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1. How much does a United States passport cost?

The cost of your U.S. passport will depend on the type of passport you request and how quickly you need it. See Passport Fees for more information on the cost of a U.S. passport book or a U.S. passport card and all associated services.

2. How long does it take to get a passport?

Processing times vary depending on the time of year. See Application Processing Times for more information.

3. May I pay passport fee with Debt/Credit card?

No, Passport fees must be paid in check or money order only. Execution/office processing fees must be paid in cash only.

4. May a passport book or card issued to a minor (Under age 16) be renewed?

No, If your child is under age 16, he or she must appear in person with you and the child's other parent or guardian to apply. A child's application must be submitted in person at a passport agency or authorized passport application acceptance facility.  It cannot be renewed by mail. Appointment needed.

5. Who do I make my Check or Money order out to?

Checks or money orders are to be made out to US Department of State.

6. What the difference between a passport book and a passport card?

The biggest difference between a passport book and passport card is that passport cards can only be used at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.

7. What if I have an emergency and need to leave right now?

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 business days). 

How to Contact:

• 1-877-487-2778/ 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TDD) Monday- Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time, except federal holidays.
• 202-647-4000 outside of the hours listed above

You must provide:

• A passport application with supporting documents
• Proof of the life-or-death emergency such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a signed letter from a hospital or medical professional. Documents must be in English or translated in English.
• Proof of international travel (itinerary, ticket, reservation) specific to the emergency

8. I changed my name recently or my name has been misspelling how can I get that fixed?

If you are changing your name within one year of the date your passport was issued, you will need to complete Form DS-5504: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement.   

If you are changing your name more than a year after your passport was issued, you must submit Form DS-82: Renewal Application. Fee required

9. I need a passport for my child and I have full/sole custody can I still get them a passport?

Yes, if you have full custody both parents are not needed to apply for a passport. However, you will need to provide court documentation proving that you do have full custody of the child.

10. I need a passport for my child but I do NOT have full/sole custody can I still get them a passport?

No, if you do not have full custody of the child you must receive permission from the other parent/guardian. The other parent/guardian must either attend the appointment or fill out form DS-3053: Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport to a minor under age 16.

If you are unable to reach or get in contact with the other parent/guardian you must fill out form DS-5525: Statement of Exigent/Special family circumstances for issuance of a U.S. Passport to minor under age 16. 

11. I am the only parent/guardian on my child’s birth certificate do I still need the other parent/guardian to get a passport for my child?

No, if you are the only parent/guardian on the child’s birth certificate you do not need the other parent/guardian to apply for a passport for your child.

12. How do I get the status of my application?

You can check your status online using our Online Passport Status System. It may take up to 6 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” During these 6 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is scanned and sent to us. If your passport status update says “Not Available,” your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to us.

13. I got a letter in the mail or an email about my application. What should I do?

A letter or email was sent to you because more information is needed before continuing the processing of your passport. The letters and emails all have specialized instructions for your case that you should follow. If you’re having a hard time understanding what it means, Respond to a Letter or Email might be able to help you.