Allow plenty of time to get a passport. Learn how to get one for you or your child, the fees, and more. Show
On This Page
How to Apply for a U.S. PassportPlease note: Processing times change throughout the year. U.S. Passport EligibilityTo have a U.S. passport, you need to be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or be a U.S. national. Passport Book and Passport CardDepending on where you are traveling outside of the U.S., you will need to determine if you need a passport book or a passport card.
How to Apply for a U.S. PassportThe application process is the same for either the passport book or card, even if you want both at the same time. You have to go in person to present your application. From Within the United States
From Outside the United States
Items You Need to Apply for a U.S. Passport
How to Renew a U.S. PassportPlease note: Processing times change throughout the year. Every person, regardless of age, must have their own passport to travel internationally by air. Eligibility to Renew a U.S. PassportTo have a U.S. passport, you need to be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or be a qualifying U.S. national. You can renew your current or expired U.S. passport unless your passport was:
If any of these are true, you cannot renew your passport. Instead, you must apply for a new passport in person using form DS-11. How to Renew Your PassportYou may be eligible to submit a passport renewal application by mail. If you need to get a passport quickly, you will need to have your passport renewal expedited and pay additional fees.
If you live outside the U.S. or Canada: Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you for information and forms on all passports requested from overseas. Items You Need to Renew Your Passport
The Passport Services Office returns the official documents you submit as supporting documentation. Tips on When to Renew Your Passport
For more information, see these frequently asked questions about passports. Be Aware of Passport Expiration Rules for Your DestinationSome countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the Department of State's country information page.
How to Get a Passport QuicklyPlease note: Processing times change throughout the year. Emergency or Urgent TravelUnder normal conditions, you can request an appointment at a passport agency if you:
To make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency to submit your application in person, call 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793 Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 10 PM ET. The appointment line is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Expedited Service for Non-Urgent TravelIf you do not have urgent travel, you can request expedited service.
Expedited service costs an extra $60, plus any delivery costs.
Passports for Minors Under the Age of 18The Department of State has rules to prevent children from being issued U.S. passports without the consent of both parents. It also has programs to protect children involved in custody disputes. They work to prevent a parent from taking a child abroad without the other parent's consent. Most Children Must Apply for Passports in PersonExcept for some 16 and 17-year-olds, all children must apply for a U.S. passport in person at a passport acceptance facility. Children Under 16Children under 16 need consent from both parents.
See step 7, Show Parental Consent on the State Department's Children Under 16 passport page for forms to use and documents to provide. Children 16 or 17 Years OldSixteen and 17-year-olds can:
Applying for a Child’s Passport From Outside the U.S.If you're living overseas, contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you're in for information on how to apply for your child's passport. Protections for Children in Custody DisputesIf you think your child has been abducted internationally, call the Department of State at 1-888-407-4747. Ask to speak to a prevention officer. The Department of State has other resources to help parents and children in custody disputes.
Be Aware of Passport Expiration Rules for Your DestinationSome countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the Department of State's country information page.
Check the Status of Your Passport ApplicationPassport application processing times vary depending on the time of year. You can check the application’s status online two weeks after applying. If you have questions about passports, go to the Department of State's website. Passport FeesFees for renewing or getting a new passport depend on several factors such as:
The passport application fee and the execution fee are non-refundable. They are collected and retained by law even if a passport is not issued. You can find the fees you may have to pay using these State Department resources:
If you are outside the U.S., ask your U.S. Embassy or consulate what forms of payment they are able to accept. This applies to passport renewals or applications for new passports. Last Updated: October 20, 2022 TopHow long are passports taking right now in California?Passport processing times vary — you can expect to wait between eight to 11 weeks for routine processing and five to seven weeks if you go the expedited route, according to the State Department website.
What is the fastest way to get a passport in California?Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center
We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You cannot walk-in. We do not charge a fee to make an appointment. You can only make an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778.
How long does it take to get a passport in California fast?California Passport Offices for Standard Processing
Routine processing at the post office or county clerk is 8-11 weeks at any one of the 517 passport acceptance facilities throughout the state. For an additional $60, there is a 5-week expediting option available.
How long does it take to get a passport in California 2022?It may take up to 16 weeks to receive a passport, and 12 weeks for expedited processing. Applicants to Winter 2022 and Spring 2022 programs who need a new passport or who need to renew their passport should start the process immediately. Visit travel.state.gov for additional information and current processing times.
|