / Date d'expiration / Fecha de caducidad' next to your photo. The date is displayed in day/month/year format.

Child passports (issued before age 16) are valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed like an adult passport. You must apply for a new child passport each time until the child turns 16. For children aged 16 or 17, select the child passport service as there are special requirements for that age range.

The State Department recommends renewing approximately 9 months before expiration, because many countries require at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your trip end date, and standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. If you have less than 6 months of validity and travel is imminent, an expediting service can help.

No. Damaged passports cannot be renewed — you must use the damaged passport replacement service, which requires a statement explaining how the damage occurred. A passport is considered damaged if it has extensive water damage, torn or ripped pages, unapproved holes, separated pages, a loose or missing cover, or suspicious markings. When in doubt, apply for a new passport.

No. Only 10-year passports in good condition are eligible for renewal. Check the issue and expiration dates on the data page. You will need to apply for a new passport instead.

No. New passport photos must be taken each time a passport is issued. Photos must be no older than 6 months, and the Department of State strictly enforces this. Professional photo services at CVS, Walgreens, or similar are recommended.

No. Your new passport will be issued a different number not previously used on any of your prior passports.

Sometimes — it depends on the destination country. Some countries allow you to travel with both passports (the expired one containing the valid visa plus your new passport). Always verify the policy with the specific country before traveling.

Yes, your old canceled passport is returned to you (unless it is deemed damaged by the Department of State). It may arrive separately from your new passport. Keep it in a safe place — it serves as proof of U.S. citizenship.

There are three options: 6-8 weeks via standard post office processing, approximately 3 weeks via post office expedited processing, or 1-12 business days through an expedited passport service.

You do not renew at the post office — you mail your application through the post office to the National Passport Processing Center. Processing takes 6-8 weeks standard or 2-3 weeks expedited. Using a passport expediting service allows your application to be submitted the same day it is received, with processing in 1-12 business days.

Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip. If your passport expires before that threshold, you must renew before traveling.

If your passport is less than one year old, use Form DS-5504 for a name change at no additional fee. If your passport is more than one year old, apply for a full renewal using Form DS-82, and submit the original court document or marriage certificate proving the name change along with your current passport.

No. You must have your valid passport physically in your possession to travel internationally. A copy or photocopy of your passport is not acceptable for international travel.

No. To renew, you must submit your current passport with the application. If your passport is valid but lost, it is strongly recommended to report it lost immediately to protect your identity. You can report it lost and apply for a new replacement at the same time using the lost passport service.

No. Once a passport is reported lost or stolen it is immediately invalidated and can no longer be used for any travel.

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. It helps to carry a separate photocopy of your passport's information page stored in a different location than your passport. Once you return to the U.S. on an emergency passport, contact RushMyPassport to expedite a full 10-year replacement passport.

You have 90 days from the issue date to report non-receipt. If you miss that window you will be required to reapply and pay full fees again. If 90 days have passed and you need a passport urgently, RushMyPassport can help expedite a new one.

No. You cannot renew a lost passport. You must apply using the lost passport service, which requires the same steps as a new passport application plus Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport).

Select the lost passport service. You will have an opportunity to explain the circumstances in the DS-64 form (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport).

Yes. Apply using the child passport service and include a DS-64 statement regarding the lost passport.

Follow the lost passport process and also submit an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree as proof of your legal name change.

Yes. Any U.S. citizen of any age, including infants and newborns, traveling internationally by air requires a valid passport. Children traveling by land or sea to Canada or Mexico may use a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or passport card if they are under 16, but air travel always requires a passport.

If you ARE using a third-party expediting service: both parents and the child only need to visit a local Passport Acceptance Agent to have identities verified. If one parent cannot be present, Form DS-3053 (Parental Consent Form) must be signed by the absent parent in front of a notary and submitted with the application along with a photocopy of that parent's ID.

If you cannot reach the other parent, you can file Form DS-5525 (Statement of Exigent/Special Family Circumstances) explaining why contact is not possible. If you have sole custody, provide court documentation establishing sole custody. Contact RushMyPassport to request this form.

Yes. At the Passport Acceptance Agent, you will be directed to sign the application in the designated spots for parent signature.

Baby passport photos must be 2x2 inches, taken within the past 6 months, with the baby facing forward looking at the camera against a white or off-white background. If the baby cannot sit up, the photo may be taken with the baby lying on a white blanket. Eyes should be open; no pacifiers, bonnets, hats, or headgear. The baby must be the only subject in the frame — no hands, arms, or supports can be visible.

If your child has an amended birth certificate listing you as the parent, submit that. If not, submit the adoption paperwork and proof that you are the listed adopter.

Submit the parent's death certificate or proof of legal incompetence. If both parents are deceased or disabled, also submit a court order awarding you custody or specifically permitting international travel, or an adoption decree with your name on it.

A child born overseas to U.S. citizen parents can apply using a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (original FS-240) as proof of citizenship. A child born abroad and adopted by U.S. parents can use their adoption decree and copies of both parents' U.S. birth certificates.

Child passports are valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed like an adult passport. You must apply for a new child passport each time until the child turns 16, following the same process as the original application.

Photos must be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Standard inkjet printer paper is not acceptable.

Yes. Passport photos must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted.

Photos must have been taken within the last 6 months. The Department of State strictly enforces this requirement.

Photos must measure exactly 2 inches by 2 inches.

The photo must show a clear, full-face front view in normal street attire, without a hat or glasses, against a plain white or off-white background. The subject must have a natural expression with mouth closed and eyes open, looking directly forward. Out-of-focus photos are rejected.

The head (measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair) must be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches. The head must be centered, not tilted in any direction, and should occupy approximately 50% of the photo area.

Hats and headgear must be removed unless worn daily for religious reasons. If worn for religious reasons, you must submit a signed statement verifying this. In all cases, no item may cover or obscure any part of the face.

No. The U.S. Department of State prohibits glasses in passport photos. Remove all eyewear including prescription glasses before having your photo taken. Failure to comply will cause your order to be suspended.

No. Dark glasses and non-prescription tinted lenses are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons, in which case a medical certificate may be required.

Yes, you can use a smartphone. Set up against a plain white background and have someone else take the photo for you. RushMyPhoto.com uses AI technology to verify that your photo meets all U.S. Department of State requirements and offers instant digital download, printed photos shipped to you, or pickup at a nearby location.

No. Only original photographs are acceptable. Copies, digitally scanned photos of photos, and photos retouched to alter appearance are all rejected.

Yes, if it captures images at 1 megapixel (1 million pixels) or higher. However, printing must be done by a professional photography lab to meet the image-quality standards required — most home printers cannot achieve the necessary quality.

A travel visa grants permission for a non-citizen to enter a specific country for a limited period. Visas typically appear as a sticker or stamp in your passport's visa pages. They are issued by the Consulate or Embassy of the destination country. Requirements and procedures vary by country, and it is your responsibility to determine whether a visa is required for your trip.

Many countries require a travel visa in addition to a valid passport. Visit rushmytravelvisa.com/locations for an up-to-date list of visa requirements by destination.

A Tourist Visa is for travel for personal or tourist purposes only. A Business Visa is for travel to conduct business with a company, individual, or institution and requires a Letter of Invitation from a host in the destination country. A Business Visa is more versatile — holders may also travel as tourists on a Business Visa. Business Visas are also used for conventions and company retreats.

A limited number of countries allow you to obtain a visa upon arrival. These policies change frequently — check the latest requirements before traveling. During busy travel seasons, the on-arrival process can take several hours at the airport. Some countries that offer arrival visas also allow you to obtain one in advance for convenience.

Yes. RushMyTravelVisa.com can assist all legal U.S. residents, including Green Card holders and those on long-term visas such as work or student visas. Note that non-citizens often face different paperwork requirements, costs, and processing times. You will also need to provide a copy of your legal status document (Green Card or visa).

Countries that commonly require a visa for U.S. passport holders include China, India, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria, among many others. Visit rushmytravelvisa.com/locations for a full and current list.