We support the following application types.
Passport Renewal
(DS-82)
Your current passport is either nearing its expiration date or became invalid sometime within the past 5 years.
Only a few unused pages remain in your passport.
Your legal name was officially changed over 12 months ago through a formal process.
Passport renewal is only allowed if you have the document with you, it is undamaged, and was originally issued when you were 16 or older, otherwise you must complete a new application form.
New Passport
(DS-11)
You are applying for a U.S. passport for the very first time and have never held one before.
Your last U.S. passport was issued before you turned 16, and you are currently 16 years old or older.
The U.S. passport you previously owned was granted over 15 years ago and is no longer valid.
A child under 16 years of age is requesting a new passport or needs an existing one renewed.
Lost / Stolen Passport
(DS-64)
Your prior U.S. passport was either misplaced or reported as stolen.
In this case, you are required to fill out both Form DS-11 and Form DS-64, which addresses the loss or theft of your passport.
Child Passport
(DS-11)
Applicants under the age of 16 must appear in person with both parents or legal guardians to submit Form DS-11.
Form DS-82 is not accepted for renewing passports issued to minors.
Passports issued to children under 16 are valid for a maximum of 5 years.
Passport Card
(DS-11 – DS-82)
You are applying for your first U.S. Passport Card using Form DS-11.
Form DS-82 can be used for renewal only under specific conditions.
The document is damaged beyond normal usage but remains identifiable.
You were at least 16 years old at the time the passport was issued.
The current passport was granted within the past fifteen years.
U.S. Passports
U.S. passports are official travel documents granted to individuals who are citizens or nationals of the United States of America. These documents are issued solely by the U.S. Department of State. In addition to standard passport booklets, the same government agency also provides limited-use passport cards under identical eligibility criteria. While U.S. citizens and nationals are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport or a passport-replacement document compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative when entering or leaving the country, multiple exceptions exist. Waivers are commonly approved for returning U.S. citizens without a passport, and enforcement of the exit rule is minimal.
U.S. passport booklets meet the specifications recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in terms of format, materials, design, and embedded technology. There are five distinct types of passport booklets. Since August 2007, the Department of State has issued biometric passports as the default version. All United States passports remain the property of the federal government and must be surrendered upon official request.
It is against the law for U.S. nationals and citizens to cross the U.S. border without a valid passport. Nonetheless, there are recognized exceptions. Individuals returning to the United States may be granted waivers if traveling without a passport, and requirements for leaving the country are usually not strictly applied.
Passport Book or Passport Card?
A passport book is required for any international travel by air.
A passport card can be used to re-enter the United States at land crossings or seaports when coming from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean.
U.S. passport booklets are accepted for international travel to most destinations and for specific purposes. Still, a visa might be required depending on the country, so it is important to consult your travel advisor before departure for accurate information.
According to U.S. law, a current and valid U.S. passport or passport card is official proof of citizenship, equivalent in legal status to a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as long as it is issued to a U.S. citizen and remains valid under federal regulations. Although U.S. citizens are not prohibited from having foreign passports, they must present their U.S. passport when entering or leaving the United States.