How to Apply for a Passport (and Keep it Safe)

Your passport is your ticket to the adventure and exploration that awaits beyond the United States. But navigating the process to obtain and maintain this powerful travel tool can feel a bit daunting. Here’s how to be a passport-savvy globe-trotter and keep this critical document safe at home and abroad.

Whatever your passport status, the process is handled through the U.S. Department of State, and you’ll find the required information and forms at the passport section of the website. There are numerous private for-profit passport handling services with websites that look similar, so check carefully to be sure you’re using the official site. The documents you'll need depend on the form that fits your situation; use the site’s form-finder tool to determine which one to use.

How Apply for a New Passport

If this is your first time applying for a passport, your passport was lost, damaged, or stolen, or your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you’ll need to apply in person at a designated passport acceptance facility. These are often found in post offices, county clerks’ offices, and libraries; you can find one close to you with the government locator. Some offices require appointments; check ahead and make one if needed. 

Before your visit, download form DS-11 at the State Department’s website and fill it out, but don’t sign it until you’re in the presence of the agent reviewing your application. You’ll need to gather all required documentation, which includes proof of U.S. citizenship by birth or naturalization, a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, and a passport photo taken within the past six months. Many drugstores and post offices offer passport photo services, and AAA Members can get passport photos taken at any AAA branch for free ($20 for non-Members). Lastly, bring photocopies of all documentation as well as the originals, and be prepared to pay the required fees, which vary depending on age, location, and whether you want regular or expedited service. 

How to Apply for a New Passport for Your Child

When applying for a passport for a child under age 16, you must show proof of your child’s U.S. citizenship and proof of your parental status, such as a birth certificate with both parents’ names on it or an adoption decree. Both parents must show a photo ID and give consent, which is easiest if both parents go with the child to apply. If one parent can’t be present, you will need to provide a Statement of Consent certified by a notary. Children’s passports are valid for five years and cannot be renewed; a new in-person application is required for each new term. After a child turns 16, they apply as an adult.

When Should You Apply for a New Passport

It’s best to apply months in advance of any international travel, as the process can take four to six weeks. If you’re traveling within two to three weeks, you can expedite the process for an additional fee. For departures within two weeks, you'll need to make an appointment at a State Department passport agency and be prepared to show proof of travel, such as an airline ticket.

Note that a credit card-size plastic passport card is also available as an option, but while it is less expensive at $30 for adults and does provide convenient proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, it can’t be used to travel internationally by air, only to travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries. You can also obtain a passport card at the same time as a passport booklet for an additional $30.

How to Renew Your Passport

To renew an expired passport, the only documentation you’ll need is the expired or soon-to-expire passport, along with the appropriate application form, fees, and a new passport photo. (Remember, if your current passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you will need to apply for a new passport.) If you’re over 25 years old and don’t need expedited processing, it’s possible to renew your passport online if you are renewing an adult passport, not a child’s, and you’re not changing personal information, such as your name.

Be aware that processing of online renewals can take the full six weeks, and the state department’s passport staff will cancel or invalidate your old passport once they receive your renewal application, so don’t try to travel on an old passport while your renewal is being processed.

For mail-in applications, you’ll fill out, print, and sign your application—no need to sign it in front of an agent. You’ll include your old passport with your application, and you can track the status of your application online as it’s being processed, though this information may not be available for up to two weeks. Your canceled expired passport will be returned to you within four weeks.

Something to keep in mind as you make your travel plans: Some countries require your passport to be valid for up to six months beyond the end of your travel dates, so remember to check that your passport’s expiration date is past the required limit. Set a calendar reminder nine months to a year ahead of your renewal deadline to avoid any unwanted surprises.

How to Keep Your Passport Safe

If you’ve ever lost your passport in a foreign country—or even had a moment of panic-stricken doubt—you know how critical this document is to the success of your trip. Whenever possible, leave your passport in a safe at the hotel or with the cruise ship staff when disembarking. When in transit or if you need your passport with you for another purpose, keep it in a money belt or pouch worn underneath your clothing or at the bottom of a secure shoulder bag. Some countries require you to hand over your passport when checking into hotels, which may include keeping it overnight, so don’t be alarmed if the hotel staff makes this request. 

For backup, take pictures or make a copy of your passport’s photo and signature pages and email them to yourself or upload them to password-protected cloud storage so you have access from anywhere. It’s also a good idea to print a photocopy of the important pages and keep them in a separate location from where you keep your passport, such as in your carry-on bag. When you’re not traveling, it’s best to keep your passport in a home safe or locked fireproof box or store it in a safe deposit box. 

Your passport contains an RFID chip that encodes personal data, but that data is encrypted, and the passport cover and paper contain built-in blocking technology, so there’s little need for concern. However, travel gear companies have developed a wide variety of RFID-blocking sleeves, wallets, and bags that can offer an additional level of protection and peace of mind.