Applying for a primary passport may not be a walk in the park, but trying to get a second passport book? That can be even more of a debacle. Between the extra passport service forms and additional fees, you might be tempted to change your travel plans or switch careers to avoid applying for a second passport at all!
Luckily, the process doesn’t have to be difficult, and most people are eligible for a second passport based upon their travel status and history, their job, or the countries to which they’re traveling.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to get a second passport so you can enjoy your upcoming travels without any extra stress.
Before we get started on how and where to get a second passport, let’s explore some reasons why you might need a second US passport in the first place. If any of the following circumstances describe your current situation, you might be eligible for a duplicate passport:
It’s important to note that, during the application process for a second US passport, you’ll need to provide proof that you require a second passport. Be prepared to present pay stubs, visa applications, international boarding passes, or Israel-stamped passports to support your passport application.
Once you’ve determined your eligibility and gathered documents to support your need for a second passport, it’s time to begin the application process.
In addition to preparing proof that you’re eligible for and in need of a second passport, be prepared to complete two crucial passport office forms during the application process:
Before applying for a second passport or learning how to renew your passport, make sure that you have a valid, adult passport that won’t expire during your travel dates. Although you can travel within or back to the US with an expired passport, the same cannot be guaranteed for travel across other international borders.
You can sometimes complete and submit passport applications online, but requests for second passports must occasionally be made in person at a local passport office or by mail.
Like all other government transactions, applying for a second passport will incur a passport fee. However, the total cost will vary according to a traveler’s circumstances. Your fees may include:
Your travel timeline, your current passport status, and how your application is processed (in person, online, or via mail) will determine your exact second passport fee.
Filing an application for a second passport—like applying for passport renewal—requires applicants to take a new passport photo.
While you can take a passport photo of yourself with a self-timer—or have a friend take your photo for you—passport authorities recommend purchasing a photo taken by an experienced photographer. This is partially because passport photos have very specific requirements, including:
Some requirements for passports may seem counterintuitive. For instance, if you wear glasses throughout your day-to-day life, you might think it makes sense to wear them in your passport photo. Working with an experienced passport photographer will ensure that your photo meets all of the requirements to prevent processing delays or application rejection.
To avoid the hustle and bustle of getting a second passport in person, simply fill out this form to apply for a second passport right now.
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