New Passport - FAQ's

The validity of a U.S. passport varies depending on the age of the holder at issuance. For adults aged 16 and over, passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance. For minors under the age of 16, passports are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

If you’re not engaging a third-party expediting service, personal appearance is required. However, when utilizing a service like Rushed Passport, you’ll only need to visit a Passport Acceptance Agent at a local post office or county clerk for identity verification. Don’t sign your application until this meeting. The agent will then package your documents for expediting by us.

To locate a nearby Passport Acceptance Facility, visit iafdb.travel.state.gov/.

To obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate, consider these options:

• Use the online service offered by VitalChek for expedited ordering.
• Alternatively, visit or contact the Vital Statistics office in your birthplace’s state or county, where you can request a certified copy in person or have one sent to you.
• If you’ve previously had a passport, even if lost or expired, the Department of State offers a file search for a fee, which won’t delay your passport processing.

When applying for a passport for an adopted child, it’s necessary to include the adoption documents. Additionally, if you’re the parent, your identification as the adoptive parent must be confirmed through the adoption paperwork.

If the applicant does not have a primary I.D they can use 3-4 secondary I.Ds to apply. A list of acceptable Primary and Secondary I.Ds is given below:

Primary Forms of Identification:

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
• Driver’s License
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID)
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Trusted Traveler IDs
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs

Secondary Forms of Identification:

• Out-of-state driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
• Learner’s or temporary driver’s permit
• In-state, fully valid non-driver ID
• Out-of-state, non-driver ID
• Temporary driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Voter registration card
• Employee work ID
• Student ID
• School yearbook with identifiable photograph
• Selective Service (draft) card
• Medicare or other health card
• Expired driver’s license
• Form DS-71 for an Identifying Witness

Passport applications can be turned down for multiple reasons, often because essential documentation, like the original birth certificate, proper photos, or the correct fee, is not provided. Additionally, reasons for denial include significant unpaid child support, federal tax debts exceeding $50,000, active criminal warrants (civil infractions or parking tickets excluded), or specific felony convictions that restrict overseas travel. The State Department also retains the discretion to request further documents when necessary.

Yes, individuals born abroad who have become naturalized U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a U.S. passport. You’ll need to provide documentation that proves your naturalization status, such as your naturalization certificate, along with other required documents when applying for your passport. It’s important to follow the specific application process outlined by the U.S. Department of State.