How to Obtain a Second US Passport

How to Obtain a Second US Passport
Under certain circumstances, the U.S. government issues second passports to citizens. The reason for this can include not having time to apply for visas between trips to foreign countries or for security reasons. The following instructs you on how to apply for a second passport from within the United States. If you are not in the U.S. when the need arrives, you must find the nearest consulate or embassy, and apply there.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Form DS-82 Two passport photos Current passport Check or money order
  • Form DS-82
  • Two passport photos
  • Current passport
  • Check or money order
Step 1
Write, sign and date a letter describing why you need a second passport.
Step 2
Complete, sign and date the normal passport renewal form (Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail).
Step 3
Place two 2x2 passport photos, current passport with at least one year of validity, marriage certificate or court order (only if your name has recently changed), travel itinerary (only applies if using express service), and fees (check or money order) to the U.S. Department of State. The cost, as of 2009, is $75.
Step 4
Mail all of the materials from Steps 1 through 3 to:

National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Tips & Warnings

 
Use a secure and traceable method of shipping, such as FedEx. Many companies, such as VisaHQ, offer passport services to help you complete your application properly.
 
Use a secure and traceable method of shipping, such as FedEx.
 
Many companies, such as VisaHQ, offer passport services to help you complete your application properly.
 
Your passport will only be mailed to a return address within the U.S. or Canada. Allow ample time for application to be processed. Standard application processing time is four to six weeks. Express service is two to three weeks.
 
Your passport will only be mailed to a return address within the U.S. or Canada.
 
Allow ample time for application to be processed. Standard application processing time is four to six weeks. Express service is two to three weeks.

Article Written By Patrick M. Lind

Patrick M. Lind has been freelance writing since 2007 and has worked as an editor and journalist for ChicagoSporting.com. He received a Master of Arts in history from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East.

Write for Trails.com
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