Passports

 

 

A passport is an internationally recognized document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is necessary to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. State Department has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

Over the past decade, the number of passports issued has doubled from 6 to 12 million per year, and that number will likely continue to increase.  It is a good idea to plan ahead as much as possible when anticipating any travel outside the country.  Please scroll down the page for information on applications, renewals, fees and the increased demand. The State Department advises that travelers who have not applied for passports to date should plan four to six weeks for standard passport processing and two to three weeks for expedited processing. Applicants requesting expedited service must write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope containing their application.

As of June 1, 2009, most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry must have a passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.  A list of compliant documents can be found at the DHS website, but include:  a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders. This requirement includes U.S. citizen children under the age of 16, who will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. 

The following is a list of frequently-asked questions (FAQs) regarding passports issues that may provide you with more immediate answers to your questions or concerns.

• How do I apply for a passport?
• Do I need to apply in person?
• How do I renew my passport?
• What are the fees for a passport?
• Do I need a passport to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda?

How do I apply for a passport?

If you need to obtain a passport for the first time, you must go in person to a passport acceptance facility. For a list of facilities located in Idaho, please go to the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page operated by the U.S. State Department, and enter your ZIP code or the state of Idaho. Such facilities are generally located in post offices, county clerk offices, and other easily-accessible sites. You need to take a valid photo ID (such as a driver's license), proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and two passport-sized photographs of yourself.

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Do I need to apply in person?

You need to apply in person:

• if you are applying for the first time;
• if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession;
• if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago;
• if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under the age of 16; or
• if your currently-valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

More information on getting a new passport is available at How To Get A Passport.

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How do I renew my passport?

You can renew your passport by mail if:

• your most recent passport is available to submit and is not damaged;
• you received the passport within the past 15 years;
• you were over the age of 16 when it was issued;
• you still have the same name or can legally document your name change.

You can download an application for renewal from the Passport Renewal page at the U.S. Department of State. The page also contains more information on passport renewal.

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What are the fees for a passport?

Age 16 and older, first time applicants: The passport application fee, including the passport book and card, is $140. The execution fee is $25. The total is $165.

Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $95. The execution fee is $25. The total is $120.

Renewals:  The renewal fee for an adult passport book and card is $140, and Expedited Service is an additional $60 for new passports or renewals.

These fee charges are accurate as of 01/11/2011.  Please check the Passport Fees section at the U.S. Department of State website for forms and the most current information.

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Do I need a passport to travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda?

Yes, effective October 1, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport to enter or depart from the United States.

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