Fill out an order form through the VisaHQ.com website, which is affiliated with the Dept. of State (see Resource 1). The form asks for your name, telephone, date of birth, your email and the date of your departure.
Indicate on the order form how fast you want your second passport under "Service Description." If you need it within one or two days, the fee will be $199.95 as of 2010. If you're not in a hurry, you'll get it within 8 to 14 business days for $44.95 as of 2010.
Choose the shipping options at the bottom left of the order form. It's free if you pick up your second passport in person at the VisaHQ office in Washington, D.C. A FedEx overnight delivery can run up to $65.
Obtain a DS-82 form online (see Resource 2) to apply for a passport renewal. In the form, you'll have to provide the usual private information about yourself, including your Social Security Number. Press "Continue" under "Apply for Passport Book" to access the form. Either fill it out online or print it blank to fill out with a pen.
Write a statement in support of application for second passport. This is a letter you'll write explaining your reasoning for needing a second passport and with your signature at bottom. For a sample showing a basic template of how to write one, see Resource 3. Don't copy the sample letter word for word or your second passport will be rejected.
Include your primary passport with all of the above documents. If the passport is a year away from expiration, you'll have to renew it before sending it off. Place a copy of your expired second passport if you're renewing a second passport.
Access and print out a letter of authorization (see Resource 4). The letter asks for your your usual personal information, including date of birth, place of birth and the date of your departure. Check off the sections that give VisaHQ the right to contact you if there's a problem with obtaining the passport. Sign the letter with your signature.
Take a two-by-two inch passport photo of yourself and make a photocopy. You have to include the original photo and the copy in the package with all of the above documents. The photos need to be identical and taken within the last six months.
Make copies of your travel itinerary and include them in the package. This includes a copy of your airline ticket and an itinerary that includes your name and plans for traveling to whatever country or countries. Include a letter from the employer you work for as an alternate if both of the above aren't available.
Place a certified check or money order for $135 in with your documents. Make the check payable to the U.S. Department of State. Put everything into a solidly sealed envelope and mail to:
VisaHQ.com
U.S. Passport Services
2005 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
This address is applicable as of 2010.
