In addition to acting as proof of identity and nationality, passports grant the bearer the right to U.S. consular assistance and embassies while abroad.
Regular passports (blue cover) can be issued to all citizens and noncitizen nationals. Official passports (maroon cover) are issued to citizen employees of the United States and their dependents traveling on state business. Diplomatic passports (black cover) are issued to accredited U.S. diplomats and their dependents.
There are 16 regional Passport Services locations in the United States, as well as 9,000 passport acceptance facilities, which include post offices, courthouses and public libraries.
Regular passports are valid for 10 years (five for those 15 years or younger). Official and diplomatic passports are typically valid for five years from the date of issue.
Regular passports can be renewed by mail only if it is undamaged and can be submitted with the application; it was issued after age 16; it was issued within the past 15 years; and was issued with your current name (or you can legally document your name change). Otherwise, passports must be renewed in person at an acceptance agency or Passport Office. Official and diplomatic passports have special renewal requirements.
