The passport application process will take from 15-30 minutes per applicant. More time may be needed for complex cases involving citizenship, parental guardianship, etc.

Passport Books are valid for international travel by any means of transportation via air, sea, or land. Passport Cards are only valid for travel by land or sea from the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, and Canada. The cost differs as well. For individuals 16 years and older the passport book costs $130 while the passport card costs $30. For minors 15 and younger the passport book costs $100 and the passport card costs $15.

If you select Routine Service, 6–9 weeks from the date of application; Expedited Service takes 3–5 weeks. Processing time may fluctuate according to workload in the U.S. Passport processing facilities. Visit travel.state.gov for updated processing times.

You can make an appointment and apply at the nearest Passport Agency. Contact the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778 for more information. The nearest Passport Agency is in Chicago, 101 W Ida B. Wells Dr 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60605. Proof of travel within two weeks may be required to book an appointment with a Passport Agency.

Yes. The applying child aged 15 and younger must be accompanied by both parents. For extenuating circumstances call (877) 487-2778. Applicants under the age of 16 must submit a copy of a birth certificate even if they previously had a passport.

Visit the State Department’s Passport Application Status web page at passportstatus.state.gov to check on the status of your passport application.
Processing time may fluctuate according to workload in the U.S. Passport processing facilities.

If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years. The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your Passport Book or on the front of your Passport Card. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. For more information visit travel.state.gov

Most passports can be renewed by mail. Form DS-82 is the passport renewal application. The renewal application can be filled out and mailed by the applicant. You may renew by mail if you currently hold a 10 year passport that is less than 5 years expired. Detailed instructions are included on the application.

You are eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport meets all five of these requirements:

1. Is submitted with your application
2. Is undamaged (other than normal “wear and tear”)
3. Was issued when you were age 16 or older
4. Was issued within the last 15 years
5. Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.

You can renew your passport at any time during its validity and up to 5 years after its expiration. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

The Department of State accepts legible photocopies of U.S. birth certificates despite the copy restriction. If you elect not to submit a photocopy, you can submit a second certified copy of your birth certificate.

While the Department of State returns the original to you, they retain the additional copy with your passport record. This assists the Department’s effort to preserve the integrity of the passport issuance process, and reduces the risk of another person attempting to use evidence in your name to get a passport.

You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate online. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics web page at www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm