Passports
In order to obtain a U.S. passport you must present satisfactory evidence of U.S. citizenship and proof of identity. Full validity U.S. passports valid for ten years are issued to U.S. citizens age 16 and above. U.S. passports for minors below age 16 are valid for five years. Limited validity passports valid for no more than one year may be issued under special circumstances, at the discretion of the consular officer. Validity of U.S. passports cannot be extended. U.S. citizens who hold limited validity passports are encouraged to obtain a full validity passport at their earliest possible time to avoid getting caught in a situation that require them to travel at very short notice.
Appointment
Appointment are now required for all passport services. To make and cancel an appointment, please visit the U.S. Citizen Services Appointment System.
Please schedule a different appointment for each person renewing their passport.
Processing Time
U.S. passports are issued in the United States even though applications may be accepted and approved at overseas U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The processing time for applications submitted and approved is typically five to seven business days. Applicants will have their current passports returned to them and are expected to retain them during this processing period. At the time of collection of the new passport, applicants must submit their current passport for cancellation. The cancelled passport will then be returned with the new passport. Applicants must be able to pick up their new passports personally or authorize a representative in writing to do so. We do not mail passports to applicants and we are required to cancel the current passport before we release the new passport. Applicants are strongly advised not to make irreversible travel plans until they have their passports in hand.