My passport is expired. Can I renew it?
If I renew my passport will it have the same number?
How fast can I get a passport?
I can’t find my birth certificate. Can I still get a passport?
What is the first step I need to take to get a new passport expedited?
My teenager needs a passport. Does he/she need to sign his/her application in person?
Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico and/or Canada?
Can I fax or email you the signed applications?
What size photographs do I need?
I need a passport and a visa in a hurry. Can you do both?
I just changed my name. How do I have the name updated on my passport?
How soon can I renew my passport before it expires?
I need to get a long-term visa, how can I get my passport renewed if it doesn’t expire until next year?
Can I just go to the post office to apply for a passport?
Do children need a passport to travel outside of the United States?
My US Passport went through the wash, what should I do?
What if the parents are not US Citizens?
What if I wear head coverings due to my religious beliefs?
My passport is expired. Can I renew it?
If you have a passport that was issued less than 15 years ago (expired less than 5 years ago), and was issued after the age
of 16, you can renew it. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a new passport.
Please see the appropriate files on our website.
If I renew my passport will it have the same number?
When you renew your passport the US Government issues you a new passport with a new passport number.
How fast can I get a passport?
The speed in which your passport is processed
is based on your departure date and how much you choose to pay in expedite
fees. Same Day and Next Day service are available for travelers leaving the US within 3
days (or 7 days if you are traveling to a country where a visa is required.) If
you require Same Day or Next Day service, please contact us at 888-883-8472 so
we can direct your request to the appropriate office.
For most travelers, our 2, 5, 10, or 20 business day service is sufficient.
I can’t find my birth certificate. Can I still get a passport?
Proof of citizenship is required to
obtain a passport. You may use an expired passport, an original or
certified state-issued birth certificate (a notarized copy, or a
hospital-issued birth certificate is not acceptable), or original
naturalization papers. If you need to obtain a birth certificate, you can
contact the Office of Vital Statistics in the state in which you were born or
visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/services/cert/cert_2257.html
What is the first step I need to take to get a new passport expedited?
A Passport Acceptance Agent at either a main
branch post office or a clerk of the court must verify your identity and
execute your application before you can send it to G3 Visas & Passports for
processing. You will need to bring your driver’s license or state issued
identification, and the required documents as noted on our paperwork to the
Agent. Visit http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
to find the location of a Passport Acceptance Agent near you.
My teenager needs a passport. Does he/she need to sign his/her application in person?
Children 13 years and older must have their
signature witnessed by the Passport Acceptance Agent. The parent will still
sign the letter of authorization and present his/her identification. Only the
mother, father, or legal guardian can complete the paperwork for children under
the age of 13 and submit it to G3 for processing.
Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico and/or Canada?
Currently, through the
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), Mexico and Canada require US citizens who enter their country by air to present a passport for
entrance. US citizens traveling by land
and by sea are permitted to enter by presenting original documentation that
prove both citizenship and identity by way of photo (i.e. Both an original or
certified copy of state issued birth certificate, and a valid state issued
driver’s license are required.)
WHTI anticipates that beginning Summer 2008,
passports will be required of all US citizens entering Mexico and Canada
regardless of vehicle of entry. WHTI will formally announce this
change giving approximately 60 days notice to compliancy.
Can I fax or email you the signed applications? What size photographs do I need? I need a passport and a visa in a hurry. Can you do both? I just changed my name. How do I have the name updated on my passport? How soon can I renew my passport before it expires? Can I just go to the post office to apply for a passport? Do children need a passport to travel outside (excluding Mexico and Canada) of the United States? My US Passport went through the wash, what should I do? What if the parents are not US Citizens? What if I wear headgear over my head due to my religious beliefs?
The Passport Agency will accept only original and downloaded versions of
applications and all applications must be signed. Faxed, emailed, or scanned
copies of signed applications are not accepted by the US government.
You will need two new identical passport photographs, on high quality photo paper,
size 2x2 inches. The applicant’s head, measured from the bottom of the chin to
the top of the hair, should be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches.
The head should be centered in the photo. The photos must be in color with a
light colored background (white is preferable), with the subject facing
forward (both ears showing). All applicants must appear in civilian
clothing (no military or flightcrew uniforms).
Visit
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/guide/faq/faq_881.html for a list of specific requirements
Depending on your departure date, we can assist you with obtaining both
your passport and any visas you may require. Most visa applications can
be expedited. Please call G3 Visas & Passports at 888-883-8472 to discuss
the processing times.
Depending on the issue date of your passport, your name can be changed
through either a Passport Re-Application Request or a Passport Renewal Request.
Please see the appropriate files on our website. In both cases, you will need to
provide your original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce
decree, or court order and a copy of your current state issued driver’s license
showing that you use your new name.
Usually a passport can only be renewed if it is within one year from
its expiration. However, you can apply for a renewal earlier if there is justifiable
reason for the request (i.e. my appearance has changed SIGNIFICANTLY,
I am moving to another country for a prolonged period of time (1 + years),
I need to obtain a visa with validity outside of the duration left on my passport.)
If you are not traveling within 6 weeks, we recommend you apply at the
nearest main branch post office. The standard processing for a passport
is approximately 6-8 weeks. However, if you are traveling sooner, you may
want to consider expediting your passport.
Yes, every US Citizen must have his own passport. Children are no longer
included in a parent’s passport
The US Government considers this type of request a mutilated passport
and you will have to apply for a new passport. Follow the new passport procedures
and submit your damaged passport and your original birth certificate or original
naturalization certificate or another old/expired US Passport as proof of
citizenship. The US Government will not return your damaged passport.
If the parents of a child born in the United States are not US Citizen,
they need to submit copies of the identification pages of their Foreign
Passports as well as a copy of US Visa and I-94 or a copy of their Alien
Registration Card (Green Card).
You must provide a short written statement advising the US government why you
have on this type of attire in your passport photos
