How to Get a Duplicate Passport

United States citizens are usually only allowed to possess one valid passport at a time, but the Department of State realizes there are special circumstances that sometimes require a second passport. Some countries will not allow entry if you have a visa stamp from a neighboring country with whom they are at war or have policy disagreements. This limits your ability to set your own itinerary, especially if you are seeing several countries on foot or bike and must take a route through the unacceptable country first. A duplicate passport lets you hide the fact you were in the other country from customs officials.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Passport application Pen Valid passport Passport photos
Passport application
Pen
Valid passport
Passport photos

Step 1

Fill out the U.S. passport application, form DS-82. Fill out all the required blanks in blue or black ink, making sure to sign and date the first page.

Step 2

Get two passport photographs taken if you don't already have extra photos from your first passport. Purchase extras photos to keep on hand in case your passport is ever lost or stolen.

Step 3

Bring your existing valid passport, passport photos and the fee to your nearest passport agency or U.S. embassy if already abroad. Bring a written request from your employer if the duplicate passport is needed for business purposes, or write a brief letter detailing why you need the duplicate passport.

Step 4

Present the application and documentation to the passport official. Be prepared to sign an affidavit stating you will surrender the duplicate passport once you no longer need it.

Step 5

Wait one to two months for the second passport to be issued. It will be sent to the mailing address you indicated on the application. Pay extra for expedited service if you need it sooner.

Tips & Warnings

Duplicate passports are valid for a maximum of two years. Check with the U.S. embassy of each country you are visiting before leaving on your trip to see if a duplicate may be required for entry. This way you aren't stuck waiting for the passport once you are already abroad. Make photocopies of your existing and duplicate passport for someone back home to keep in a safe place. This will make the process of replacement quicker if your passports are ever lost or stolen.

Duplicate passports are valid for a maximum of two years.

Check with the U.S. embassy of each country you are visiting before leaving on your trip to see if a duplicate may be required for entry. This way you aren't stuck waiting for the passport once you are already abroad.

Make photocopies of your existing and duplicate passport for someone back home to keep in a safe place. This will make the process of replacement quicker if your passports are ever lost or stolen.

Make sure to turn the duplicate back in to the nearest passport office once you no longer need it. Otherwise you may not be able to apply for a duplicate in the future.

Resources

Passport application

Article Written By Jenny Harrington

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

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