USA Foreign Passport Requirements

Getting a passport is sometimes a hassle, especially when dealing with the government and wait times. Applying for and receiving a passport for international travel involves several steps to make the ordeal easier and quicker so you can get on your way.

Where Can I Get a Passport?

You can get a passport at your local post office, some departments of motor vehicles and sometimes even travel agencies.

How Long Will I Have to Wait?

Normally, the wait time for a passport is from four to six weeks. However, if you are in a hurry, you can put a rush on it to bring the wait down to two or three weeks, but it will cost extra.

Requirements for a Passport

Getting a passport requires only a birth certificate, or (if you are renewing) your old, undamaged passport. You can also use a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship.

You can also provide two of the following: Social Security Card, library card, credit card, or employee ID card.

How Much Does It Cost?

Passport books are about $100, and passport cards are $50.

Can I Get Emergency Service?

You will need to go to the post office in person and request it. You can also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Article Written By Corianne Egan

Corianne Egan is a journalism major at Rowan University and a freelance writer. She has written sports for Rowan's student newspaper, The Whit, and for the sports website she runs. Egan also specializes in copy editing and photography.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...