How to Do a File Search for an Old US Passport
Your passport is the most important document you need to travel through different countries. If you've lost your passport and need to obtain a new one, you'll realize that you are required to surrender your old passport first, which poses a bit of a problem. Instead, you can search for your old US passport, and have the original reissued. You can also request passport records of other individuals pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, if your request is within the permissible guidelines.
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Things You'll Need
- Personal information of the individual's records you are requesting
- Valid U.S. driver's license
- Notary public
- Check or money order for search fee
Instructions
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Requesting a File Search for an Old US Passport
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1
Create a typed document stating your full, legal name, along with any other names you have previously gone by in the past. Include your date of birth, mailing address, telephone number, and email address. If you are requesting a file search for an old US passport for your minor child, state his information, but use your phone number and email address in his place. If you are requesting passport information for an individual other than yourself or your children, use only the individual's information.
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2
List the date that the original passport was issued. If you aren't sure of the exact date, provide your best estimate, or give the year instead.
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3
State the reason for requesting a file search for an old US passport; for example, the original passport was misplaced or stolen. If you are requesting the information for anything other than personal reasons, clearly state the reason why you need the information and why you qualify to obtain it under the Privacy Act of 1974.
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4
Make a color copy of your valid photo driver's license or state-issued identification card. Include the copy with your request.
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Print and sign the completed request and have it notarized. A notary public can do this for you for a nominal fee. If you are unsure of where to locate a notary public, you can inquire at your county office. You can usually find a notary public at your town hall, a bank, or at your county courthouse. Remember, you cannot notarize your own documents.
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Determine if you need to pay a fee. If you are requesting a file search for an old US passport for yourself or your children, there is no fee for the search. If you are requesting passport records for another individual, there is a $60.00 fee. If you would like a certified copy of the passport records, whether for you or someone else, there is a $30.00 fee. Both fees can be paid by personal check or money order made out to the "Department of State."
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Mail your request (and fee payment, if applicable) to Passport Services of the Department of State. The full address is:
Department of State
Passport Services
Research and Liaison Section
Room 500
1111 19th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20524Consider sending your request by Certified Mail, especially if you are sending a check or money order, so you can track the request and receive confirmation when it has been received.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach Passport Services by phone at (202) 955-0447, or visit the U.S. Department of State website.
File search requests for old US passports issued prior to 1925 must be done differently, and you need a court order, death certificate, or notarized consent from the individual whose passport information you are requesting in order to receive the records.
