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Passport FAQ - Find Answers to All of Your Questions About Passport Services

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Our passport FAQ pages have been categorized to assist you in finding answers for the type of help that you require. Just click the link below for the passport service you need and you will be presented with an list of answers to frequently asked questions.

You can also use the menu on the left column to access step-by-step instructions, application forms, and a list of places to apply for a U.S. passport. For mobile users, access this menu by switching to landscape view on your smartphone.

General Passport FAQ

Who needs a passport?

Any U.S. citizen who plans to exit and/or return to the United States by air. Minors age 16 or younger can present evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate when returning from Canada or Mexico by land. A passport is not required for reentry when traveling on a closed-loop cruise.

Does a baby need a passport?

Yes. An infant, even a newborn, must possess a passport if the child will be taken outside the U.S.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Routine processing currently takes 6 to 8 weeks.

Expedited processing currently takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Emergency passports can be processed at regional centers as quickly as the same day. Currently, this is limited to customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days).

Same day passport service is available under certain circumstances.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

What is the validity of a passport?

  • Passports issued to minors age 15 or younger are valid for 5 years.
  • Passports issued to applicants over age 15 are valid for 10 years.
  • Limited-validity, emergency passports are usually valid for 1 year.

When should I apply for a passport renewal?

It is recommended that you begin the application process to renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. However, the passport renewal application can be submitted at any time.

Passports issued to applicants age 16 or older can be renewed by mail up to 5 years after the expiration date.

Additional Resources

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you’re in a hurry?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler’s Guide to Passport Expediters.

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.

In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service:

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About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.