# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Locate Previous Passports

The number of Americans who obtain passports each year grew 300 percent over the past 35 years. Since 2000 alone, the number of U.S. passports issued has doubled. With more passport records to manage than ever before, the U.S. Department of State has clearly enumerated guidelines for locating passports. Their guidelines are directed at people seeking information about personal passports issued since 1925, although alternative guidelines exist for third-party inquiries and passports issued before 1925.

Instructions

- 1
  Type or clearly print a request for passport records, including your full name at birth and any subsequent changes to your name, your date and place of birth, your mailing address, your daytime telephone number, and a copy of your federal or state photo identification. If available, you should also include your current email address, your passport number, and the actual or estimated dates that your passport was issued.
- 2
  Notarize the completed request for passport records.
- 3
  Mail the notarized record request to the Department of State at the following address:
  
  Department of State
  
  Office of Legal Affairs
  
  Law Enforcement Liaison Division
  
  1111 19th Street, N.W. -- Rm. 500
  
  Washington, DC 20036
  
  Include a $50.00 money order or check, made payable to the Department of State.