# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Renew Your Military Passport

American citizens must have a passport to travel outside of the U.S. and to re-enter. Military personnel need only have a military ID and travel orders. If you are traveling to Japan, you must obtain a passport or have it Japan in writing as a destination. If you don't have travel orders or are a military dependent, you must possess a passport. Embassies worldwide suggest that military members and dependents carry a current passport. In time of emergencies, it can be difficult for a U.S. embassy to get you back into the U.S. in a timely matter without a current passport. As a military member or dependent, you are given privileges to make the renewal of your passport less complicated.

Old, undamaged passport Military orders 2, 2-by-2-inch passport photos Military ID card Form DS-71 Witness Form DS-82 Form 1056 DOD

Instructions

- 1
  Pick up your application forms DS-82, DS-71 and 1056 DOD from your installation passport office, or download the files from the links listed in "Additional Resources," below, at least 10 weeks from your departure. You may find the location of the installation office by referring to the installation guidebook you received upon entering your new duty station. Sometimes the passport office is actually in the transportation office. All soldiers go through the transportation office upon arriving to a new duty station.
- 2
  Fill out forms DD 1056 for a "No- fee" passport and the application renewal passport application DS-11 with name, birth date, military service, address, date needed and Social Security number.
- 3
  Go to the JAG office with your witness to have the form notarized. Refer to your installation guide booklet for the address and phone number. Have your witness fill out the witness portion on form DS-71 "the affidavit of identifying witnesses." The witness will need to provide address, place of birth, phone number, and sign. You will need to fill in the applications portion as well.
- 4
  Make an appointment with your installation passport office and bring all forms and identification.
- 5
  Complete and sign form DS-82 to complete by mail. Send copy of orders, form DS-82, DS-71, military ID, military form 1056 DOD, and passport photos in a self-addressed envelope by delivery confirmation to:
  National Passport Processing Center
  P.O. Box 90155
  Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155