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FAQs: Passport Books

A passport book has been used as an official travel document in most countries since World War II. Back then, it was made out of animal skin or other durable materials that can last through extensive use. As time progressed, it evolved to accommodate the needs of today’s travelers, such as its design and security features.

What is a passport book?

A passport book is a travel document used to board an international flight. It is a book-type passport with several pages containing the passport holder’s information and biometrics, passport identification number, issue and expiration date, and blank pages for visa stamps.

The validity of a passport book depends on the age of the holder. A passport book is valid for ten years for individuals age 16 and older and five years for those under age 16.

A passport book has security features to safeguard the owner’s privacy and make counterfeit production more difficult. Security features include UV-visible features, micro text, watermarks, security thread, and color-shifting ink.

 

How much does a passport book cost?

The cost of a passport book depends on your age and the type of your application.

If you are a first-time applicant and age 16 or older, you must pay a $110-application fee and a $35-execution fee. If you are a first-time applicant and under age 16, you must pay an $80-application fee and a $35-execution fee.

First-time and minor applicants are required to apply in person. Go to a passport acceptance facility and submit Form DS-11, Application Form for New U.S. Passport, and other required documents.

If you have a valid passport book, you may be eligible for passport renewal by mail. Use Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application For Eligible Individuals. Mail it with other documents, including the $110-renewal fee.

Minor applicants cannot use Form DS-82 nor apply for a passport book renewal.

 

What is a passport book vs a passport card?

While a passport book is used for international air travel, a passport card is only valid for land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and The Caribbean.

Both a passport card and a passport book are valid identification and citizenship evidence. A passport card is a credit card-type passport that is approximately the same size as a driver’s license. It contains the passport holder’s information, such as name, date of birth, gender, and a passport card identification number.

A passport card does not contain all of the security features of a passport book, but it is more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also costs less than a passport book.

First-time adult and minor applicants need to pay a $30-application fee and a $35-execution fee. Adult applicants who are eligible to renew a passport card by mail only need to pay a $30-application fee.

A passport card and a passport book have the same validity period — ten years for adults and five years for minors.

 

Where is my passport book number?

Your passport book number is located on the second page of your passport book. It is the nine-digit number series at the top-right corner.

Your passport number is unique to you and used for identification purposes. Similar to your Social Security Number (SSN), you can use it to locate your passport information in the Department of State’s database.

 

What documents do I need for a passport?

Submit the following documents to obtain a passport book:

  • Form DS-11 — Use Form DS-11 if you are a first-time applicant, a minor, or applying for passport book replacement due to damage. If your passport book is damaged, see other requirements here.
  • Form DS-82 — Use Form DS-82 to renew your passport book by mail, if you are eligible.
  • Citizenship Evidence — Submit an original and a photocopy of your citizenship evidence. If eligible for renewal, you may use your old yet valid passport book.
  • Photo Identification — Submit an original and a photocopy of any government-issued identification. You may use your driver’s license.
  • Passport Photo — Submit a valid passport photo that is clear and colored with a plain white or off-white background.
  • Name Change Document — If you had a name change, submit your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and other documents certifying your name change.
  • Renewal Fee — Calculate your fees before mailing your passport book application or going to a passport acceptance facility.

 

How fast can I get a passport?

Expediting your passport order can shorten the processing time of your passport book application. Add a $60-expedite fee to your passport fees for a 12-week processing time.

If you are in the U.S. and need an urgent passport book due to a life or death emergency, go to your local passport agency to make an appointment. You may get a passport book as quickly as eight business days should your situation be valid. Submit your passport application with the documents that prove your situation, such as death certificates, a letter from a healthcare professional, or documentation from a mortuary.

There are private passport companies that offer expedited service for at least 24 hours. However, it may cost you a lot of money. It is best to submit your passport book application ahead of time, to avoid spending excessive money. The routine service takes up to 18 weeks of processing time, and it is free.

 

Do I need my Social Security card to get a passport?

Yes, Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code and 22 U.S.C. 2714a(f) requires you to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for a U.S. passport. It is used to verify your identity whether you are eligible to receive a U.S. passport.

If you have never been issued an SSN, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Failure to furnish an SSN may result in significant processing delays or denial of your passport application.

 

What is the cheapest passport to buy?

The cheapest passport to buy is a passport card for $65. However, you cannot board a flight using a passport card. You can only use it for land or sea travel to limited places or countries.

A passport book costs more but can be used to visit any country in the world.

 

Is a U.S. passport book a REAL ID?

Yes, a U.S. passport book is a REAL ID-compliant document. You can use it to enter federal buildings or facilities or board a domestic flight.

 

How long does it take to get a passport book?

It takes 18 weeks to obtain a passport book if you avail the routine service. If you want the expedited service, add $60 to your passport fees to process your passport book application within 12 weeks.

 

Is a passport card faster than a passport book?

The processing time for a passport book and a passport card is the same. It takes up to 18 weeks for the routine service and 12 weeks for the expedited service.

 

Can I buy my own passport book?

Yes, you can buy or obtain a passport book on your own as long as you are age 16 or older and have valid government identification.

Passport applicants age 16 and older are considered adult applicants. They do not need to furnish parental consent or awareness. However, applicants who are 16 or 17 years old must submit at least one document proving that one of their legal parents or guardians is aware of their application.

Passport applicants under age 16 need to be accompanied by both their legal parents or guardians to a passport acceptance facility to apply for a passport. It is to show parental awareness and consent.

If one of the parents or guardians is not available, the absent parent or guardian must fill out Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent: Issuance Of A U.S. Passport To A Child. If both parents are present in the passport acceptance facility with their child, they do not need to accomplish Form DS-3053.

 

How to apply for a second passport book?

To obtain a second passport book, you need to qualify for any of the following:

  • There is a possibility that a foreign country will deny you a visa or entry because your passport has stamps showing travel to certain countries.
  • You need multiple visas on an ongoing basis because of frequent international travel.
  • You need a U.S. passport for urgent international travel but your application for a foreign visa is delayed or cannot be processed in time for your travel.
  • You need a special validation for travel to a restricted country or area.

If any of the above applies to you, here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Fill out Form DS-82 if you have a valid passport book with a 10-year validity period. Otherwise, fill out Form DS-11.
  2. Submit a signed statement explaining why you need a second passport book.
  3. Submit a valid passport photo.
  4. Calculate your passport fees.
  5. Submit your passport book application. If you are using Form DS-11, you need to apply in person. You may submit your passport book application by mail if you use Form DS-82.

The processing time for a second passport book is the same as the primary passport book. A second passport book is only valid for four years.

 

How much is a 10-year passport book?

A 10-year passport book costs $110. However, if you are a first-time applicant or applying for passport book replacement due to damage, you need to pay another $35 for the execution fee.

 

Is it better to have a passport book or card?

If you travel frequently, it is better to have a passport book. Otherwise, if you travel mostly by land or sea and rarely abroad, a passport card is more suitable for you.

It is also important to understand that passport cards are only for domestic travel. You cannot use a passport card to enter another country or board an international flight.

 

Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?

If you have a passport book or passport card that is REAL ID-compliant, you may not need another REAL ID to enter federal agencies or nuclear sites.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not yet put in place all the security requirements for the REAL ID Act. To enter a federal facility or a nuclear power plant, you need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable identification document. However, it is best to get a REAL ID before the DHS implements all the security requirements.

 

What color are U.S. passports?

U.S. passport books have different colors.

  • Blue — The ordinary or tourist passport, the most common U.S. passport, comes in blue.
  • Black — A black passport book is issued to Foreign Service Officers and other individuals with a diplomatic or comparable status.
  • Maroon — A maroon passport book is issued to other officials or employees of the U.S. government proceeding abroad in the discharge of official duties and to military personnel when required by the country of destination.
  • Gray — Non-personal services contractors traveling to assist the U.S. government may obtain a gray passport book if they cannot travel using a regular passport.

 

Is a passport card the same as a passport book?

No, a passport card and a passport book are two different travel documents. They are considered the two types of passports.

 

What is a red U.S. passport?

A red or maroon passport book is exclusively used by government officials to travel to countries that need special validation for entry. It has a maximum validity period of five years.

 

What are the 2 types of passports?

The two types of passports are a passport book and a passport card. They are two distinct documents that serve different purposes.

A passport book is a traditional full-size document usually used by frequent international travelers. It is a valid travel document to nearly every country in the world.

A passport card is a wallet-size or credit card-type passport book that is a valid travel document to enter or leave the United States by land or sea.

 

Where do I send my old passport?

You may use your old passport book to get a new one as long as it is valid and undamaged. Mail it with the other documents needed for a passport book renewal to the appropriate mailing address below.

For routine service, use this mailing address if you live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas:

National Passport Processing Center

PO Box 640155

Irving, TX 75064-0155

For routine service, use this mailing address if you live in any other state or Canada:

National Passport Processing Center

PO Box 90155

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

For expedited service, use this mailing address if you live in any other state or Canada:

National Passport Processing Center

PO Box 90955

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

 

Do I need a passport book or card?

You need a passport book if you plan to apply for admission into another country or travel by an international airline. You also need a passport book if you plan to enter federal facilities or nuclear power plants.

If you do not plan to travel internationally, apply for a passport card. You may use it to leave or enter the U.S. by land or sea travel.

 

Can you get a 5-year passport?

Only minor passport applicants are qualified to obtain a passport book that is valid for five years.

 

How do I get a passport for the first time?

To obtain a passport book for the first time, go to a passport acceptance facility and submit the following:

  • Form DS-11
  • Citizenship Evidence
  • Passport Photo
  • Photo Identification
  • Passport Fee

 

Is it safe to send my passport in the mail?

Yes, it is recommended to send your passport or passport application via mail. However, you may only do it if you are eligible for passport renewal.

You are eligible for a passport renewal by mail if:

  • You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application;
  • Your old U.S. passport is undamaged other than normal wear and tear;
  • Your old U.S. passport was issued when you were 16 years old and above;
  • Your old U.S. passport was issued within the last 15 years; or
  • Your old U.S. passport was issued in your current name, and you have your name change documents.