What are AmericanPassport.com’s hours of operation?
AmericanPassport.com’s processing offices are open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm in their respective time zone, Monday through Friday. Our National Customer Service Center is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Central Time, Monday through Friday.

How many offices does AmericanPassport.com have and where are they located?
AmericanPassport.com has processing offices in the following cities: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Our corporate headquarters is located in McLean, VA.

How do I know which AmericanPassport.com office to send my documents to for processing?
In order to prevent delays by having your documents sent to the wrong city, contact AmericanPassport.com’s National Customer Service Center first for the specific AmericanPassport.com processing city.

How long will it take AmericanPassport.com to process my passport?
AmericanPassport.com can process travel visas and passport services in as little as a day. If you require an expedited passport, please call (866)-927-2106 to begin your order.

What is the easiest way to check on the status of my document?
Please contact AmericanPassport.com’s Customer Care Center by email at [email protected] or by calling (866)-927-2106.

Why does AmericanPassport.com ask for two dates when submitting my passport order?
We ask for two dates to ensure that your passport will be returned to you in time for your trip. It is best practice to have your passport back in your possession prior to your departure date to avoid risking your trip due to incomplete travel documentation. Please note that processing timeframes and fees are based on the date the passport must be back in your possession.

What are AmericanPassport.com’s fee components?
The cost of using AmericanPassport.com varies based on the services you have requested and how quickly you need the documentation to be processed. The fees established by AmericanPassport.com are in place to facilitate and maintain the highest quality of travel visa and passport processing possible. AmericanPassport.com services fees are comprised of five major components: government agency and consular fees, AmericanPassport.com base service fees, rush surcharges, delivery charges, and foreign national surcharges.

What forms of payment does AmericanPassport.com accept?
AmericanPassport.com accepts payment by most major credit cards including: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

How can I get a copy of an invoice for my expense report?
You can request a copy of an invoice by contacting AmericanPassport.com’s Customer Care Center by email at [email protected] or by calling call (866)-927-2106.

AmericanPassport.com wants a credit card number to bill me. Can I be invoiced instead?
AmericanPassport.com follows travel industry trends of requiring a valid form of payment before fulfillment of your request. Providing a credit card number is the easiest and fastest way of doing so. It also helps us keep our administrative costs to a minimum.

Do I actually have to sign passport and visa applications?
Yes, you must sign your passport and visa applications. Your signature is acknowledging that all the information appearing on the application is true and correct.

What are the benefits of using AmericanPassport.com as opposed to going directly to the consulate or US Passport Agency?
Getting a visa can be a very complicated process and AmericanPassport.com has the expertise to know precisely what is required to get you the document you need. Visiting a consulate or government agency often means standing in long lines or having to deal with limited hours of operation. In addition, our liaisons maintain close relationships with government employees and consular staff enabling us to process last minute requests that you may not be able to accomplish on your own.

Will my US driver’s license be valid if I want to drive while traveling abroad?
In some countries a US driver’s license is valid however, AmericanPassport.com strongly recommends that you obtain an International Driving Permit to prepare for your trip. IDP’s are often required when renting a car, even when it is not required to drive private automobiles. To obtain an International Driving Permit contact our Customer Care Center by email at [email protected] or by calling call 866-927-2106.

American Express, Discover, Master Card, Visa

Passport FAQs

General Passport Questions

What is a passport?
A passport is a travel document that serves as the ultimate form of proof for your citizenship. Every country issues passports to citizens of that country. US passports are issued by the United States Department of State.

Do I need a US passport?
American citizens require passports to exit and enter the US and all other countries in the world. It is your responsibility to carry the correct identification while traveling abroad. 

How does AmericanPassport.com obtain a US passport for me?
AmericanPassport.com provides passport services for US citizens by submitting proper documentation on your behalf to the United States Department of State. This eliminates the need for you to visit, communicate, and correspond directly with the Department of State. AmericanPassport.com also provides a full line of passport services including First Time Passports, Passport Renewals, Child’s Passports, and Passport Name Change services for US passport holders. Please go to the Passports section of our website to see the full range of passport services AmericanPassport.com provides.

How long is my US passport valid?
If your US passport was issued when you were 16 years old or older, your passport is valid for 10 years. If your US passport was issued when you were 15 years old or younger, your passport is valid for 5 years.

I need to visit a Passport Acceptance Facility before I can submit my application to AmericanPassport.com. Where can I find a Passport Acceptance Facility in my area?
Visit the United States Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page to find a Passport Acceptance Facility near you.

When applying for a US passport renewal, will my old passport be returned to me?
Yes, your old US passport will be returned unless it is deemed to be damaged by the United States Department of State. The passport will clearly indicate that it is invalid and it is important that you advise whether any valid visas remain in the passport before applying for it to be renewed.

How long must my passport be valid for international travel?
Most countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of a trip. If your passport expires sooner than that, you must apply to renew your passport. Please view the Visas section to determine how long a passport must be valid for each specific country of travel. In the event that your passport is set to expire, AmericanPassport.com can assist you. Please visit Renew Passport for details.

Can AmericanPassport.com obtain additional passport pages for my US passport?
As of January 1, 2016 you can no longer add additional pages to your US Passport. You must renew your passport if you have no blank pages in your passport, AmericanPassport.com can assist you. Please visit Renew Passport for details.

How many blank passport pages do I need to meet entrance requirements and what is considered a ‘blank’ passport page?
Passports must have enough blank pages to accommodate entry and exit immigration stamps for each country of travel. At least one visa page in your passport is required for each visa. Most travel visas that are stamped into your passport require an entire blank visa page. A ‘blank’ visa page must be clean, clear, and not show ink or stains from any other pages in the passport.

Can AmericanPassport.com help me obtain a passport if I am not a US citizen?
AmericanPassport.com can assist with all passport services for British and Irish citizens residing in the United States. Visit Foreign National Passports to get a Passport Application Kit. If you are a foreign national residing in the US from another country, please visit your country’s nearest embassy or consulate for further details regarding passport services.

What is a passport authorization letter?
A passport authorization letter is a letter that authorizes AmericanPassport.com to act as your representative when submitting your passport application. The United States Passport Agency requires that you sign this letter before they will release your new or updated passport to us once your order is complete.

Can I use a photocopy of a United States Department of State Passport Application Form?
No. You can only submit original copies of these forms. You can find instructions for downloading and printing the US Department of State Passport Application Forms in our AmericanPassport.com Application Kits.

Can I fax my completed forms to AmericanPassport.com?
No, you must submit original copies of all documents and order forms to AmericanPassport.com for processing.

How long will it take AmericanPassport.com take to process my passport?
AmericanPassport.com can process your passport in as little as one day. Each passport service supports a variety of processing times to meet your specific travel needs. Visit the Passports section, select your service and determine the best processing time for your order.

What forms of payment does AmericanPassport.com accept?
AmericanPassport.com accepts payment by most major credit cards including: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa.

What mailing method does AmericanPassport.com recommend for submitting my completed AmericanPassport.com Passport Application kit?
AmericanPassport.com recommends using FedEx, UPS, or other traceable methods of delivery when submitting your completed AmericanPassport.com Application Kit.

My trip is coming up, how fast can I get my passport?
If you are traveling within two weeks, we can help you expedite your passport. If you are traveling within one month and need a visa, we can help you get both. If you need a renewal, the mail-in program is 7-9 weeks. Expedite slots for renewals/child/first time/lost vary between 2-14 business days.

Can my documents be copies so that I may keep my original?
No, all documents must be originals. If this question is regarding a naturalization certificate – you must give up the original. If you wish to keep the certificate, be sure to make a copy before you submit it because you will not get the original back. In addition, no one can sign on your behalf. Any documents that require a signature must be signed by you.

Can you assist me if I submit my documents directly to the passport office?
AmericanPassport.com is unable to assist individuals once their documentation has been sent to a passport office. Documents must come directly to AmericanPassport.com first for assistance. 

First Time / Lost or Stolen / Child 

Do I need a US passport?
American citizens require passports to exit and enter the US and all other countries in the world. It is your responsibility to carry the correct identification while traveling abroad.

I need to visit a Passport Acceptance Facility before I can submit my application to AmericanPassport.com. Where can I find a Passport Acceptance Facility in my area?
Visit the United States Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page to find a Passport Acceptance Facility near you.

When applying for a US passport renewal, will my old passport be returned to me?
Yes, your old US passport will be returned unless it is deemed to be damaged by the United States Department of State. The passport will clearly indicate that it is invalid and it is important that you advise whether any valid visas remain in the passport before applying for it to be renewed.

Can AmericanPassport.com replace my lost or stolen US passport?
With correct documentation, AmericanPassport.com can replace your lost or stolen US passport in as little as a day. Please go to Lost or Stolen Passport for details.

Do my children require US passports?
Yes. Each individual citizen, including infants, must possess his or her own passport. You are not allowed to represent other members of the family inside your passport. AmericanPassport.com can assist you if you need to get a new child passport or if you need to renew a child’s passport. Visit Child’s Passport to learn about passport requirements for children.

How old must my children be to apply for a Child Passport?
Your children must be 15 years old or younger to apply for a child passport. Visit Child’s Passport to learn about passport requirements for children.

What is a passport authorization letter?
A passport authorization letter is a letter that authorizes AmericanPassport.com to act as your representative when submitting your passport application. The United States Passport Agency requires that you sign this letter before they will release your new or updated passport to us once your order is complete.

Can I use a photocopy of a United States Department of State Passport Application Form?
No. You can only submit original copies of these forms. You can find instructions for downloading and printing the US Department of State Passport Application Forms in our AmericanPassport.com Application Kits.

Can I fax my completed forms to AmericanPassport.com?
No, you must submit original copies of all documents and order forms to AmericanPassport.com for processing.

How long will it take AmericanPassport.com take to process my passport?
AmericanPassport.com can process your passport in as little as one day. Each passport service supports a variety of processing times to meet your specific travel needs. Visit the Passports section, select your service and determine the best processing time for your order.

What forms of payment does AmericanPassport.com accept?
AmericanPassport.com accepts payment by most major credit cards including: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa.

What mailing method does AmericanPassport.com recommend for submitting my completed AmericanPassport.com Passport Application kit?
AmericanPassport.com recommends using FedEx, UPS, or other traceable methods of delivery when submitting your completed AmericanPassport.com Application Kit.

My trip is coming up, how fast can I get my passport?
If you are traveling within two weeks, we can help you expedite your passport. If you are traveling within one month and need a visa, we can help you get both. If you need a renewal, the mail-in program is 7-9 weeks. Expedite slots for renewals/child/first time/lost vary between 4-14 business days.

Can my documents be copies so that I may keep my original?
No, all documents must be originals. If this question is regarding a naturalization certificate – you must give up the original. If you wish to keep the certificate, be sure to make a copy before you submit it because you will not get the original back. In addition, no one can sign on your behalf. Any documents that require a signature must be signed by you.

I am getting my child a passport but both parents cannot be present to sign, what do I do?
Both parents must be present to sign documents for the passport, but if that’s not possible, a separate form must be signed and notarized to allow a singular pick-up. We can help you navigate this process. 

Renewal  

When applying for a US passport renewal, will my old passport be returned to me?
Yes, your old US passport will be returned unless it is deemed to be damaged by the United States Department of State. The passport will clearly indicate that it is invalid and it is important that you advise whether any valid visas remain in the passport before applying for it to be renewed.

How long must my passport be valid for international travel?
Most countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of a trip. If your passport expires sooner than that, you must apply to renew your passport. Please view the Visas section to determine how long a passport must be valid for each specific country of travel. In the event that your passport is set to expire, AmericanPassport.com can assist you. Please visit Renew Passport for details.

Can AmericanPassport.com obtain additional passport pages for my US passport?
As of January 1, 2016 you can no longer add additional pages to your US Passport. You must renew your passport if you have no blank pages in your passport, AmericanPassport.com can assist you. Please visit Renew Passport for details.

How many blank passport pages do I need to meet entrance requirements and what is considered a ‘blank’ passport page?
Passports must have enough blank pages to accommodate entry and exit immigration stamps for each country of travel. At least one visa page in your passport is required for each visa. Most travel visas that are stamped into your passport require an entire blank visa page. A ‘blank’ visa page must be clean, clear, and not show ink or stains from any other pages in the passport. 

What is a passport authorization letter?
A passport authorization letter is a letter that authorizes AmericanPassport.com to act as your representative when submitting your passport application. The United States Passport Agency requires that you sign this letter before they will release your new or updated passport to us once your order is complete.

Can I use a photocopy of a United States Department of State Passport Application Form?
No. You can only submit original copies of these forms. You can find instructions for downloading and printing the US Department of State Passport Application Forms in our AmericanPassport.com Application Kits.

Can I fax my completed forms to AmericanPassport.com?
No, you must submit original copies of all documents and order forms to AmericanPassport.com for processing. 

How long will it take AmericanPassport.com take to process my passport?
AmericanPassport.com can process your passport in as little as one day. Each passport service supports a variety of processing times to meet your specific travel needs. Visit the Passports section, select your service and determine the best processing time for your order.

What forms of payment does AmericanPassport.com accept?
AmericanPassport.com accepts payment by most major credit cards including: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

What mailing method does AmericanPassport.com recommend for submitting my completed AmericanPassport.com Passport Application kit?
AmericanPassport.com recommends using FedEx, UPS, or other traceable methods of delivery when submitting your completed AmericanPassport.com Application Kit.

My trip is coming up, how fast can I get my passport?
If you are traveling within two weeks, we can help you expedite your passport. If you are traveling within one month and need a visa, we can help you get both. If you need a renewal, the mail-in program is 7-9 weeks. Expedite slots for renewals/child/first time/lost vary between 4-14 business days.

Can my documents be copies so that I may keep my original? 
No, all documents must be originals. If this question is regarding a naturalization certificate – you must give up the original. If you wish to keep the certificate, be sure to make a copy before you submit it because you will not get the original back. In addition, no one can sign on your behalf. Any documents that require a signature must be signed by you. 

Name Change / Gender

I identify as transgender; how do I fill out my passport?
If you identify as transgender, there are some additional steps to take, and we are happy to help you navigate them. 

Do I need a US passport?
American citizens require passports to exit and enter the US and all other countries in the world. It is your responsibility to carry the correct identification while traveling abroad.

I need to visit a Passport Acceptance Facility before I can submit my application to AmericanPassport.com. Where can I find a Passport Acceptance Facility in my area?
Visit the United States Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page to find a Passport Acceptance Facility near you.

When applying for a US passport renewal, will my old passport be returned to me?
Yes, your old US passport will be returned unless it is deemed to be damaged by the United States Department of State. The passport will clearly indicate that it is invalid and it is important that you advise whether any valid visas remain in the passport before applying for it to be renewed. 

I got married or divorced recently and have changed my name. Can AmericanPassport.com help me change my name on my US passport?

With proper documentation, you are able to change the name listed in your US passport. AmericanPassport.com can assist you with this process by submitting the necessary documents on your behalf. Please go to Passport Name Change for details. 

What is a passport authorization letter?
A passport authorization letter is a letter that authorizes AmericanPassport.com to act as your representative when submitting your passport application. The United States Passport Agency requires that you sign this letter before they will release your new or updated passport to us once your order is complete.

Can I use a photocopy of a United States Department of State Passport Application Form?
No. You can only submit original copies of these forms. You can find instructions for downloading and printing the US Department of State Passport Application Forms in our AmericanPassport.com Application Kits.

Can I fax my completed forms to AmericanPassport.com?
No, you must submit original copies of all documents and order forms to AmericanPassport.com for processing.

How long will it take AmericanPassport.com take to process my passport?
AmericanPassport.com can process your passport in as little as one day. Each passport service supports a variety of processing times to meet your specific travel needs. Visit the Passports section, select your service and determine the best processing time for your order.

What forms of payment does AmericanPassport.com accept?
AmericanPassport.com accepts payment by most major credit cards including: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

What mailing method does AmericanPassport.com recommend for submitting my completed AmericanPassport.com Passport Application kit?
AmericanPassport.com recommends using FedEx, UPS, or other traceable methods of delivery when submitting your completed AmericanPassport.com Application Kit.