To apply for a passport for the first time, you must present, in person, a completed application at a State Department Passport Agency (located in major cities) or at one of the several thousand federal or state courts or U.S. Post Offices authorized to accept passport applications. Bring proof of U.S. Citizenship (such as a certified copy of your birth certificate), an ID that includes your signature and photo, and two identical 2" x 2" photos. The fee is $55, and an adult passport is valid for 10 years.

• Check the expiration date of your passport well in advance of your trip.
• If your passport has been issued within 12 years prior to the date of a new application, you can renew by mail by picking up an application at U.S. Post Offices or at a Passport Agency. The mail-in procedure costs $55 and can take up to four weeks during peak spring and summer travel seasons.
• If you are planning to travel abroad frequently, request a 48-page passport.
• An accordion sheet of extra pages to provide additional space for visas and stamps in a valid passport can be issued at any local Passport Agency or U.S. Consulate overseas.
• If you have questions about where or how to apply for a passport, call your local Passport Agency or the Washington, D.C. Passport Agency at 202-647-0518.

Lost or Stolen Passports

If you're in the U.S. when your passport is lost or stolen, immediately telephone the Department of State, Passport Services at 202-647-0518 or the nearest Passport Agency. An agency employee will register the passport loss and make arrangements to issue a new one, usually within two weeks. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it to the local police and the nearest American embassy or consulate. A new passport can usually be issued within 24 hours. You can speed the process if you have with you a photocopy of the identification page of the original and three passport-size photos.

Visas

A visa is a special notation or stamp added to your passport that permits you to enter and leave a country. More than half of the world's roughly 190 countries require a visa.

• Check with the consulates of countries you plan to visit to find out if a visa is required.
• For a listing of entry requirements of individual countries ($0.50 each), consult the Department of State publication, Foreign Visa Requirements, available from the Consumer Information Center, Dept. 361C, Pueblo, CO 81009, or call (719) 948-3334.
• Current information on foreign visa requirements is also available from the Department of State, Citizens Emergency Center (202-647-5225).
• For a list of countries that require a visa, and a list of countries that require vaccinations you may call the Global Assist Hotline for American Express Personal, Gold, Optima and Corporate Card members. Platinum Card members should call Travel Emergency Assistance; Executive Corporate Card members should call the Executive Service Desk.

Precautions

The State Department suggests that you take two or three wallet-size photos along on a trip overseas, in case you need to replace your passport or decide to visit an additional country that requires a visa. Political situations may affect your travel plans as well as procedures for second passports and validations. Check with the Passport Agency for current regulations.

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