Where to Get a Passport

What is a Passport

A passport is a legal document which certifies the identity and nationality of its holder. The elements of a passport which serve to identify are the holder's legal name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth. Passports are only issued by national governments and are most frequently used for international travel.

How Do I Get a Passport

While there are a number of different places you can go to get a passport, the place you ultimately select should be filtered by two things: 1) the type of passport service you require and 2) how soon you need to have your travel document returned to you. Hopefully, the information in this article will help you decide where to get your passport.

- Passport by Mail (Renewals Only)

If you meet certain requirements and have more than two weeks before your planned departure, you can very easily apply for your passport by mail with renewal by mailing Form DS-82. In order to qualify for the renewal by mail method, your existing passport must have been issued to you within the last 15 years and must not be damaged. Additionally, your name must be exactly the same as the name in your present passport. You may still be able to apply by mail if your name has changed due to marriage however you'll be required to send a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you don't meet the above requirements, you will not be able to apply by mail.

- Passport Acceptance Facilities

For a new passport, you'll need to complete application Form DS-11 and appear in person, together with required supporting documents) to a passport acceptance facility. The Office of Passport Services in the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs authorizes a number of locations (post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and various state, county, and municipal government offices) to accept passport applications on its behalf. There are over 12,000 such locations throughout the US and US territories.

- Regional Passport Agencies

If you are in a hurry to get your passport, a visit to any one of the thirteen regional passport agencies is in order. Regional passport agencies only attend to travelers who need their passport in 2 weeks or less. Very efficient and reliable, regional passport agencies are a very good option If you are fortunate enough to have one nearby. Regional passport agencies are located in Honolulu, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Aurora (Colorado), Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco, Norwalk (Connecticut), Philadelphia, Seattle and of course Washington D.C.

In order to receive service, you must call the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778 and set up an appointment. Their rules are quite strict and should be adhered to - you must not arrive more than 15 minutes early or be more than 15 minutes late. Be sure to take you appointment confirmation number and your completed DS-11 application (unsigned), proof of US citizenship, current identification, proof of departure, and two passport photos.

- Private Passport Expediter

If you are unable to travel to a regional passport agency but still require your passport in a hurry, a private expediting service may be the best way to go. You'll need to present your DS-11 application and supporting documents to the private passport expediter agent who will complete the process for you. This option is expensive but sometimes necessary.