Passport Information

Getting Your First Passport

First Time Adult Passport: 

You’ll need to apply in person if:

• You’ve never had a U.S. passport

• Your last passport was issued over 15 years ago

• You were under 16 when it was issued

*First-time applicants cannot apply online or by mail. 

Learn more about applying for a first-time adult passport

Passports for Minors (Under 18)

All minors must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Under 16:

• Both parents/guardians must be present or provide notarized written consent

Ages 16-17:  

• The minor must present their own photo ID and one parent may need to be present or provide consent

Renewing Your Passport

You can renew your passport by mail or online (if eligible). To qualify:

Your current passport must have been:

• Issued in the last 15 years

• Issued when you were 16 or older

• Undamaged and in your current name (or you have legal documentation for a name change)

You can renew your passport online, by mail or in person. 

*Renew early—processing can take up to 3 months, but the process can be expedited  

Lost—Stolen Passport

Losing your passport can be stressful, but you’re not alone, and help is available.

If You’re Abroad-- What To Do:

1. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate 
   Find your local embassy at travel.state.gov
2. Report the passport as lost or stolen 
   Ask to speak with the Consular Section.
3. Apply for an emergency passport 
   You’ll need to make an in-person appointment at the embassy or consulate.
4. Replace it once you're back in the U.S. 
   Emergency passports are temporary. Once home, apply for a standard full-validity passport.

* Emergency passports are designed for urgent travel and are valid for a limited time. 

Passport Tips

Check Expiry Date: 

Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your return

Keep it Safe: 

Keep your passport dry and protected from bends or tears. Damaged passports can be rejected at borders.

Make Copies: 

Take digital and printed copies of your passport. Keep one with your luggage (separate from the original) and save a scan in your email or cloud storage.