Frequently Asked Questions

Passport Services are by appointment only, with an appointment necessary for each applicant.

• All applicants must appear in person, including both parents of children under age 16 and one parent for applicants who are age 16-17.
• Arrival on time to the appointment is mandatory.
• The application must be typed and/or printed using BLACK ink prior to appointment.
• Proof of citizenship is required via an original/certified birth certificate, original certificate of naturalization, or previous passport. Submit certified copy and photocopy of the front and back.
• Proof of identity is required and must be presented to acceptance agent. Also, submit a photocopy of the front and back of the ID.
• All applicants must bring a recent 2x2 color photograph, taken less than six months ago, and which meets all the requirements listed on https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
• Proof of parental relationship (original/certified birth certificate) is required for all applicants 15 years of age and under.
• Original documents will accompany the application.
• Two payments will be made:
  • One payment for U.S. Department of State (a check or money order per applicant) 
  • One payment for City of Daly City ($35 execution fee per applicant). The cashier accepts cash, credit card or check. 

No. Please bring a passport photo to your appointment. 

If you are submitting a paper application, go to our Passport Photos page to view requirements and see examples of photos.

The cost of your passport depends on your age, if you want a passport book, passport card, or both documents, and how fast you need it. View the passport fees chart.

When you apply for a passport using form DS-11, you will need to pay two fees: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the facility where you submit your application. You pay the passport application fee to the U.S. Department of State with a check or a money order. You pay the facility acceptance fee ($35) to the facility that accepts your application.

Visit the Processing Times page for more information.

Application status updates will be sent to the email address you provided on your application. You can also check the status of the application online and learn more about each status update.

If you have waited over two weeks since the US Department mailed your passport, call 1-877-487-2778 (or 1-888-874-7793 if you are deaf or hard of hearing). The National Passport Center will provide information about a form (known as the DS-86 form), which is a signed statement that you didn't receive your U.S. passport. You must complete the DS-86 form within 120 days of the issuance date of your passport. After 120 days, you must reapply and pay all fees, by law.

Go to the Get My Passport Fast page for information on expediting your application, or making an appointment at a passport agency or center.

If you have a life-or-death emergency, go to the Life-or-Death Emergency page to see if you qualify for an appointment.

Yes. In most cases, when you renew by mail, the US Department of State will return the old passport to you. The old passport may not arrive for up to four weeks after you receive your new passport. 

The number on your new passport will be different from the number on your previous passport.

You will receive multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what you requested.

Passport Book: Your new passport book and citizenship evidence arrive in two separate envelopes:

New passport arrives via a trackable delivery service.

Citizenship evidence arrives up to four weeks later via First Class Mail.

Passport Card: Your new passport card and citizenship evidence arrive in two separate envelopes.

For more information, visit the Change or Correct a Passport page. 

If you are changing your name within one year of the date your passport was issued, complete Form DS-5504.   

If you are changing your name over a year after your passport was issued, complete Form DS-82.

Letters or emails are sent when more information from you is needed to continue processing your passport. Go to the Respond to a Letter or Email page for more information.

The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, and has the same length of validity as the passport book.  

The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.

The card is not valid for international travel by air and is cheaper than the passport book. You can apply for either the book or card, or both documents.  

Some countries require that your passport have at least six months of validity beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.