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FAQs

  1. What is a US passport?
  2. Who can issue a US passport?
  3. Why do I need my US passport expedited?
  4. Do I need a US passport to travel to Mexico or Canada?
  5. Does my child need a US passport?
  6. What is National Passport.com?
  7. How does National Passport.com obtain my passport so quickly? 
  8. What is an Acceptance Facility or Acceptance Agent?
  9. What if I don’t have a copy of a birth certificate?
  10. What if I am a naturalized citizen?
  11. Are both parents needed to obtain a US passport for a child?
  12. Where can I get a US passport application?
  13. How long is a US passport valid?
  14. Do I get my old US passport back when I renew?
  15. How do I change my name for a marriage or a divorce?
  16. My child is very young.  What happens if he/she cannot sign her application?
  17. What is the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program?
  18. Do I have to visit a Post Office or Courthouse to apply for a passport?
  19. Do I have to bring my child to apply for his/her passport?

  1. What is a US passport?
    A United States passport is an internationally recognized travel document attesting to the identity and nationality of the bearer. Basically, it is a request on the part of the issuing government that officials of foreign governments permit the bearer to travel to and in their territories and to afford them all lawful aid and protection.
     
    - Also see: the new US Passport Card

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  1. Who can issue a US passport?

    Only Passport Services, Passport Agents of the Department of State, and Foreign Service posts designated by the U.S. Secretary of State have authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

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  1. Why do I need my US passport expedited?
    Depending on the time of year, the seasonal nature of travel and/or during peak travel periods, the normal processing time can range up to six or eight weeks. If you need a passport more quickly you may want to use our service. The government also offers expedited service which can take two to three weeks.  Contact your nearest acceptance facility/agent.

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  1. Do I need a US passport to travel to Mexico or Canada?
    Yes. As of January 23, 2007 all AIR travel to and from Mexico and Canada requires a US Passport.   Land or sea travel does not require a US Passport, but it is recommended.  If traveling by land or sea without a US passport you must have a birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship and proper ID.

    As of January 1, 2008, a US Passport may be required for ALL travel to and from Mexico and Canada.

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  2. Does my child need a US passport?
    Yes. Each traveling individual requires a valid US passport.

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  3. What is National Passport.com?
    A private US Passport expediting company.

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  4. How does National Passport.com obtain my passport so quickly? 
    National Passport.com is registered with the Passport Agency's in Washington, DC and Miami, FL as a passport services company and is able to hand carry your documents directly to the respective passport agency, not a processing center.

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  5. What is an Acceptance Facility or Acceptance Agent?
    Acceptance agents are authorized by the government to witness the signing of your DS-11 application and initiate its execution.

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  6. What if I don’t have a copy of a birth certificate?
    Click here for a list of resources for obtaining a birth certificate.

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  7. What if I am a naturalized citizen?
    The original naturalization certificate must accompany the application for a passport. It will be returned by the passport agency.

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  8. Are both parents needed to obtain a US passport for a child?

    Effective July 2, 2001, Public Law 106-113, Section 236 requires that U.S. passport applications for children under the age of 14 require both parents' or legal guardians' consent. Read additional information on the Two-Parent Consent Requirement.

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  9. Where can I get a US passport application?
    You may download forms from this web site.

    Forms are also available at public offices like Post Offices, courthouses or municipal offices where passport applications are accepted. We have a searchable list of convenient locations where you can apply for a passport.

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  10. How long is a US passport valid?
    If you were ____ when the passport was issued
    		 Then your passport is valid for
    16 or Older
    		 10 Years
    15 or Younger
    		 5 Years

  11. Do I get my old US passport back when I renew?
    Yes, your old, cancelled passport is returned to you. It should be kept in a safe place since it can be used as proof of your U.S. citizenship.

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  12. How do I change my name for a marriage or a divorce?
    If your current passport is within one year of issue, you can submit a DS-5504 Re-Application Form, along with the passport to be replaced, the appropriate documentation supporting the change and two new photos.

    If it is more than one year since the date of issue, you must submit using the DS-82 Renewal form (or DS-11, if appropriate), and follow the appropriate procedures.

    NOTE: In both cases, certified documentation of your name change will be required. (e.g., state marriage certificate, divorce decree with your new name, etc.)


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  13. My child is very young.  What happens if he/she cannot sign her application?
    In the space provided for the signature, the mother or father must print the child's name and sign their own name. Then, in parenthesis by the parent's name, write the word (mother) or (father) so we know who signed for the child.  

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  14. What is the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program?
    Separate from the Two-Parent Consent requirement for U.S. passport issuance for minors under the age of 14, parents may also request that their children's names be entered in the U.S. passport name-check system. The Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program provides:
    • Notification to parents of passport applications made on behalf of minor children, and
    • Denial of passport issuance if appropriate court orders are on file with CPIAP.
      For more information, contact the Washington Passport Agency’s Office of Children's Issues at 202-736-7000, or, by fax at 202-312-9743.
      National Passport.com – Your US Passport Expediting Services Company

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  15. Do I have to visit a Post Office or Courthouse to apply for a passport?
    Only if you are applying for a New/First Time/Lost or Stolen Passport.

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  16. Do I have to bring my child to apply for his/her passport?
    All children under 16 must accompany the parents or legal guardian.

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