I want to travel within EuropeYou can travel on a Dutch ID card to most countries in Europe and to Türkiye. Find out which countries you can travel to on a Dutch identity card (information in Dutch). If you plan to travel to one of these countries you don’t need a passport and can apply for an ID card. Show
I want to travel outside EuropeYou need a passport to travel to countries outside Europe. Many countries also require a visa. You can, however, travel to Türkiye on a Dutch ID card.
Frequent traveller passports (business passports)If you travel often it may be useful to have a frequent traveller passport (also called a business passport). These are the same as standard passports but have extra pages for visas and stamps. They also cost the same as standard passports. Frequent traveller passports are usually valid for 10 years. For people under the age of 18 they are valid for only five years. The application process for a frequent traveller passport is the same as for a standard passport.
Second passportsIf you’re regularly unable to use your passport for travel because it is being held by an embassy while a visa application is being processed, or if you often travel to countries in conflict, it may be useful to have a second passport. A second passport is valid for two years. If you want to apply for a second passport you must be able to prove that one of the above situations applies to you. Your primary passport must also be valid for at least six months. The application process for a second passport is the same as for a standard passport.
Allow plenty of time to get a passport. Learn how to get one for you or your child, the fees, and more.
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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 Top |