Do you have questions about US passports? No matter your question, you can find detailed answers here on PassportInfo.com. But for those of you in a hurry, who want your question answered ASAP, we’ve compiled this list of your top passport questions and the info you need to know.
What is a passport?
A passport is an official document that confirms your identity and citizenship. It’s an essential document for international travel.
What kind of travel requires a passport?
If you are traveling outside of the US by air, no matter where you are going, you will need to have a valid US passport book. If you are visiting Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean via land or sea, you can use a US passport card or a passport book. We recommend that all travelers maintain a valid US passport book, as it can be used for all destinations worldwide and for all forms of travel.
How long is my passport valid?
Passports issued to adults over age 16 are valid for 10 years, and passports for children age 15 and under are valid for 5 years. However, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months past your date of entry, so we recommend that you renew your passport at least 8 months before it expires.
How long does it take to get a passport?
If you apply for passport service by mail, it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks for your new passport to arrive. Expedited service is available by mail for an additional fee, and will have your passport back to you in 2 to 3 weeks. Faster service is available by visiting a US Passport Agency, but you’ll need to make an appointment in advance, and appointments sometimes take weeks to get. By far, the fastest and most convenient way to get a passport is to use a registered passport expediting company. These private companies are authorized by the US State Department to submit expedited passport requests, and can get your passport completed in as little as 24 hours… or less!
What do I do if my passport is lost, stolen, or damaged?
You can apply for a new passport if yours has been lost or stolen, or if it has been substantially damaged. There are special processes to replace a lost or stolen passport or a damaged one. These procedures must be followed even if your passport was expired.
Can I change my name on my passport?
If you’ve legally changed your name, you will need to follow one of two procedures to change the name on your passport. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you can re-apply for your passport and have a new passport issued at no government fee (an expedite fee will apply, if you need your passport in a hurry.) If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you will need to renew your passport to have a new one issued in your new name.
I’ve got a difficult passport question, where can I get an answer?
Just ask us! Use our contact form to send your question to the PassportInfo.com Help Desk for a quick answer from our team of experts.
