US Passport Services: Renewal (DS-82), First-Time Application (DS-11) & Emergency Replacement
Complete guide for American citizens abroad: How to renew US passports via DS-82, apply for child passports with DS-11, replace lost passports, and schedule embassy appointments.
- Form DS-82 qualifies adults whose previous 10-year passport was issued within the last 15 years and is undamaged.
- Form DS-11 requires in-person consular appearance for all minors under 16, first-time adults, and lost passport replacements.
- Passport photos must strictly comply with State Department standards (2x2 inches, white background, no eyeglasses).
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) establishes US citizenship for children born outside the United States.
1. Overview of US Passport Services Worldwide
American citizens residing or travelling abroad must maintain a valid US passport for international transit and entry into the United States. US law requires American citizens to enter and exit the USA on a valid US passport.
2. Identifying Your Required Application Form
Form DS-82 (Adult Passport Renewal by Mail / Drop Box): You qualify to use Form DS-82 if your existing passport: * Is submitted with your application and is undamaged. * Was issued when you were age **16 or older**. * Was issued within the last **15 years**. * Was issued in your current legal name (or you can document name change with marriage certificate/court order).
Form DS-11 (Application for a US Passport - In-Person Appearance): You must use Form DS-11 and appear in person at a US Embassy or Consulate if: * You are applying for your **first US passport**. * You are **under age 16** (both parents must appear or submit notarized Form DS-3053). * Your previous passport was **lost, stolen, or damaged**. * Your previous passport was issued more than **15 years ago**.
3. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA - Form FS-240)
For children born outside the US to at least one US citizen parent, acquiring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (eCRBA) is the official legal mechanism to establish United States citizenship and obtain their first passport and Social Security Number.
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Form DS-82 qualifies adults whose previous 10-year passport was issued within the last 15 years and is undamaged. Form DS-11 requires in-person consular appearance for all minors under 16, first-time adults, and lost passport replacements. Passport photos must strictly comply with State Department standards (2x2 inches, white background, no eyeglasses). Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) establishes US citizenship for children born outside the United States.