The US Department of State issues passports to United States citizens that travel internationally by allocating Passport Acceptance Facilities in various locations throughout the country. US residents must appear in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility, usually a post office or government office, to submit an application for a passport, which is then transferred on to the US Department of State's passport division for approval. The US Department of State will issue passports to citizens who pass all the passport requirements listed on their website.
Renewal passports can be applied for by mail by US residents. The US Department of State will review the passport renewal information you provide them and issue a new passport, valid for ten years from the date of application. They will send your passport to you through the mail for use during international travel.
The US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has 18 Passport Agencies located around the United States (see Resources). Passport Agencies are different than Passport Acceptance Facilities in that they are not the location of any other business, such as a post office. To apply for a passport at a Passport Agency you must have an appointment. Passport Agencies have the power to issue a passport in the case of special circumstance, such as international travel in less than two weeks time, more quickly than applying at a Passport Acceptance Facility.
The US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs issues Passport Cards to US residents as well. Passport cards are less expensive than passport books but are not usable for all international travel. US residents may use a passport card rather than a passport book if traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. However, a passport card is not valid for air travel to these countries and may only be used if traveling by land or cruise port.
All passport information is available on the US Department of State's passport page. This information includes processing times, application and renewal forms, and the fees associated with each of the different passport forms and expedition services. Locations of Passport Acceptance Facilities can be located on this site, as well as tracking the status of your application.
