Featured image: Learn how to get a US passport and get out there and see the world! | Photo by ShiftDrive on Envato

A U.S. passport is the gateway for learning and self-discovery

by Karen Gershowitz

Are you dreaming about strolling through London, eating a freshly baked croissant in Paris, or watching the sunset as your ship crosses the Panama Canal? Before any of that can happen, you need to have a valid passport. A passport is needed to enter another country, as your identification while you’re abroad, and is your guarantee that you can return home again.

However, the latest numbers show that only 51 per cent of Americans currently hold a valid passport. That’s up significantly from under 10% in the 1980s, yet well below levels in Canada, the U.K., and most of Western Europe. In those countries, about three-quarters of citizens maintain valid travel documents. There are so many compelling reasons for women to travel — not only for our own health and longevity, but also to cultivate understanding, gratitude and empathy. Travel is a privilege experienced by few, not many, and it’s our role as women to influence others and advocate for travel as a way to broaden our outlook.

Contributing to the lack of current U.S. passports is that tens of millions of U.S. passports may have expired during the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel came to a standstill. If that describes you, don’t worry. Whether you’re renewing your passport, applying for the first time, or replacing one that’s been lost or damaged, the process is straightforward and manageable.  Even if you don’t have an immediate trip planned, having a valid passport is handy. A last-minute opportunity may come up: a family wedding, a bargain cruise, or a long-dreamed-of tour. If you’ve got your passport in hand, it will make that opportunity a reality.

Get stories just like this one delivered straight to your inbox. Join our mailing list here.

How to get a US passport

Where to Begin

Whether you are renewing a passport or applying for the first time, the first step is to visit the State Department website. It’s a one-stop site that answers almost any question you might have about getting, renewing, or using a passport.

On it you will find:

• Application forms (DS-11 for first-time applications, DS-82 for renewals, and others for special cases like lost or damaged passports).
• Step-by-step instructions for applying, renewing, or replacing a passport.
• Fee information with current costs for all services
• Processing times, which are updated regularly so you know how long to expect.
• Where to apply, including a searchable tool to find your nearest passport acceptance facility or regional agency.
• Photo requirements, with examples, to make sure your picture is acceptable.
• Travel advisories and updates, such as seasonal delays that might affect your application.
• Frequently Asked Questions that cover common concerns like name changes, child passports, or traveling with dual citizenship.

Renewing a Passport

If you already have a passport, renewing it is simple. As long as it’s less than fifteen years old, issued when you were sixteen or older, and your passport is undamaged and, in your possession, you can do it remotely, either online or by mail. That means no need to go anywhere and no waiting in line.

For many travelers, the new online renewal system is the easiest choice. On the State Department’s website, you fill out the application. Then it will direct you to upload a digital photo and pay by credit or debit card. Your old passport stays with you while the new one is processed. It even allows you to track progress right on the site. At the moment, this system is being rolled out, so availability can vary. The State Department website helps you determine if you’re eligible to renew online.

If you can’t renew online or prefer mail, the process is nearly as easy. Fill out Form DS-82 (easy to find on the State Department website). Next, tuck the form and your old passport into an envelope. Then, add a new photo and a check or money order for the fee, and send it off. In about six to eight weeks, sometimes faster if you pay extra for expedited service, your new passport will arrive in the mail.

Be aware that if your passport expired more than fifteen years ago, or if you don’t meet those other requirements, you’ll need to apply as if it’s your first one.

Getting a new passport or replacing a lost one

It’s natural to feel anxious about this, especially if it’s been years since you last applied for a passport or if this is your first time. Millions of Americans successfully apply every year, and so can you.

For first-timers or those who can’t renew by mail, you’ll need to apply in person. The staff at acceptance facilities are accustomed to first-timers, older adults, and nervous applicants. They’ll guide you, double-check your documents, and leave you confident about receiving your passport.

Where do you go? Designated passport acceptance facilities include some post offices, libraries, and courthouses. If you’re traveling urgently within two weeks, you’ll need to make an appointment at one of the regional passport agencies. I had a situation a few years ago that required me to get a replacement passport very quickly. Once I read how to do it, while still a bit nerve-wracking, the process was straightforward. I got a new passport in two days.

Applying in person is straightforward. You’ll complete Form DS-11, which you can get at the passport acceptance facility or online on the State Department Passport website; see above for the link. Bring proof of citizenship (like a certified birth certificate), proof of identity (such as a driver’s license), a recent passport photo, and payment for the fees. Since the forms are often printed in small fonts, I suggest bringing along a pair of reading glasses if you need them.

If your passport was lost or stolen, you’ll also need to submit Form DS-64 to explain what happened. Staff at these offices are used to helping people through the process and will check that everything is in order before sending your application along.

What it costs and how long it takes

Routine service typically takes six to eight weeks. The cost is $130 for a passport book renewal. It’s higher, at $165, for a brand-new adult passport. That’s because the fee includes both the application fee and the execution fee for first-timers. If you want your passport more quickly, you can pay an additional $60 expedited fee and expect processing in about two to three weeks.

While these fees may seem high, remember that your passport will be valid for ten years. That’s just a few dollars a year for the freedom to travel anywhere in the world.

For true emergencies, for example, a sudden overseas funeral, you can sometimes receive a passport the same day at a regional agency. You’ll need to prove that you will be traveling within the next two weeks. This usually means showing a confirmed plane reservation. In urgent cases, you’ll still pay the regular application fee plus the expedited fee, and you may need to cover the cost of express mailing if you want it shipped back to you quickly. In my case, I had to return to the regional office the next day to pick up my new passport.

You should be aware that in recent years, the U.S. State Department has faced both surging demand for passports and staffing changes. During the post-COVID travel boom, backlogs stretched fulfillment time to months rather than weeks. Today, the picture is mixed but generally encouraging. The State Department has modernized its systems and reports that routine processing is back to around four to six weeks, with expedited service faster. Still, with application volumes higher than ever, you would be wise to apply early and build in extra time just in case there are delays.

Passport Cards: What are they and do you need one?

You may hear about the passport card. It looks like a driver’s license and is cheaper than the standard passport book. But it’s only valid for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. If you plan to fly internationally, you’ll need a passport book. For most travelers, it is better to get a passport book.

What Happens If You Lose Your Passport When Overseas?

Losing a passport while traveling can be scary, but help is available. If yours is lost or stolen abroad, your first step is to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In many cases, they can quickly issue a purple emergency passport, a temporary document that allows you to continue your trip or return home. These purple passports are not meant to replace a standard passport and are valid for only one year or less. Once you’re back in the United States, you’ll need to apply for a regular, full-validity passport to travel internationally.

Before You Go

One simple but powerful tip: make copies of your passport once it arrives. Keep one at home with a family member and carry another separately while traveling. And don’t forget to fill in the emergency contact page; it’s there for a reason.

Think of the passport not as a hurdle but as a key to the world. It’s worth the effort, and the process is entirely manageable. Start early, gather what you need, and soon you’ll be holding that valuable blue book. It isn’t just paperwork, it’s your ticket to freedom, adventure, and discovery.

Not sure which visa you may need? Click here to explore your options on iVisa.

Top Passport Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long – Apply or renew at least 6 months before travel.
• Bad photos – No glasses, hats, or busy backgrounds; use a professional service.
• Missing documents – Always include proof of citizenship and ID.
• Payment errors – Write the check or money order exactly as instructed.

Step-by-step checklist on how to get a US passport

First, visit the State Department website.

Renewing by Mail

1. 1. Fill out Form DS-82.
   2. Include your old passport (undamaged, issued within the last 15 years).
   3. Enclose one new passport photo.
   4. Write a check or money order for the fee ($130).
   5. Mail the whole packet to the address on the form.

Applying for a New Passport or Replacing a Lost or Damaged One

1. 1. Fill out Form DS-11.
   2. Bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate).
   3. Bring proof of identity (driver’s license or other government ID).
   4. Bring a recent passport photo.
   5. Include payment ($165 for a first-time adult passport).
   6. If lost or stolen, also complete Form DS-64.
   7. Submit everything at a passport acceptance facility or regional agency.

Timing

• • Routine: 6–8 weeks
  • Expedited: 2–3 weeks (extra $60)
  • Urgent: Same day at a passport agency with proof of travel

More on Getting Started in Travel