Passport Laws in the USA
Any U.S. citizen who wants to leave the United States is required to have a passport. It permits travel to or temporary residence in foreign countries and access to all lawful local aid and protection. It also allows bearers access to U.S. consular services and re-entry to the United States.
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Obtaining a Passport
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You must submit the form DS-11 in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility. Along with the form, you need to show proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and current form of identification (such as a driver's license) with a photocopy, submit two prepared photographs and pay the appropriate fees. All passport applications and forms, as well as fee schedules and agency locations, can be found at the website travel.state.gov.
Photo Requirements
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Two identical color photos, 2 x 2 inches square, are needed. They must have been taken within the last six months and show the applicant's full face. They should show the applicant in normal street attire. No hats or sunglasses are permitted beyond religious or medical exceptions.
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Duration
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Receipt of your passport can take 10 weeks or more from the application time. A passport or passport card is valid for 10 years for adults, and valid only for five years for minors 15 or younger. Many airlines require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your trip.
Renewal
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You can renew your passport from inside the United States or Canada by mail, by submitting form DS-82. If your most recent passport has been damaged or altered, you must renew in person. Passports renewed by mail in the U.S. or Canada can be mailed only to addresses in the U.S. or Canada. Citizens outside the U.S. or Canada must renew their passports at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Lost or Stolen Passports
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Any passport that is lost or stolen should be reported immediately, by calling toll-free to 1-877-487-2778. If the passport is lost or stolen abroad, seek the closest U.S. embassy or consulate. Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it cannot be revalidated. To replace it, the applicant must submit form DS-64, which includes a statement regarding the loss.
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