by Taryn Tangpricha, International Education Director, Office of the President
If you have never traveled outside of the United States before, the first thing you will need to do is get a passport.
This can be daunting- but with a few quick links and some photos, you can send your application on its way! (YES, it has to be done by snail mail—no shortcuts here!)
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Apply now!! The spring is often the busiest season for passport processing and you don't want yours to get stuck in a jam!
1. WHO NEEDS A PASSPORT?
a) everyone who does not already hold a current, valid passport
b) if your current passport is expired
c) if your current passport is valid now, but will expire within 6 months from your return travel date
d) if your legal name has changed
e) your current passport has been damaged, torn, or looks altered (i.e. the dog ate it)
2. HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The U.S. State Department has a webpage that will walk you through the process step-by-step. There are very specific documents you need as a first-time applicant to prove your citizenship in the United States.
If you are a FIRST-TIME PASSPORT SEEKER, you must apply IN PERSON. CLICK HERE for instructions and to see locations to apply.
If you are looking to RENEW your passport, you can do so by mail. CLICK HERE.
3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Passport fees for routine processing cost approximately $110-$150 depending on your status. Click here for a list of current passport fees.
4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Longer than you think! Current routine processing times are 4-5 weeks. It is possible to expedite a passport and get it sooner, but you will pay $$extra money$$ to have this done.
This can be daunting- but with a few quick links and some photos, you can send your application on its way! (YES, it has to be done by snail mail—no shortcuts here!)
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Apply now!! The spring is often the busiest season for passport processing and you don't want yours to get stuck in a jam!
1. WHO NEEDS A PASSPORT?
a) everyone who does not already hold a current, valid passport
b) if your current passport is expired
c) if your current passport is valid now, but will expire within 6 months from your return travel date
d) if your legal name has changed
e) your current passport has been damaged, torn, or looks altered (i.e. the dog ate it)
2. HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The U.S. State Department has a webpage that will walk you through the process step-by-step. There are very specific documents you need as a first-time applicant to prove your citizenship in the United States.
If you are a FIRST-TIME PASSPORT SEEKER, you must apply IN PERSON. CLICK HERE for instructions and to see locations to apply.
If you are looking to RENEW your passport, you can do so by mail. CLICK HERE.
3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Passport fees for routine processing cost approximately $110-$150 depending on your status. Click here for a list of current passport fees.
4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Longer than you think! Current routine processing times are 4-5 weeks. It is possible to expedite a passport and get it sooner, but you will pay $$extra money$$ to have this done.