Role of U.S. Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassies and Consulates are located throughout the world and provide a variety of services to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are traveling outside of the U.S. Embassies and Consulates are also responsible for issuing visas and notifying U.S. citizens of travel warnings. When traveling outside of the U.S., you may want to contact a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate to let them know where you are staying and how long you will be in the area.

To locate a specific embassy or consulate, please check the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at the State Department's website.

Customs

If you are traveling outside of the U.S. and have questions regarding importing/exporting, U.S. Customs regulations, or other concerns you may want to visit the Customs and Border Protection website.

Travel Advisories

For information regarding travel alerts and warnings, check the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Citizens' Emergencies

If you know of a U.S. citizen who is outside of the U.S. and needs assistance due to an emergency situation, you may contact the Department of State's American Citizens Services (ACS) office at (202) 647-5225.

Passports

How to apply for a passport

Applicants should go to the nearest post office or county clerk's office to fill out the application. They will need to take with them: two passport photos, a certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal, a check or money order for $100.00 for applicants 16 and over and $85.00 for applicants 15 and under. They should also have a photo ID (drivers license or state ID). This is so the clerk can verify they are who they say they are. They must not sign the application until instructed to do so by a clerk of the post office or county clerk's office.

The clerk will mail the application, photos and birth certificate to the Chicago Passport office in a sealed envelope. The constituent will get the birth certificate back with the passport. If the constituent is a naturalized citizen, instead of a birth certificate, they should send their naturalization certificate. The passport agency will only accept original documents. Everything will be returned along with the passport.

For more information, visit the State Department's Passports home page or the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on the State Department's website.

How to apply for a renewal

A person can apply for a renewal, using their expired passport as proof of citizenship, if the expired passport was issued within the last 12 years. Applicants can pick up the application at the post office or county clerk's office and mail it themselves. They will need to include the expired passport, two photos and a check for $75.00. They will get the expired passport back unless it is damaged in any way.

Passport cards

Passport cards may be used for travel at U.S. land and sea ports-of- entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Travelers may not use a passport card when traveling by air; they must have a U.S. passport book. Adults who already have a passport book may apply for a card and pay $20. If you are applying for a passport card for the first time, the fees are $45 for adults and $35 for children. For more information on passport cards, see the U.S. Passport Card page on the State Department's website.

Emergencies and urgent requests

There is a $60.00 fee to expedite urgent cases, which is paid at the time of application. Applicants in need of a passport for life or death emergencies should contact my Detroit office at (313) 226-6020 or (800) 851-0030 (in state). If the applicant needs to obtain a passport quickly, he or she will need to contact the Chicago Passport Agency at (312) 341-6020 to make an appointment. The applicant will need to travel to the Chicago Passport Agency and provide proof of departure - a copy of the itinerary or a copy of plane tickets as proof of urgency.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Detroit office at (313) 226-6020 or visit the State Department's Passports home page or the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on the State Department's website.

FEDERAL AGENCIES

• State Department
• Customs and Border Protection
• USA.gov

PRIVACY RELEASE