Obtaining a US Passport: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on whether the passport is intended for a minor or an adult, whether rush is required, whether it is an extension, or if the passport is received for the first time, other scenarios will affect how long it takes to obtain a passport.

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There are many answers to this simple question, how long does it take to get a passport.

First passport

So you want to travel outside the country - amazing! Here is how much time it takes to get a passport:

You must start the passport process in person at the passport center or at the agency for receiving documents at least ten weeks before your planned departure to be safe (although the sooner you start the passport process in the USA, the less stress you will experience as you approach travel).

According to the US Postal Service, "the usual passport processing procedure is estimated to take six to eight weeks." Of course, you should remember the holidays and possible temporary interruptions in the work of state bodies, as these days and events will affect the time of issuing the passport. If you are in a hurry to get your document, there are ways to speed up the process of applying for a passport.

Expedited service when you urgently need a passport

The Department of State offers an expedited application for a passport, which will be in your hands for two to three weeks instead of the usual six to eight weeks. Of course, you will pay for increased speed by paying $ 60 for your passport.

What should I do if I need a passport earlier?

In the event of life-threatening and fatal emergencies and other urgent situations, you can make an appointment with a passport agency for an additional fee and take proof of an urgent trip with you to get expedited passport services.

For personal assistance in case of emergency and leaving the country at the last minute, there are services such as Swift Passport, which promise to deliver an American passport to you within one day or within 12 days for an additional fee.

How long does it take to renew a passport?

Passport renewal costs will be cheaper than first-time applicants (currently 110 dollars versus 145 dollars), but the processing time remains the same. Expect six to eight weeks after completing your passport renewal application. In addition to the new photo and payment, you will need to send your last passport (do not be afraid, you must return it back to save all your previous passport stamps). Of course, to extend the validity of the passport, an accelerated service is also provided.

What is the expiration date of American passports?

For adults 16 years of age and older, American passports are valid for ten years.

Young children will need to renew their passports more often

Since their faces change so quickly, passports for children under the age of 16 are valid for only five years. Note: each person, regardless of age, traveling outside the country, needs a passport book or passport card. This means that your child can have at least four passports before he turns 16 years old. The processing time for children's passports is the same standard six to eight weeks, with the same expedited services described above.

What happens if you lose your passport?

According to USA Today, “if you lose your passport in the United States, you must immediately report it to the State Department to prevent fraudulent use of your passport and begin the process of obtaining a replacement.”

If you are outside the United States, you must contact your nearest US embassy or consulate. Getting a new passport will cost you at least 135 dollars, expedited service - from 60 dollars and delivery overnight from 15 dollars. Keep your passport in a safe and secure place to avoid financial difficulties and endless stress, phone calls and paper work. This, however, does not mean that you should always have a passport with you.

What is a passport card?

Although both the traditional blue passport book and the wallet-sized passport card are proof of citizenship, the way they are used varies greatly. A passport book is acceptable for all international travel, but a passport card is only valid when entering the United States at land border crossings and at seaports of entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Another difference is the price: the cost of passport cards is less than half the cost of a full passport book, but the processing time and validity period are identical.

My passport ends this year, but I can still travel, right?

Most probably not. Many countries require your passport to be valid at least six months after arrival. In addition, some countries require you to have at least two blank pages for visa stickers and stamps. If your passport expires within six months, you should begin the process of updating your passport before you leave. For details on how to extend the validity of a passport and how long it will take to receive a new one, see above.

Do people who travel a lot get different passports?

If you expect that your passport book will be used on many international trips during the decade of the life of your passport, there is a column in the passport application that you must put a cross in it to get a slightly different passport. Always check this box in your application for a document.

What is a mobile passport?

Currently, at 27 US airports and four cruise ports, the free Mobile Passport service for smartphones (with a premium option) will speed up your journey through customs, allowing you to use special Mobile Passport Control lines - separate, faster lanes in the checkout area.

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