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U.S. Passport Application Status

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U.S. passports

Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply for a passport in person, check your application status, and get it changed or corrected.

Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or online, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.

Get a passport for a minor under 18

Find out how to get a child's passport, depending on their age.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S.

All Eligible US Citizens Can Now Renew Their Passports Online. Here's How It Works

T he US Department of State on Wednesday announced that its online passport renewal system is now "fully available" to all citizens looking to renew their US passports. The system had launched on June 12, 2024 as a beta program that opened each day at 1 p.m. ET and closed when it reached a certain number of applicants.

Now anyone who has an expired US passport that was issued in the last 15 years can renew it online. The State Department estimates that the online application will take about 40 minutes, but if you've got all your documents and payment information together, you can probably complete it in half that time. The big catch is that you'll need a MyTravelGov account to apply online -- we'll explain more below.

Learn everything you need to know about the new online US passport renewals, including who is eligible and how you can apply. For more travel tips, check out the best days and times to get cheap plane tickets  or the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations .

How does the US online passport renewal system work?

Most US citizens currently renew their passports  by printing and filling out form DS-82 , then mailing that form with a new passport photo and a renewal fee in the form of a check or money order. The online passport renewal system instead uses a website form and a payment system that allows credit cards, debit cards or online ACH transfers.

Renewing your passport online doesn't mean that you'll receive it any sooner than usual, though. The State Department is sticking to its " routine service " for passport renewals, whether they're online or by mail. That means you'll receive your new passport in six to eight weeks, no matter how you apply. If you need your passport sooner than that, you'll need to apply by mail and pay $60 more for expedited service .

Who is now eligible to renew their US passport online?

The most important qualifying factors for renewing your passport online are:

• You are at least 25 years old.
• You live in the US (state or territory).
• Your current passport is or was valid for 10 years.
• Your current passport must be at least 9 years old and have been issued within the last 15 years (2009-2015).
• You still have your existing passport, and it's not mutilated or damaged.

Along with the main eligibility requirements, the State Department provides a list of further restrictions for online renewal:

• You can only renew regular passports online, not "special issuance" passports (like diplomatic, official or service passports).
• You cannot change your name, gender, place of birth or date of birth from your previous passport.
• You must be able to pay for online renewal using a credit card, a debit card or ACH transfer.
• You must be able to upload a new passport photo.
• You cannot travel internationally for eight weeks after submitting your online renewal application.

That last restriction is important because your existing passport, if still valid, will be immediately canceled as soon as your online renewal application is accepted.

If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for renewing your passport online, you'll need to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency .

If I'm eligible, how do I renew my US passport online?

Before you can apply for an online passport renewal, you'll need to create a MyTravelGov account, which uses the government's login.gov system. if you don't already have a login.gov account, you can visit the MyTravelGov website , click on the blue Sign In  button in the top-right corner, then click Create an account .

You'll then need to enter an email address and your choice of language: login.gov is available in English, Spanish and French. After submitting your email address, you'll need to verify it by clicking on a link in an email message from login.gov, after which you'll choose a password and preferred form of multifactor authentication.

You'll then need to provide personal information for the account, at minimum your first and last name. Once you're finished, you should be able to access the online passport renewal page . Hit the blue Start button at the bottom of the page to begin the application. The State Department estimates that the online application process will take about 40 minutes.

To begin the application for online passport renewal, you'll need the following items:

• Your existing US passport.
• A digital passport photo.
• Payment -- credit card, debit card or your bank's routing and account numbers for ACH transfer.

In the first part of the application, you'll enter information about your current passport, your legal name and whether you want a passport book, passport card or both. Next you'll upload your digital passport photo , and then finally your payment information.

MyTravelGov will send you two email verifications after you submit your renewal application: The first will confirm your pending payment, and the second will confirm that the payment has been received. One week after you apply, you can sign up for email updates about your passport using the State Department's online passport status system . You should expect to receive your new passport in the mail within six to eight weeks.

Can I also renew US passport cards online?

Passport cards are objects that look much like US driver's licenses and can be kept in your wallet. They allow for travel from the US by land or sea to Canada, Mexico or Caribbean countries. They are not valid for any international travel by air.

You can renew both passport books and cards online. Basically, you can renew whichever US passport document that you currently hold. If you have an old passport book and passport card, you can renew both at the same time. If you have one or the other, you can only renew that specific document.

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How to Renew a Passport Online

It’s official: the state department allows online renewals in many cases.

Nicole Gill Council,

Americans can now renew their passports online, the U.S. Department of State has announced.

The system is available to those who meet strict eligibility requirements, listed below. Children’s passports cannot be renewed online, the Associated Press reports. In addition, those living outside the U.S. and those seeking expedited renewal can’t use the online system; they need to renew through the mail-in paper application. Those applying for a passport for the first time must do so via the mail-in form.

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In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the [State] Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible.”

To renew online, passport holders should visit  Travel.State.Gov/renewonline  and follow the below steps.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Identify whether you meet the requirements, among them:

• The passport to be renewed was or is valid for 10 years; was issued between 2009 and 2015, or over nine years but less that 15 years from the application date.
• The passport holder is 25 or older.
• Your personal information is not changing.
• Your travel is more than eight weeks from the date the application is submitted.
• You live in the U.S. and not in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office address.
• The passport is in your possession and is not damaged or reported lost or stolen.
• You are applying for a regular tourist passport.
• You can upload a digital passport photo and pay with a credit or debit card.

Step 2: Create an account

Go to the  MyTravelGov website  to sign in. You will be taken to Login.gov, where you can use an existing account or create a new one.

Step 3: Start your application

Click on the Renew Your Passport button to start the process. The application can be saved and completed later. Keep in mind that you have 30 days to complete the application.

Step 4: Enter information about your most recent passport

At this point, the State Department is reviewing its records to determine whether the passport you are renewing can be renewed online. A list of reasons will be provided if you’re ineligible to renew online. Passport books and passport cards can be renewed online.

Step 5: Enter travel plans

Online passport renewal is for routine service. If you are traveling in less than eight weeks, the passport can’t be renewed online.

Step 6: Upload a digital photo

The original, digital photo should be in .jpeg format. It can’t be a selfie or a photo of an existing printed photo. For complete details, review the video at  Travel.State.Gov/renewonline .

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Step 7: Sign and pay

All passport fees must be paid using a credit or debit card. After you click the Sign and Pay button, you’ll be taken to pay.gov to submit your payment. You’ll receive emails confirming your payment status. Keep your most recent passport; don’t mail it to the State Department or use it for travel as it will be canceled.

Step 8: Sign up for email updates

One week after applying, you can enroll to receive additional emails about the status of your application through the department’s  online passport status system .

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How much does it cost to renew a passport online?

It is $130 to renew a passport book online, the same cost as renewing by mail. The fee to renew a passport card is $30, while it’s $160 to renew a passport book and card.

How long does it take to process the online renewal?

It will take six to eight weeks to receive a passport under the routine application process. The processing time does not include mailing times. Routine times are the same whether applying by mail or online.

What is a passport card, and where can you use it?

A passport card  is a wallet-sized document that can only be used to reenter the United States at land border crossings and seaports of entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It provides a less expensive ($30 for a renewal), smaller alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea.

Passport cards cannot be used for international travel by air.

To apply for a passport card, use the same form as applying for a passport book. You can apply for both simultaneously by mail or online. The processing time for the card is the same as for the book, but cards are only sent via first-class mail.

What is an electronic passport?

An electronic or e-Passport contains an electronic chip with the same information that is printed on the passport’s ID page. It provides protection against identity theft and makes it difficult to use an altered or forged passport.

All U.S. passports issued from 2006 to 2022 were e-Passports, distinguished by the international e-Passport symbol on the front cover. Since then, new passports have been Next Generation Passports, redesigned to be safer and smarter with enhanced security features, according to a State Department spokesperson.

Contributing: Veronica Stoddart, AARP; the Associated Press

Nicole Gill Council is a writer and editor of travel and diversity, equity and inclusion content for aarp.org. Previously, she was a digital planning manager and a news editor at  USA Today  and Gannett News Service, and a copy editor at the  Los Angeles Times  and  Newsday .

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By law , the IRS will certify taxpayers with seriously delinquent tax debts to the State Department for specific actions regarding their passports. 

Generally, the State Department will not issue passports to taxpayers after receiving their delinquent debt certification from the IRS. The State Department may also deny a taxpayer’s passport application or revoke their current passport. 

If taxpayers with certified tax debts are overseas, the State Department may issue a limited-validity passport allowing the taxpayer to return directly to the United States.

What are seriously delinquent tax debts?

What tax debts aren’t certified to the state department.

• How it works?
• What can taxpayers do if they have a debt certified to the State Department?

Seriously delinquent tax debts are legally enforceable, unpaid federal tax debt (including assessed penalties and interest) totaling more than $62,000 (adjusted yearly for inflation). These debts include U.S. individual income taxes, trust fund recovery penalties, business taxes for which taxpayers are personally liable for and other civil penalties. 

The IRS must have filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, and all administrative remedies under the law have lapsed, or have been exhausted or issued a levy in their efforts to collect these debts.

Seriously delinquent tax debts do not include:

• Child support
• Debts being timely paid through IRS-approved installment agreements,
• Debts being timely paid with an offer in compromise accepted by the IRS,
• Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Account (FBAR) penalties, 
• Settlement agreements entered into with the Department of Justice,
• Debts for which a collection due process hearing regarding a levy to collect the debt has been timely requested. or
• Those suspended because of a request for innocent spouse relief.  

The IRS will not certify anyone as owing a seriously delinquent tax debt who: 

• Has an account that's been determined to be “currently not collectible” due to hardship,
• installment agreement,
• offer in compromise,
• Has been identified as a victim of tax-related identity theft,
• Is in bankruptcy,
• Is located within a federally declared disaster area, or
• Has an IRS accepted adjustment that will fully satisfy their tax debt.  

The IRS will also postpone certification for taxpayers serving in a designated combat zone or participating in a contingency operation.

How it works

Certification to the state department.

The IRS will send taxpayers a notice CP508C by regular mail to their last known address at the time it certifies seriously delinquent tax debt to the State Department. The IRS will not send a copy of the CP508C notice to a taxpayer’s power of attorney.

Information for taxpayers applying for or renewing passports that have certified tax debts with the State Department 

If a taxpayer with a certified tax debt applies for a passport or tries to renew their passport, the State Department will issue the taxpayer a letter and hold their application open for 90 days from the date of this letter allowing the taxpayer time to:

• Enter a satisfactory payment arrangement with the IRS,
• Make full payment of the tax debt, or
• Resolve any erroneous certification issues.

If the taxpayer doesn’t make satisfactory payment arrangements with the IRS within 90 days of the date of the State Department’s denial letter, the taxpayer’s passport application will be denied and closed by the State Department. The taxpayer will then need to submit a new passport application. Additional guidance on responding to a State Department letter can be found at Respond to a letter or email .

Imminent travel plans – Expedited reversal of certification request

Taxpayers with an open or pending passport application that have international travel plans within the next 45 days, should contact the IRS promptly to resolve their seriously delinquent debt. Note: For the IRS to help expedite reversal of a certification to the State Department, the taxpayer must have an open passport application or renewal request. Again, a taxpayer’s passport application only stays open for 90 days after the State Department issues the denial letter.  This allows time for the taxpayer to resolve their tax issues.  

When expedited, the IRS can generally shorten the 30 days processing time for decertification by 14 to 21 days. Taxpayers must inform the IRS that they have travel scheduled within 45 days or that they live abroad. The taxpayer must also provide the following documents to the IRS when requesting an expedited decertification:

• Proof of travel. This can be a flight itinerary, hotel reservation, cruise ticket, international car insurance or other document showing location, the name of the traveler, and approximate date of travel or time-sensitive need for a passport.
•  Copy of the letter from the State Department denying the taxpayer’s application or revoking their passport (dated within the last 90 days – an open application). The State Department has the sole authority to issue, limit, deny or revoke passports.

Reversal of certification. The IRS will send taxpayers a notice CP508R at the time it reverses their certification. The IRS will reverse a certification when:

• The tax debt is fully satisfied or becomes legally unenforceable,
• The tax debt is no longer seriously delinquent, or
• The certification is erroneous.

The IRS will make this reversal within 30 days and provide notification to the State Department as soon as practicable.

The IRS will not reverse certification if a taxpayer’s request for a collection due process hearing or innocent spouse relief is on a debt that's not certified. Also, the IRS will not reverse the certification because the taxpayer pays the debt below the threshold.

Referral to revoke passport. The IRS may ask the State Department to exercise its authority to revoke a taxpayer’s passport. For example, the IRS may recommend revocation if the IRS had reversed a taxpayer’s certification because they promised to pay and failed to do so. The IRS may also ask the State Department to revoke a taxpayer’s passport if there are offshore activities or interests that could be used to resolve seriously delinquent debt, but the taxpayer does not utilize such resources.

Before the IRS sends a revocation referral to the State Department, the IRS will send taxpayers Letter 6152 asking them to call the IRS within 30 days to resolve their account to prevent this action.

Judicial review of certification. The State Department is held harmless in these matters and cannot be sued for any erroneous notification or failed decertification under the law.

If the IRS certified a taxpayer’s debt to the State Department, they could file suit in the U.S. Tax Court or a U.S. District Court to have the court determine whether the certification is erroneous, or whether the IRS failed to reverse the certification when it was required to do so. If the court determines the certification is erroneous or should be reversed, it can order the IRS to notify the State Department that the certification was in error.

The law doesn't give the court authority to release a lien or levy or award money damages in a suit to determine whether a certification is erroneous. Taxpayers are not required to file an administrative claim or otherwise contact the IRS to resolve the erroneous certification issue before filing suit in the U.S. Tax Court or a U.S. District Court.

Payment of taxes. Taxpayers who can't pay the full amount they owe, they can make alternative payment arrangements such as an Installment Agreement or an offer in compromise to have their certification reversed.

If a taxpayer disagrees with the tax amount or believes the certification was made in error, they should contact the phone numbers on notice CP508C:

• 855-519-4965
• 267-941-1004 (international callers).

If the taxpayer has already paid the tax debt, they must send proof of that payment to the address on the notice CP508C.

If the taxpayer recently filed their tax return for the current year and expect a refund, the IRS will apply the refund to the debt. If the refund is enough to satisfy the taxpayer’s seriously delinquent tax debt, the IRS will consider the account fully paid once the return and refund are processed.

Passport status. Taxpayers will be notified in writing by the State Department if their application for a U.S. passport has been denied, or their current passport revoked.

Taxpayers needing a U.S. passport to keep their jobs. Once the IRS certifies a taxpayer’s seriously delinquent tax debt to the State Department, the taxpayer must fully pay the balance or make alternative payment arrangements to have the certification reversed.

Can I renew my US passport online? Here's how much it costs

Tired of the old way to renew your passport? Texans can now renew their passports online.

The State Department announced Wednesday that its online passport renewal system is now fully operational following pilot program testing. It is available to adult passport holders whose passports have expired within the last five years or will expire in the next 12 months.

However, it cannot be used for renewing children's passports, first-time applications, renewals from abroad, or expedited requests.

How to renew your US passport online

The State Department estimated that approximately 5 million Americans would be eligible to use the service annually. In 2023, it processed 24 million passports, with around 40% renewals.

To renew a passport online, applicants must meet the following criteria as outlined by the State Department:

Check eligibility :

• Be at least 25 years old.
• Live in a U.S. state or territory.
• Have an existing passport that was valid for 10 years and was issued between 2009 and 2015 or more than 9 years, but less than 15 years from the new application date.
• You have the same name or can document a name change.
• You are not applying for your first passport.

Gather required documents :

• The passport must be in the applicant's possession and must not have been reported lost or stolen. Expired passports are still eligible.
• Digital passport photo ( meeting guidelines ).
• Credit or debit card for the fee.

Steps for renewing your passport:

• Go to the U.S. Department of State's Passport Renewal Website .
• Create or log in to your account.
• Complete the DS-82 form for passport renewal online.
• Upload a digital passport photo following the guidelines.
• Pay the required fee using a credit or debit card.
• Mail in your old passport and any additional documents if required.
• Use the U.S. Department of State’s website to track the status of your application.

How much does it cost to renew your US passport?

According to the State Department, the application fee for renewing your passport depends on the type of document you're requesting.

• Passport book : $130
• Passport card : $30
• Passport book & card: $160

What's the difference between a US passport book and US passport card?

The main differences between a U.S. passport book and a U.S. passport card are in their usage, size, and cost. Here's a breakdown as per the State Department :

Passport book :

• Allows international travel by air, sea, or land to any country.
• Required for air travel outside the U.S.
• Larger in size (booklet format) with pages for visas and stamps.
• It costs around $130 for adults.
• Valid for 10 years for adults and five years for minors.
• Contains advanced security features for international travel standards.

Passport card :

• Used for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
• It can't be used for international air travel.
• Smaller, the size of a driver's license or credit card.
• It costs around $30 for adults.
• It includes security features but is not as advanced as the passport book.

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Everything You Need to Know About U.S. Passport Photo Requirements

Getting or renewing a passport? Here's what you need to know about photo requirements.

With routine processing times ranging from six to eight weeks, getting a new passport is a time-consuming and sometimes cumbersome operation. No one wants to prolong it by providing a photo that doesn't quite meet the state department's requirements.

Most people know that you have to keep your eyes open and mouth closed in a passport photo, but there are more specific rules about clothing and head position that you also need to keep in mind. Here's what to wear (and what not to wear), the correct image size, approved backgrounds, and other rules you need to know when submitting a photo for your passport book or card.

Size and Resolution

Getting the dimensions right is arguably the hardest part of providing your own passport photo. What is a passport-size photo? The U.S. Department of State requires a square photo that's two inches long and wide. Your face must take up between one inch and an inch and three-eighths from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

The photo should show you clearly and without editing — this is a #nofilter zone. Also, selfie photos aren't allowed because they are often the incorrect size and have the wrong head position. You must have someone else take the photo or take it using a tripod.

Your passport photo should be high resolution — not blurry, grainy, or pixelated — and printed on photo-quality paper. It can be matte or glossy as long as it doesn't have holes, creases, or smudges.

Color and Light Requirements

The Department of State wants the photo in your passport to be in color, but it doesn't stand for too much busyness in the background. Photos must be taken against plain, untextured white or off-white backgrounds with no shadows. You should be well-lit in the photograph so that your skin tone is accurately represented.

Only Recent Photos Allowed

The rules state that your photo must be taken within six months of submitting it with your passport application. "We verify that the photo looks like you," reads the Department of State website, presumably by comparing your photo to the one on your driver's license or another proof of identity.

Posing for Passport Photos

Save the sultry or silly poses for Instagram. According to the State Department, in passport photos, you should have "a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed." No big cheesy grins, no silly faces, no pouts. Smiles are okay as long as your mouth is closed.

In your photo, you should be facing the camera directly with your full face in view. If you are getting a passport photo for a baby or young child, this is harder than it sounds. There is more leniency for baby passport photos, according to the State Department.

What to Wear (and What Not to Wear)

Passport photos are not the place to make fashion statements. The State Department wants your photo to be "taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis." However, no uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform. Also, no camouflage attire.

You should not wear a hat or head covering in your photo. If you wear a hat or head covering for a religious or medical reason, you need to submit a signed statement that it is "religious attire worn daily in public" or provide a signed doctor's statement that says "you wear it for medical purposes," according to the State Department. Even with those signed statements, your full face has to be visible.

Also, do not wear headphones or earpieces. You can, however, wear jewelry, including body jewelry, as long as it doesn't hide your face. Take off any face covering or medical mask.

As far as glasses go, the Department of State changed its ruling on those in 2016. It now requires that glasses are removed for the photo, even if you aren't using a flash camera. If you have a passport older than 2016 that includes a photo in which you're wearing glasses, it's still valid until the expiration date. But when you take a new photo for renewal, you'll have to take them off. If you have a medical need that prevents you from removing your glasses for the photo, the State Department requires a signed note from your doctor.

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How to get a passport in Philadelphia

Everything you need to know about getting or renewing a passport in Philadelphia

Getting a passport is one of the more headache-inducing systems in the federal government, but fortunately for travelers, the U.S. Department of State continues to reduce processing times through initiatives like digital passport renewal.

It can be expensive and you’ll have to gather some documents, but understanding the steps and what to expect can alleviate some of that difficulty. According to U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs , taking the extra time now to prepare can save time and money in the long run on that next international trip.

Here’s a breakdown of what a passport is, what you can do with it, and how to get one, including renewing a passport online.

Help make this guide better

What is a passport.

A passport is a federal form of ID that proves your identity and citizenship . It’s the form of ID that supersedes all other forms of ID in the U.S. With a passport, you can use it for anything a State ID or municipal ID can do and it can prove your citizenship abroad. The only thing it can’t do is give you permission to drive — you need a driver’s license for that.

Do I need a passport?

If you want to travel internationally — yes . Otherwise, you don’t necessarily need a passport.

For instance, if you have REAL ID you don’t need a passport to travel within the U.S. or enter a federal facility. REAL ID works for that. Here’s how to get government ID, including REAL ID, in Philly .

If you’re traveling outside of the U.S. or its territories, then you need a passport . You don’t need a passport if you’re traveling within the U.S., American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Anywhere else, you need a passport .

Who is eligible for a passport?

Only U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals — which are people born in outlying U.S. territories mentioned above or who have parents who are non-citizen nationals — are able to get a U.S. passport.

Passport offices near Philadelphia

You can apply for a passport at any Passport Acceptance Facility , which are commonly post offices and government buildings (see the list below). Many local post offices and city records offices are able to receive and process your application.

There is also a Philadelphia Passport Agency , however, you can only apply there with an appointment and if your reason for international travel is a “Life-or-Death” emergency or if you have urgent travel plans within 5 business days. If that is the case, call 877-487-2778 to make an appointment.

You can look for a Passport Acceptance Facility using the U.S. Department of States search tool .

How to get a passport

You need to apply for one . You can do this in-person or by mail. However, if it’s your first time getting a passport — you have to apply in-person.

Apply in person:

If you’ve never been issued a passport before

If you are under age 16

If you were under age 16 when your previous passport was issued

If your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago

If your passport was lost or stolen

If your name has changed since your previous passport was issued and you are can’t legally document your name change

Otherwise, if you’re just renewing your passport you can apply by mail.

First time application

Complete form DS-11 . Download the form here or complete the form online and print it out using the U.S. Department of State’s form fill out tool . Do not sign this form until you’re at a Passport Acceptance Facility .

Bring your unsigned form to a Passport Acceptance Facility . You can find a facility near you by using the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Acceptance Facility Search Tool .

Bring the required documents with you . (See the below ‘What documents do I need to get a passport?’ section)

Bring payment for application and acceptance fees . You have to pay by check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

What documents do I need to get a passport?

You need to prove your U.S. citizenship, your identity, and provide a photo of yourself. U.S. Department of State needs both the originals or certified copies of your documents, and photocopies of the front and back of each document. Photocopies have to be on 8.5″ by 11″ paper, black and white ink, and both legible and clear. The photocopies can’t be double-sided. So you’ll provide the original documents and a photocopy of each.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (one of the following):

U.S. Birth Certificate

Previous U.S. Passport

Naturalization Certificate

Citizen Certificate

Certificate of a U.S. Birth Abroad

Proof of Identity (one of the following):

Valid PA Driver’s or Non-Driver’s License

Prior U.S. Passport

Government Employee ID

Official Military ID Card

Passport Photo:

The photo has to be in color. Black and white photos are not accepted.

The photo has to have been taken within the past six months.

The photo has to be two inches by two inches (no exceptions).

The photo has to be a front view of your face with a plain white or off-white background. You have to have a neutral expression — no smiles. You also can’t have face or head coverings unless for religious or medical purposes and with a signed statement.

The photo has to be taken by someone else. No selfies.

For your passport photo , some Passport Acceptance Facilities have on-site photo services so you can get your photo taken while applying in-person for an additional fee.

Renewing a passport

You can renew your passport by online, by mail, or in person . You can renew your passport if your passport was issued after your 16th birthday and if it was issued within the past 15 years. You also don’t need to wait til your passport expires to renew it. If your passport was lost or stolen or if your name has changed since your last passport was issued and you don’t have a legal document (like a marriage license) to prove the legal name change, you have to reapply in person.

Complete form DS-82. Download the form here or complete the form online and print it out using the U.S. Department of State’s form fill out tool .

Provide your most recent passport . Your passport should be undamaged besides normal wear and tear.

Provide an updated passport photo . Get your photo taken at a Passport Acceptance Facility or have someone take a photo for you. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.

Include your passport fees. You have to pay by check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

If your name has changed, provide legal proof of the name change . You can submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of your name change.

Mail your passport package to: National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 . You have to mail your documents through the United States Postal Service (USPS) . Private companies, like UPS and FedEx are not able to deliver these documents to the post office box listed.

If you want your new passport and application documents sent back to you ASAP, you can pay for expedited processing to the U.S. Department of State for an additional $60. To have the department send everything back to you in 1-2 days once your passport is printed, include an additional $19.53 in your payment for renewal . You can add these fees to the total amount on your check or money order for renewal. Clearly mark, “EXPEDITE” on the outside of your passport package envelope.

Once the U.S. Department of State prints your passport, they will mail everything back to you. This can take a couple of weeks and you may get your documents back in separate mail.

How to renew a passport online

Create an account mytravel.state.gov . To complete the renewal application using your account, you’ll need your most recent passport, a digital photo, and a credit/debit card for payment.

The online application will walk you through the steps of entering the necessary information, confirming your eligibility, and providing a digital payment method. Video walkthroughs are available on the Department of State’s YouTube channel .

Online passport renewal eligibility :

You are age 25 or older.

The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years.

You were issued the passport you are renewing between 2009 and 2015, or over nine years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to apply.

You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.

You are not traveling for at least eight weeks from the date you apply. Routine service is only available for online renewals , and the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing by mail.

You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special passport online, including diplomatic, official, or service passports.

You live in the United States. You do not qualify to renew online if you live outside of the U.S. or have an Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) address.

You have an undamaged passport and have not reported it as lost or stolen. Keep your most recent passport and do not mail it to us.

You have a credit or debit card to pay for renewal.

How to check passport renewal status

Your best bet is enrolling in email updates. Subscribe for email updates about your application status and to learn more about each status update . And remember to be patient — it may take two weeks from day of applying until the “in process” status shows up.

How to get a passport for a child

All children under 16 years old have to apply in-person with two parents or guardians. If a child’s passport expires, they can’t renew it. They have to reapply in-person. Only people who were issued a passport at age 16 years or older can renew their passport.

Bring the required documents with you .

Provide proof of parental relationship . Parents of the child applying will have to show documentation that they have custody of the child. These documents can be a U.S. birth certificate, divorce or custody decree.

Both parents need to be there — unless one parent has sole custody or the parent who is unable to attend completes a “Statement of Consent” form DS-3053 in the presence of a notary public — and provide a copy of their ID.

Provide a passport photo . Get your child’s photo taken at a Passport Acceptance Facility or you can take a photo of your child. The photo has to follow U.S. Department of State guidelines .

How long does it take to get a passport?

There are four different considerations that determine how long it will take to get your passport: Emergency, Urgent Travel, Expedited, Routine processing.

Emergency : 72 hours

This is only available to you if your reason for international travel is a matter of “ Life-or-Death. ” This means that your immediate family member is outside of the U.S., and they have died, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury that requires you to travel there within 72 hours. You have to provide proof of this Life-or-Death emergency.

You have to call 1-877-487-2778 or passportappointment.travel.state.gov to make an appointment. You are not guaranteed an appointment.

Urgent Travel : Must make an appointment and have international travel within 14 calendar days.

This is only available to you if your reason for urgent international travel is a matter other than “Life-or-Death.” You have to provide proof of travel.

You have to call 1-877-487-2778 or visit passportappointment.travel.state.gov to make an appointment. You are not guaranteed an appointment.

Expedited : Two to three weeks

This is available to anyone who wants to pay an extra fee to get their passport faster, but don’t need it urgently. It costs $60 for expedited processing . You can also pay an additional $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery.

Routine : Six to eight weeks

This is the standard wait time for getting a passport if you apply for one.

How long is a passport valid?

If you’re 16 years or older when you got your passport it lasts for 10 years . If you’re under 16 when you got your passport it lasts for five years .

How much does a passport cost?

There are two separate fees for getting your passport . The application fee and acceptance fee, which are paid for separately. The application fee is made payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” The acceptance fee is made payable to the Passport Acceptance Facility that you use. Check with the facility to see who you should make payment payable to for the acceptance fee.

If you’re over 16 and getting your passport for the first time:

Passport Book : Application fee is $130. Acceptance fee is $35.

Passport Card : Application fee is $30. Acceptance fee is $35.

Passport Book & Card : Application fee is $160. Acceptance fee is $35.

If you’re under 16 and getting your passport for the first time:

Passport Book : Application fee is $100. Acceptance fee is $35.

Passport Card : Application fee is $15. Acceptance fee is $35.

Passport Book & Card : Application fee is $115. Acceptance fee is $35.

If you’re renewing your passport:

Passport Book : Renewal fee is $130.

Passport Card : Renewal fee is $30.

Passport Book & Card : Renewal fee is $160.

How to get a passport fast

If you need an urgent passport within two weeks of travel, you have to make an appointment to apply at the Philadelphia Passport Agency . Call 877-487-2778 to make an appointment . Your reasons for needing a passport urgently has to be a matter of “Life-or-Death” or you have urgent international travel in the next 5 business days.

You can also pay an additional $60 for expedited processing to get your passport within five to seven weeks.

What happens if you lose your passport?

You have to reapply to get one. Follow the same process of getting your passport for the first time. You’ll have to go in-person to a Passport Acceptance Facility, complete form DS-11 for a passport application, and provide the necessary documents and fees.

How to change your name on your passport

You need to complete a new application, a renewal, or a name change form depending on your circumstances.

If you got your passport less than a year ago, you can complete a name change form. Fill out form DS-5504 . Provide your most recent passport, your original or certified name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and an updated passport photo. You can mail these documents in through USPS or bring them to a Passport Acceptance Facility.

If you got your passport more than a year ago, you can renew your passport. Fill out form DS-82 . Provide your most recent passport, your original or certified name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and an updated passport photo. You also need to bring renewal fees.

If you’re already using your changed name, but can’t get a certified name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), you need to apply for a new passport. Follow the instructions above for getting your passport for the first time (See How to get a passport).

Where can you get passport photos?

You can get your passport photo taken or you can take the photo yourself. Often times, the easiest way to get passport photo is to apply for a passport at a Passport Acceptance Facility that offers passport photo services, like the United States Postal Service . You can also look for passport photo services at your local pharmacy, photo business, and other places that offer photo services.

You can take your own passport photo . You have to make sure that your photo adheres to U.S. Department of State guidelines :

Can I get a passport if I have a criminal record?

Yes. However, according to the U.S. Department of State , federal or state law enforcement agencies can request that a passport application be denied. Those agencies can also request for a passport to be revoked. Reasons can include an outstanding warrant of arrest, a criminal court order, a condition of parole or probation forbidding departure from the U.S .

So, yes, felons can apply and get a passport. But law enforcement agencies can deny that application.

Also worth noting: Passports do not grant access to freely leave the country or enter another country . A passport is simply an international form of ID that can be used to travel outside of the U.S. Many countries, including the U.S., do not allow people to enter the country who have been convicted of a felony or violent crime .

• How to Philly
• Civic Resources

Android users can upload a digital passport for travel

As Apple and Google respectively expand their digital ID technologies to house state mobile driver's licenses in Apple and Google Wallet, Google has added an international travel feature to its wallet.

In a recent announcement, we learned U.S. passport holders will now be able to store a digital passport in Google Wallet for use at select U.S. Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.

Digital IDs are accepted at 28 U.S. airports, per the TSA, but only Apple and Google support digital IDs (for select states) through a state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Individual states are responsible for verifying digital IDs by confirming a user's identity. After verification, you can create and store a digital ID on your phone.

Apple's digital ID is currently available in Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia and Ohio, with plans to launch in California later this year. In 2023, Google added a feature for Android users to store their digital ID in California — Iowa, New Mexico and Ohio are expected to follow later this year (and Colorado down the line).

Although Android users can download Google Wallet immediately, Google Wallet is not compatible with Apple software. Digital IDs can be used with the iPhone 8 or newer versions of the device (any that run iOS 16.5 or later) or the Apple Watch Series 4 or newer variations of the device (any that run watchOS 9.5 or later).

"This is a Google product and announcement, and it is built on the same platform and to the same technical standards as other digital IDs that will work on TSA readers," a TSA spokesperson said. "From TSA's perspective, we read the passport and treat the transaction the same as we do with those who have other forms of digital ID and mobile driver's license."

Once it's rolled out, digital passports stored on Google Wallet will be able to be used at any U.S. airport with the digital ID technology , specifically:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) in Mississippi
• Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) in Mississippi
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• Richmond International Airport (RIC)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C.
• O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago
• Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
• Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

According to the agency , as more states start enabling digital IDs, the TSA will add compatible identity verification machines at even more airports. Some states have their own versions of a digital ID that travelers can use to pass through security, but these are stored via state-produced apps.

Even though digital IDs are more convenient and touch-free, keep in mind that the TSA still requires travelers to carry a physical form of identification for airport security checkpoints, as it may still be required to verify your identity.

The State Department declined to comment regarding when digital passports would be fully available for use for travel.

Related reading:

• Real ID is finally coming May 7 but with a phased enforcement plan
• Real ID vs. driver's license: Everything you need to know
• I tried the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program at O'Hare — and it's a game changer
• Can you get through airport security without ID?
• TSA PreCheck travelers will no longer have to show ID or boarding pass at certain airports