Renewing Your U.S. Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide

Last updated 2 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Keeping your U.S. passport current is essential for international travel and serves as a secure form of federal identification. This guide provides information for U.S. citizens looking to renew their passports successfully, drawing directly from official U.S. Department of State resources.

Finding Official Information and Forms

The primary source for all U.S. passport information is the U.S. Department of State’s official travel website.

The main form used for routine passport renewals by eligible individuals is Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals. You can access this form in several ways:

• Use the online Form Filler tool to complete the application electronically and then print it. This method helps reduce errors.
• Download a PDF version of Form DS-82 to fill out by hand.
• Find links to the form on the main renewal page.

For general questions, contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793) or via email at [email protected].

Can You Renew by Mail Using Form DS-82?

Renewing your passport by mail using Form DS-82 is convenient, but you must meet specific eligibility criteria. You can renew by mail only if all the following conditions apply to your most recent U.S. passport:

• Possession: You can submit the passport with your application. It cannot be currently lost or stolen.
• Condition: It is undamaged, aside from normal “wear and tear.” Significant damage like water stains, major tears, unofficial markings, missing pages, or hole punches makes it ineligible for mail renewal. Normal wear might include the fanning of pages or minor folding.
• Issuance Age: It was issued when you were age 16 or older. Passports issued to children under 16 are only valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed by mail.
• Issuance Date: It was issued within the last 15 years. If your passport is older than 15 years, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.
• Name: It was issued in your current legal name, OR you can legally document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you meet all these requirements, you can proceed with the mail-in renewal process using Form DS-82. If you cannot meet even one of these criteria, you are likely required to apply in person using Form DS-11.

When You Must Apply in Person

Applying in person using Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport is necessary under several circumstances where mail-in renewal is not permitted. You must apply in person if any of the following apply:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport.
• Your previous passport was issued when you were under age 16. Children’s passports cannot be renewed; they require a new application each time.
• Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago. The 15-year limit ensures the photo and identity information are reasonably current for mail-in renewal.
• Your previous passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged. In these cases, you must also submit Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport) along with Form DS-11.
• You are changing your name on your passport due to marriage, divorce, or court order, and your passport was issued more than one year ago, AND you do not meet all the eligibility requirements for mail-in renewal.
• You cannot legally document a name change with a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, even if you meet other DS-82 criteria.

Applying in person typically takes place at a designated Passport Acceptance Facility (often a post office, library, or local government office) or, for urgent needs, a Passport Agency or Center.

Required Documents for Mail-in Renewal

To successfully renew your passport by mail using Form DS-82, you must assemble a complete application package containing the following items:

• Completed Form DS-82: Fill out the form accurately and completely, either using the online Form Filler and printing it, or completing a downloaded PDF by hand in black ink. Ensure you sign and date the form. Print the form single-sided only; double-sided forms are not accepted.
• Your Most Recent U.S. Passport: You must submit your actual passport book and/or passport card with the application. If you are renewing both a book and a card, you must submit both documents. It will be canceled and typically returned to you separately from your new passport, potentially up to four weeks after you receive the new one.
• Passport Photo: One recent (taken within the last six months) color photograph meeting all specific requirements (see next section). The photo must be stapled to the application form in the designated area using four vertical staples in the corners, close to the outer edges, without bending the photo.
• Fees: Payment in the correct amount via personal check or money order, payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
• Name Change Documentation (if applicable): If your current legal name is different from the name on your most recent passport, you must include an original or certified copy of the legal document proving the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court-ordered name change document). This document will be returned to you, possibly in a separate mailing from your new passport.

Gathering all these items accurately before mailing is crucial to avoid processing delays or rejection.

Passport Photo Requirements

Submitting an acceptable passport photo is critical; incorrect photos are a primary reason for application delays or rejections. The U.S. Department of State has strict requirements to ensure the photo is suitable for biometric identification and security purposes.

Key requirements for passport photos submitted with Form DS-82 include:

• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• Size: Exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
• Head Size: The head, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair, must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm – 35 mm). The photo must be centered. Photos taken too close or too far away will be rejected.
• Background: Plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, textures, or lines.
• Quality: High-resolution color photo printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Must be clear, in focus, and not blurry, grainy, or pixelated. Damaged photos (creases, smudges, holes) are unacceptable.
• Digital Alterations: Strictly prohibited. Do not digitally enhance, retouch, or alter the photo using computer software, phone apps, filters, or artificial intelligence. This rule reflects the need for an authentic, unaltered image for security verification. Submit the original photo print; photocopies or digitally scanned photos are not allowed.
• Pose and Expression: Neutral facial expression (or a slight, closed-mouth smile is acceptable) with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera. No selfies. Full face must be in view.
• Eyeglasses: Not allowed. Eyeglasses (including prescription glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses) must be removed unless you submit a signed doctor’s statement explaining a medical necessity (e.g., recent eye surgery). Even with a medical exception, frames cannot cover eyes, and there must be no glare or shadows. This “no glasses” rule (effective since Nov 2016) simplifies facial recognition.
• Attire and Head Coverings: Wear normal daily attire. Uniforms, clothing resembling uniforms, or camouflage attire are not permitted. Hats or head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious or medical purposes. If worn, a signed statement verifying the religious practice or a doctor’s note for medical reasons must be submitted. The full face must remain visible, and the covering cannot cast shadows. Headphones or wireless devices are prohibited. Jewelry and facial piercings are acceptable if they don’t obscure the face.
• Stapling: Attach the photo to the designated spot on Form DS-82 using 4 staples placed vertically in the corners, as close to the outer edges as possible. Do not bend the photo. This specific method is important, likely for compatibility with automated scanning equipment.

You can obtain compliant photos at some passport acceptance facilities, commercial photo service providers, or by having a friend take the photo (following all rules) and printing it on proper paper. Given the strictness, using a professional service can help avoid rejection.

The State Department offers an online photo tool for cropping images for paper applications, but it does not check overall compliance.

For detailed visual examples and requirements, visit the official Passport Photo page.

Calculating Your Renewal Fees

Accurately calculating and submitting the correct passport renewal fees is essential; errors in payment are a common reason for application rejection. The fee structure includes base costs for the passport product(s) and additional costs for optional services like expedited processing or faster delivery.

Base Fees for Mail-in Renewal (Form DS-82)

The following fees apply when renewing using Form DS-82 and are paid directly to the U.S. Department of State:

• Passport Book: $130
• Passport Card: $30 (Note: Valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean; not valid for international air travel)
• Passport Book & Card: $160

Optional Fees (Paid to U.S. Department of State)

These fees are added to the base application fee if you choose these services:

• Expedited Service: $60. This fee is per application and speeds up the processing time at the passport agency.
• 1-2 Day Delivery (Return Shipping): $21.36 (Fee updated June 2024). This fee pays for faster return shipping of your completed passport book via a trackable service, typically 1-2 days after it’s issued. This service is only available for passport books mailed within the United States; it cannot be used for passport cards, which are always sent via First Class Mail.

Payment Method for Mail-in Renewal (Form DS-82)

• Payment Type: You must pay using a personal check or money order. Credit cards are not accepted for mail-in renewals (though they are accepted for online renewals or applications at agencies).
• Payable To: Make the check or money order payable exactly to “U.S. Department of State”.
• Check/Money Order Information: Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth on the front of the check or money order. This helps ensure the payment is correctly matched to the application.
• Do Not Send Cash: Sending cash through the mail is strongly discouraged and done at your own risk; the Department of State is not responsible for lost cash.
• Canadian Applicants: If renewing by mail from Canada, checks or money orders must be payable in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. financial institution with a U.S. 9-digit routing number.

Fee Verification

Passport fees are subject to change. Always verify the current fees before sending your application. Use the official resources:

• Passport Fee Calculator
• Official Fee Chart (PDF)

Submitting the incorrect fee amount, even an overpayment, can lead to rejection or significant delays. Carefully calculate the total amount based on the passport product(s) and any optional services selected.

Summary of Mail-In Renewal Fees (Form DS-82)

Completing and Mailing Your Application Package

After confirming eligibility, gathering documents, obtaining a compliant photo, and calculating the correct fee, the final steps involve carefully completing the form and mailing the package correctly.

Form Completion (Form DS-82)

• Accuracy: Fill out all required sections completely and accurately. Use the online Form Filler to minimize errors, or print clearly in black ink if filling by hand.
• Verification: Double-check all information (name spelling, date of birth, previous passport details) against your official documents. Ensure consistency.
• Signature and Date: Sign and date the printed Form DS-82 in black ink in the designated space. Do this before mailing. The signature should generally match the one in your previous passport.
• Printing: Print the completed form on single-sided paper only.

Assembling the Package

Before sealing the envelope, double-check that you have included:

• The completed, signed, and dated Form DS-82.
• Your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card.
• One compliant passport photo, correctly stapled to the form (4 vertical staples, corners, outer edges).
• The correct payment (check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State” with your name/DOB written on it).
• Original or certified name change document, if applicable.

Mailing Instructions

• Carrier: You must use the United States Postal Service (USPS) for mailing within the U.S. Private carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL cannot deliver to the required Post Office (PO) Box addresses. Applicants in Canada should use Canada Post.
• Tracking: Use a trackable delivery method (e.g., USPS Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express). This provides proof of mailing and delivery, which is highly recommended for important documents like passport applications.
• Envelope: Use an envelope large enough to fit the application materials without folding them. USPS offers free Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express envelopes suitable for this purpose.
• Mailing Addresses: Send the complete package to the correct PO Box address based on your location and the service type requested. Verify the address on the current DS-82 form or the travel.state.gov website, as addresses can change.

Passport Renewal Mailing Addresses (Form DS-82)

• Expedited Mailing: If you paid the $60 fee for expedited processing, clearly write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of your mailing envelope. To achieve the fastest possible turnaround, consider using USPS Priority Mail Express (1-2 day delivery) to send your application to the processing center, and ensure you have included the separate $21.36 fee for 1-2 day return delivery from the center. Remember, the $60 expedite fee covers processing speed only, not mailing time.

Understanding Processing Times

Managing expectations about how long it takes to receive a renewed passport is crucial for travel planning. The processing times published by the U.S. Department of State represent only one part of the total turnaround time.

Current Estimated Processing Times

As of recent updates, the estimated times are:

• Routine Service: 4-6 weeks
• Expedited Service: 2-3 weeks (Requires an additional $60 fee)

What Processing Time Includes (and Excludes)

• Start Point: These timeframes begin only when your application arrives and is logged at a passport agency or center. They do not start on the day you mail your application.
• Mailing Time is Additional: The published processing times do not include mailing times. This is a critical point often overlooked. You must factor in additional time for:
  • Delivery to the processing center: Allow up to 2 weeks for your application to travel through the mail system, be received at a mail facility, have payment processed at an intake facility, and finally be entered into the system at the passport agency.
  • Delivery back to you: Allow up to 2 weeks for your completed passport to be mailed back to you after it has been printed.

Calculating Total Turnaround Time

The realistic total time from mailing your application to receiving your new passport is:

Total Time = Mailing Time (To Center) + Processing Time + Mailing Time (Back to You)

This means:

• Routine Service: Could take 8-10 weeks or more (2 weeks mail + 4-6 weeks process + 2 weeks mail).
• Expedited Service: Could take 6-7 weeks or more (2 weeks mail + 2-3 weeks process + 2 weeks mail), unless you also pay for expedited shipping both ways.

Plan Accordingly

Given these timelines, it is essential to apply for your passport renewal well in advance of any planned international travel. Relying solely on the published “processing time” without accounting for mailing can lead to stressful situations. Additionally, some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay; factor this into your renewal timing as well.

Other Factors

• Seasonal Demand: Application volumes are typically higher from late winter through summer, which could potentially lengthen actual turnaround times. Applying during the slower season (October-December) might result in faster processing.
• Application Issues: If your application has errors or requires additional information, processing will be delayed.
• Official Source: Always check the current official processing times on the State Department website, as they can change.

Checking Your Application Status

Once you have mailed your renewal application, you can monitor its progress through the U.S. Department of State’s online tracking system.

How to Check Status

• Online Tool: The primary way to check is via the Online Passport Status System.
• Information Required: To access your status, you will need to enter:
  • Your Last Name (including suffixes like Jr., III; try variations if your name has hyphens or apostrophes, e.g., entering “OBrien”, “O Brien”, or “O’Brien”).
  • Your Date of Birth (in MM/DD/YYYY format).
  • The Last Four Digits of your Social Security Number.
• Email Updates: If you provided an email address on your Form DS-82, you should receive automatic email updates on your application’s status. You can unsubscribe from these emails if desired. The email confirming your passport has been mailed will contain the tracking number for passport books.

Understanding Status Updates

The online system will display various statuses as your application moves through the process:

• Not Available: This usually means your application hasn’t been entered into the system yet. Remember, it can take up to 2 weeks from the mailing date for the status to become active due to mail transit and intake processing. It could also indicate a typo in the information you entered (especially the name) or a temporary system issue. If it persists after 2 weeks, double-check your entered info or try again later.
• In Process: Your application has been received by a passport agency or center and is currently under review.
• Approved: The review of your application is complete, and your passport is queued for printing.
• Mailed: Your new passport has been printed and sent to the mailing address provided on your application. If you applied for a passport book, the email update for this status usually includes a tracking number.
• Supporting Documents Mailed: Your old passport and any original documents submitted (like birth certificates or name change documents) have been mailed back to you separately via USPS First Class Mail. This mailing does not typically have tracking.
• Information Needed: Your application is on hold because the agency requires additional information or documentation. You will receive (or have received) a letter or email detailing what is needed. Respond promptly (within 90 days) to avoid further delays or denial. Following up via the online status check or email alerts allows you to identify and address such issues faster than waiting for physical mail.

Important Timing Notes

• Initial Lag: Don’t be concerned if your status shows “Not Available” for the first week or two after mailing.
• Separate Mailings: Your new passport, your old canceled passport, and any original supporting documents will likely arrive in separate mailings, potentially weeks apart. Passport books are typically sent via a trackable method, while cards and supporting documents are sent via First Class Mail. Knowing this prevents unnecessary worry when items don’t arrive together.

Follow-Up Actions

• Passport Not Received: If the status shows “Mailed” but you haven’t received your new passport after 2 weeks, contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778. You may need to complete Form DS-86, Statement of Non-Receipt of a U.S. Passport.
• Documents Not Received: If you receive your new passport but haven’t received your returned supporting documents (old passport, birth certificate, etc.) after 4 weeks, contact NPIC. If a document was lost by the government, you must contact them within 90 days of the passport mailing date and provide proof of replacement cost to potentially receive reimbursement.

Avoiding Common Renewal Mistakes

Many passport renewal applications are delayed or rejected due to simple, avoidable errors. Paying close attention to detail throughout the process is the best way to ensure success.

Using the Incorrect Form

Submitting Form DS-82 when you’re ineligible (e.g., your passport is significantly damaged, expired over 15 years ago, or was issued before age 16) or using Form DS-11 unnecessarily when you qualify for mail-in renewal.

Avoidance: Carefully review the eligibility criteria in the earlier sections. If unsure, use the Department of State’s online Form Finder tool.

Non-Compliant Passport Photo

Submitting a photo that violates any of the strict requirements regarding size, background, pose, expression, quality, eyeglasses, head coverings, digital alterations, or recency. This is a very frequent cause of delays.

Avoidance: Meticulously follow all guidelines outlined in the photo requirements section. Review the examples on the State Department website. Consider using a professional photo service that guarantees compliance. Do not use filters or editing software.

Incorrect Fees or Payment Method

Sending the wrong amount (often due to outdated fee information or miscalculation of optional services), using an unacceptable payment method for mail-in (like cash or credit card), making the check payable to the wrong entity, or forgetting to write the applicant’s name and date of birth on the check/money order.

Avoidance: Always verify the current fees using the official Fee Calculator or Fee Chart linked in the fees section. For mail-in (DS-82), use only a personal check or money order payable exactly to “U.S. Department of State.” Write the applicant’s full name and DOB on the payment.

Incomplete or Incorrect Application Information

Leaving fields blank (especially critical ones like Social Security Number), making typos in names or dates, providing outdated contact information, or using correction fluid/tape or making excessive cross-outs. While one source noted an agent allowing a correction, official guidance generally requires accuracy, and acceptance agents are typically instructed not to accept forms with applicant corrections. Relying on official instructions is safest.

Avoidance: Use the online Form Filler to reduce errors. If filling by hand, print legibly in black ink. Proofread the entire application carefully against your supporting documents before signing. Ensure your mailing address is current and reliable. If you make a significant error, it’s best to start over with a clean form.

Missing or Incorrect Signature/Date

Forgetting to sign or date Form DS-82, or signing in the wrong location.

Avoidance: Sign and date the printed Form DS-82 in the designated area using black ink after completing it but before mailing.

Failure to Submit Required Documents

Forgetting to include your most recent passport (essential for DS-82 renewal) or neglecting to provide the required original or certified name change documentation if applicable.

Avoidance: Create a checklist based on the required documents section and physically verify each item is in the envelope before sealing it.

Applying Too Late

Underestimating the total turnaround time (processing plus mailing) or failing to consider that some destination countries require passports to be valid for six months beyond your trip.

Avoidance: Apply several months before your planned travel. Check your destination’s entry requirements on travel.state.gov.

Submitting a Damaged Passport for Renewal

Attempting to renew by mail (DS-82) with a passport that is considered damaged beyond normal wear and tear.

Avoidance: Honestly assess your passport’s condition against the criteria. If it’s likely considered damaged, apply in person using Form DS-11 and submit Form DS-64 or a statement about the damage.

Utilizing the official online tools provided by the State Department (Form Filler, Fee Calculator, Status Check) and planning well in advance are the most effective strategies to mitigate these common errors and ensure a smooth renewal process.

Handling Special Circumstances

While the standard mail-in renewal process covers many situations, certain circumstances require different procedures.

Lost, Stolen, or Badly Damaged Passport

If your most recent passport is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond normal wear and tear, you cannot use the standard mail-in renewal Form DS-82. The process involves two crucial steps: reporting the issue and applying for a replacement in person.

Report Immediately: You must report a valid passport as lost or stolen as soon as possible to prevent potential identity theft. This can be done in one of three ways:

• Online: Use the State Department’s online system, which can generate Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Book and/or Card).
• By Phone: Call NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793). This option is available only if you are in the U.S.
• By Mail: Complete Form DS-64 and mail it to the address specified on the form (Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit in Sterling, VA).

Important: Reporting a passport lost or stolen permanently cancels it electronically. Even if you find it later, it cannot be used for travel and should be returned to the Department of State for cancellation. Do not report expired passports as lost or stolen.

Apply for Replacement In Person: After reporting the loss/theft, you must apply for a new passport in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency. You will need:

• Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport.
• Form DS-64: Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. Submit both completed forms together.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (e.g., certified birth certificate).
• Proof of Identity (e.g., driver’s license) and a photocopy.
• A compliant passport photo.
• Applicable fees for a new passport (including the execution fee paid to the facility).

Damaged Passport: If your passport is damaged (water damage, significant tears, unofficial markings, etc.), apply in person using Form DS-11. Submit the damaged passport along with your application and include a signed statement explaining how the damage occurred.

Official Information: Lost or Stolen Passport.

Name Change Since Last Passport

If your name has legally changed since your last passport was issued (due to marriage, divorce, court order, etc.), the process to update your passport depends on when the change occurred relative to the passport’s issuance date.

Name Change Occurred LESS Than One Year After Passport Was Issued:

• Form: Use Form DS-5504: Application for a U.S. Passport – Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement.
• Process: Submit by mail to the address on the form.
• Requirements: Completed DS-5504, your current passport, the original or certified legal name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, court order), and one passport photo.
• Fee: There is generally no fee for this correction, unless you request expedited service ($60).
• Form URL: DS-5504, PDF.

Name Change Occurred MORE Than One Year After Passport Was Issued:

• Form: You must apply for a new passport using either:
  • Form DS-82 (Renewal by Mail): If you meet all the standard eligibility requirements for mail-in renewal.
  • Form DS-11 (Apply in Person): If you do not meet all DS-82 eligibility requirements.
• Process: Follow the standard procedure for either mail-in renewal or in-person application.
• Requirements: Submit the appropriate form (DS-82 or DS-11), your current passport (if using DS-82), the original or certified legal name change document, a passport photo, and all applicable renewal or new application fees.

Name Change Without Standard Legal Documentation:

• If you have been using a different name for years but lack a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order formally documenting the change, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.
• You may need to submit Form DS-60: Affidavit Regarding a Change of Name, completed by two people who have known you by both names, along with three original or certified public records showing you have used the new name for at least five years.

Crucial Document: In nearly all cases, the original or certified copy of your legal name change document is required. Photocopies are generally not accepted.

Official Information: Change or Correct a Passport.

Urgent Travel Needs

The Department of State offers several options if you need a passport faster than the routine processing time, structured in tiers based on urgency and circumstances. Relying on last-minute options is risky due to limited availability, so applying early is always best.

Expedited Service by Mail (Travel in less than 6 weeks, but more than 2-3 weeks):

• Process: If eligible for mail-in renewal (Form DS-82), follow the standard mailing procedures but pay the additional $60 expedite fee.
• Marking: Clearly write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the mailing envelope.
• Address: Use the specific Expedited Service mailing address.
• Shipping: Consider paying for USPS Priority Mail Express to the center and including the $21.36 fee for 1-2 day return shipping from the center for the fastest possible turnaround within this service tier.
• Timeline: Processing time is 2-3 weeks, plus mailing time in both directions.

Urgent Travel Service (Appointment at Passport Agency/Center – Travel within 14 calendar days, or need a visa within 28 days):

• Requirement: This service is by appointment only; walk-ins are not permitted. Appointments are limited and not guaranteed. There is no fee to book the appointment itself.
• Booking:
  • If you have NOT yet applied: Try the Online Passport Appointment System or call NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 (Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET, Sat/Sun 10am-3pm ET).
  • If you HAVE already applied (by mail): Call NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to see if your application can be expedited further or if an urgent appointment can be secured.
• Proof Needed: You MUST bring proof of your imminent international travel (e.g., purchased ticket, itinerary) to the appointment.
• Location: Appointments are held at official U.S. Department of State Passport Agencies or Centers, which are different from post office acceptance facilities.
• Fees: You will pay the standard application fees plus the $60 expedite fee at the agency.
• Official Info: Get a Passport Quickly, Passport Agencies.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service (Appointment at Passport Agency/Center – Specific family emergency requiring travel within 14 days):

• Strict Definition: This is reserved for situations where you must travel internationally within two weeks because an immediate family member (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, grandparent) outside the U.S. has died, is dying (hospice care), or has a life-threatening illness or injury. Travel for your own medical treatment or for non-immediate relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins) does not qualify.
• Required Documentation: You must provide official proof of the emergency (death certificate, mortuary statement, or signed hospital letter on letterhead detailing the condition), proof of imminent international travel (ticket/itinerary), a completed passport application form, photo, and ID. Documents not in English need professional translation.
• Booking Appointment:
  • Try the online system first if you haven’t applied.
  • Otherwise, call specific numbers based on the time:
    • Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET: 1-877-487-2778.
    • Evenings (after 8pm ET weekdays), Weekends, Federal Holidays: 202-647-4000. (Use this number only for life-or-death emergencies during these off-hours).
• Official Info: Life-or-Death Emergencies.

This tiered system prioritizes the most critical needs but underscores the importance of applying early whenever possible to avoid relying on limited urgent appointment slots.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.