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A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the
identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter
and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority
to grant, issue or verify U.S. passports.
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens
about how to obtain, replace or change a passport. To obtain a passport for the first
time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located
throughout the United States with:
- Two identical photographs of yourself that meet certain specifications
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- A valid form of photo identification (such as a driver's license)
Acceptance facilities include many federal, state and probate courts, post offices,
some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also
13 regional passport agencies, and one Gateway City Agency, which serve customers
who are traveling within two weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel.
Appointments are required in such cases.
For more information on how to get or renew your passport, visit
travel.state.gov/passport or call the National
Passport Information Center.
| Requirements For Passports Are Changing
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by
Jan. 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and
Canada must have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or
re-enter the U.S.
It is anticipated that the new rule will be applied in two phases:
- Jan. 8, 2007: Applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
- Dec. 31, 2007: Requirement extended to all land border crossings, as well
as air and sea travel.
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