US Passports HQ Office
Bureau of Consular Affairs
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
US Passports Customer Service
Phone: 1-877-487-2778 (general)
Phone:Â 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TTD)
Phone:Â 1-855-865-7755 (feedback)
Phone:Â 1-202-647-4000 (emergencies)
Email: npic@state.gov
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About US Passports
Passports in the United States is processed by the U.S. Department of State. In 2015 alone, some 15,556,216 US passports were issued. A passport is a prerequisite for overseas travel or on return to the US. On an average, all applications get processed within 6 weeks. But you can expedite the process in 3 weeks or even 8 days. To download an application for a new US passport or renewal of existing, access the form on the website and submit it at nearest agency. The passport application fee and the execution fee are non-refundable. After submitting your application, you can track the same online. You need to input your last name, date of birth and last four digits of Social Security Number to track the status.
To locate a passport acceptance facility nearest to your address click here. You can search by zip code, city or state. Lost your passport? Or require a passport for minor? You can download the requisite forms here. Every child regardless of age must have a valid passport to travel overseas. The passport will be valid for 5 years. Application for minor’s passport require evidence of US citizenship, evidence of parental relationship, photo ID, parental consent, completed application forms and the appropriate fees. For details related to fee and mode of payment, you can visit the link here. Adult and minor passports have different fee. You can pay additional fee for expedited service or overnight delivery. Methods of payment accepted include credit cards, debit cards, checks, money orders and cash.
If you are planning to apply for a US passport from outside the country, the procedures are different. Visit the local embassy or consulate for forms or other details. For those looking to enter the US from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry, apply for Passport Card. Approved by the Department of Homeland Security, Passport Cards are more convenient and will also cost less. However, note that a Passport Card cannot be used for overseas trip by air.
Passports reported lost or stolen will no longer be valid for travel. You must report your lost or stolen passport and apply again after making an appointment to apply in person. You can apply online here. After generating a completed application form, the website creates a barcode seen at the top of the generated passport application form. The barcode will contain all the vital information pertaining your application. You may receive your newly issued passport and your citizenship documents in two separate mailings. If you have not received your passport, you should report same within 90 days. As a security measure, all your passports come with a small integrated chip embedded in the back cover. The chip stores vital information of the passport holder, biometric identifier in the form of a digital image, a unique chip identification number and a digital signature to protect the stored data.
The Department of State has regional passport agencies in Arkansas, Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Colorado, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, El Paso, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle, Vermont and Washington. You can visit the local agency or speak to the customer service for queries on new passport application, renewal, payment, appointment, lost/stolen passports, or others.
