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How to Request a Copy of a Panama Canal Zone Birth or Death Certificate

IDs Needed to Request Passport Vital Records

How to Replace or Amend a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

How to Request a Copy of a Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad

How to Request a Copy of a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA)

Frequently Asked Questions about Life Event Records

As a U.S. citizen, you can request copies of birth, death, and marriage records issued by the U.S. Department of State. These records include:

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Consular Report of Death Abroad
• Certificate of Witness to Marriage
• Panama Canal Zone Birth and Death Certificates

Contact Vital Records

Use this form to request a status check only if you have already submitted your Form DS-5542. If you are changing your mailing address, call us at 202-485-8300 and do not use this web form. Provide as much detail as possible. We will only respond to you within the next three weeks (21 days) if you have a question that is not answered on our website. Do not submit another request while waiting for a response. 

Complete this Form

Are you requesting information about your consular record or someone else's record? *

List other names used on the consular record

Do you need an apostille attached to the vital record? *

Select the reason(s) why you are contacting us: *

You have successfully submitted your inquiry to Vital Records. Thank you!

Due to a technical issue, we did not receive your inquiry. Please try to submit your inquiry again. If you cannot submit your inquiry using this form, email  [email protected]  or by calling  202-485-8300 .

Checklist to Request a Record

1. Notarized, completed  Form DS-5542

2. Photocopy of the front and back of your valid photo ID.

3. Check or money order. The cost is $50 for each record you request.

• Make payable to the "U.S. Department of State"
• Include a complete mailing address on the check.
• Checks and money orders must be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.
• The Department is not responsible for cash lost in the mail.

4. Mail  Form DS-5542 , a photocopy of the ID, and payment to :

    U.S. Department of State     Passport Vital Records Section     44132 Mercure Cir.     PO Box 1213     Sterling, VA  20166-1213

Processing Times and Shipping

Processing Times

• Mailing times, which may add up to 4 weeks on to the time it takes to receive your document, are not included in processing times.
• Once we receive your request in our office, we will process most requests in 4 to 8 weeks. Because of the unique nature of our records, we cannot provide expedited service. Some documents may take longer than 8 weeks to locate.
• Your processing times may be delayed if we need you to provide additional information to us.

You can select First Class Mail or 1-2 Day Delivery:

• USPS First Class Mail: Takes one to two weeks. No additional charge. 
• 1-2 Day Delivery Service: Add $19.53 to the check or money order. 

External Link

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Complete Passport Fee Breakdown: Routine, Expedited, & More

One of the most confusing parts of applying for a new passport or a passport renewal is figuring out how much you need to pay.

If you are in a rush, a passport expediting service can help simplify this process, but if you choose to apply on your own, this guide will help.

The total cost of your passport fees will depend on several factors, including:

• the passport type
• the passport services you require
• additional services you might need or want to add on

Note: If you don't pay the correct fees, your passport application will be delayed or denied.

Current Passport Fee Tables: Quick Links

• New Passports
• Passport Renewal
• Minor Passports
• Optional Services
• Special Services
• Payment Instructions

Understanding Passport Fees

Navigating the costs associated with obtaining a passport can be complex. Below, we break down the fees into clear categories: mandatory fees, optional fees, no-cost services, and additional expenses.

Mandatory Fees

• Application Fee: A required fee for most passport applications that will vary depending on the type of application you are submitting
• Acceptance Fee: An additional fee for first-time applicants or those reapplying after a lost or stolen passport, payable at passport acceptance facilities

Optional Fees

• Expedited Processing: For an additional fee (currently $60), you can opt for faster processing of your passport application.
• 1-to-2-Day Delivery: Opt for expedited shipping of your passport with Priority Mail Express for an additional fee (currently $19.53).
• File Search Fee: If your citizenship documents are missing, you can request a file search for an additional fee.

No-Cost Services

• Correction of Printing Errors: If your passport has a printing error, the correction is made free of charge.

Additional Expenses

While the direct fees are a significant part of the passport cost, additional expenses can add up:

• Passport Photos: Costs associated with obtaining passport-standard photographs will vary depending on where you get your passport photos taken .
• Supporting Documents: Fees for procuring necessary documents, like a birth certificate.
• Submission Costs: Expenses related to sending your application to the appropriate agency or center, including postage or travel costs.

While the State Department's fee calculator offers a helpful starting point, it might not reflect the full extent of your costs .

To help ease the complexity of planning for international travel, we've compiled the most up-to-date costs into our 2024 Passport Fee charts below. These charts are designed to help you accurately calculate the total cost of obtaining your passport, ensuring no hidden fees catch you by surprise.

What Does a Passport Cost?

Carefully read the information below to be sure that your payment is correct. Know that submitting incorrect passport fees or form of payment will delay the processing of your application.

Note: Form DS-11 is used to apply for a new passport or to replace a lost, stolen or damaged one. All applicants submitting this form must apply in person at an Acceptance Facility (which include most post offices), Regional Passport Agency or, if currently outside the United States, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.

Applicants who need new passports expedited quickly but are unable to personally visit the regional agency should apply through a passport expediting service.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

Related Links

• New Passport Requirements (Book and Card)
• Passport Card information

The US passport renewal fee is paid by those submitting application Form DS-82 . Adult renewal applicants in the U.S. may apply by mail (which we recommend).

You can also apply in person at a Regional Passport Agency if you have urgent international travel needs within 14 days or a life or death emergency that requires travel within 72 hours. Adult applicants outside the U.S. must apply through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate .

You cannot apply for a passport renewal at a post office or other passport acceptance facility.

Applicants who need their passport renewals expedited but are unable to personally visit the regional agency should apply through a passport expediting service .

• Passport Renewal Requirements (Book and Card)

Use Form DS-11 to apply for a child's passport. All Minor applicants ages 15 or younger, including those who are replacing a previous passport, must apply in person at an Acceptance Facility, Regional Passport Agency, a U.S. Embassy, or American Consulate.

Applicants who need passports expedited quickly but are unable to personally visit the regional agency should apply through a reliable expediting courier.

• Special Requirements for Children Under Age 16

Why Your Passport May Cost More

Please note that the actual total cost of getting a passport is more than the sum of the fees paid to the U.S. government. There are additional expenses that are not listed below such as postage, the price of a passport photo, and a protective envelope to send the application form. These are just a few of the extra costs you should expect when applying for a new travel document.

If you need a passport faster than the 6 to 8 weeks it takes for routine service, you can add the expedited service fee to the total payment. This will reduce your wait to 2 to 3 weeks

We recommend you also add the cost of 1 to 2 days delivery when sending the application by mail. This is not required if you submit the form at a regional agency , however, you will need to provide proof of imminent/urgent international travel to use this option. Note that this is not an option for passport cards. Passport cards are shipped via First Class Mail only.

If the 2 to 3 weeks turnaround offered through typical expedited service is not fast enough or you are unable to visit a processing center, you should apply online for expedited service through a registered courier service . By doing so, you could get your passport as quickly as the same day you apply.

Passport Fees for Optional Services

Expedited service.

Fee: $60 (Applicants in the U.S. only)

See important information about Application Processing Times and follow the instructions on How to Get Your Passport Fast .

When requesting this service, pay the $60.00 Expedited Service Fee for each application, in addition to the required fees noted above.

Passport Book 1-2 Day Delivery

Fee: $19.53

Please note, this fastest delivery service is not available for passport cards , which are delivered via First Class Mail only.

To request 1-2 Day Delivery, pay the $19.533 1-2 Day Delivery fee for each application, in addition to the required fees noted above.

File Search

Required when applicant is unable to present evidence of citizenship.

In addition to the passport application, submit a written request for File Search to verify a previous U.S. Passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad .

Applicants who are overseas and whose passport was lost or stolen are exempt from paying the File Search Fee. For more information, see emergency passport , 22 CFR 22.1 Item No. 6.

Passport Fees for Special Services

Data error correction.

Use form DS-5504 .

See important information on Correcting or Changing Information in Your Passport .

• Name Change

Fee: Varies

• Applicants ages 16 or older whose passports were issued less than a year ago, pay no fee.
• Applicants ages 16 or older who passports were issued more than a year ago, need to apply for a renewal using form DS-82 and pay the renewal fee .
• Applicants ages 16 or older who do not have official documentation of a legal name change, must apply for a new passport .
• Applicants ages 15 or younger must apply for a new passport and pay the appropriate fee .

Passport Fee Payment Instructions

You must be sure to use the appropriate payment methods for your passport application fees and services. Not all locations accept the same payment types, so be sure to check when making your appointment or submitting your application via mail.

Please Note: The Application Fee is a non-refundable processing fee and is retained by the Department of State whether or not the passport is issued . You can get a refund for the expedited service fee under certain circumstances.

Acceptance Facility

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) and money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Credit and debit cards CANNOT be accepted.
• Money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the Acceptance Facility
• Personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations
• Credit cards at U.S. postal facilities and some other locations

Renewal by Mail

• Checks (personal, certified, cashiers, travelers), payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange), payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• When renewing your passport by mail from Canada, you must pay by check or money order in U.S. dollars drawn from a U.S. banking institution.

Passport Agency

• Credit Cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and Debit Cards displaying Visa or MasterCard logo
• Money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchanges) payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Cash (exact amount only)
• Pre-paid credit card or gift card displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo

U.S. Embassy or Consulate

• Please check with the U.S. embassy or consulate general where you plan to apply for acceptable payment options.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service: Expedite My U.S.Passport Now!

• Fast Passports
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• 24 Hour Passports

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Passport Info

• Passport Information
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UNCLASSIFIED (U)

8 FAM 602.2

Passport Fees

(CT:CITZ-92;   03-02-2023) (Office of Origin:  CA/PPT/S/A)

8 FAM 602.2-1  INTRODUCTION TO PASSPORT FEES

(CT:CITZ-92;   03-02-2023)

a. This subchapter discusses U.S. passport fees, fee waivers, exemptions, refunds, and means of payment. 

b. The passport application fee, established pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 214(a), recovers the costs of processing applications for passport books and cards that are not included in the enhanced border security fee.  The passport book application processing fee also recovers costs of providing certain overseas citizens services for which there is no specific, separate fee.  The fee appears at Item 2 in the Consular Schedule of Fees, 22 CFR 22.1.

c.  The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) surcharge fee, established pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 214(b)(1), is embedded in the passport application fee to cover the costs of meeting the increased demand for passports because of WHTI.

d. The expedite fee (see 22 CFR 51.56), established pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 214 (note) and the Department's general authorities to establish fees under 31 U.S.C. 9701 and 22 U.S.C. 4219 , is applicable only to passports applied for on an expedited basis at U.S. passport agencies/centers and acceptance facilities.  The expedite fee provides for passport processing within the expedited processing period published on the Department's website.  The fee is not applicable to passport applications submitted to posts.  The fee appears at Item 3 in the Consular Schedule of Fees, 22 CFR 22.1.

e. The enhanced border security surcharge fee (also known as the passport security surcharge), established pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1714 and amended administratively pursuant to Public Law 109-472, recovers the costs related to consular services in support of enhanced border security.  The fee appears at Item 2(g) of the Consular Schedule of Fees, 22 CFR 22.1.

f.  The file search fee, established pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 9701 and 22 U.S.C. 4219 , is charged when a customer does not provide primary or secondary citizenship or identity evidence and requests in writing that a previous U.S. passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad record be verified to establish citizenship or identity for the issuance of their passport.  The fee is not applicable for passport applications submitted to posts if a passport was lost or stolen abroad, or if a fee exemption is applicable.  The fee appears at item 6 of the Consular Schedule of Fees, 22 CFR 22.1.  (See 8 FAM 1201.1 for specific guidance on charging the file search fee.)

g. The passport execution fee, established pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 214(a), is charged to passport applicants applying on form DS-11 to recover the costs of executing the passport application, such as administering the oath, verifying the applicant’s identity, and transmitting the applications.  The fee appears at Item 1 of the Consular Schedule of Fees, 22 CFR 22.1.

h. All passport fees outlined in 8 FAM 602.2-2 ( except for the 1-2 Day Delivery Service) for applications accepted by facilities in the U.S. territories listed below are retained by the governments of those particular jurisdictions:

(1)  Guam (48 U.S.C. 1421h);

(2)  The U.S. Virgin Islands (48 U.S.C. 1642); and

(3)  The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (48 U.S.C. 1801).

i.  For passport fee collection and refunds at posts, refer to 7 FAH-1 H-720 , "Consular Fee Collection and Accounting" and the Consular Fee information under the Management tab on CAWeb.  The guidance below applies primarily to domestic passport operations.

8 FAM 602.2-2  Current passport fees

(CT:CITZ-54;   04-09-2021)

a. Current passport application processing and optional service fees are published in 22 CFR 22.1 and are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Web page.

b. Domestic and foreign postal fees:

(1)  A portion of the security surcharge covers the cost of upgrading passport book delivery from first class mail to traceable U.S. Post Office Priority Mail with delivery confirmation for domestic applicants;

(2)  A portion of the security surcharge fee that is paid by passport applicants covers the cost of shipping the completed passports from passport centers to posts by express courier for applicants overseas;

(3)  The security surcharge does not cover overseas mailing costs from posts to the applicant (see 8 FAM 1003.3 for guidance on use of host country postal service or courier systems ) .  Applicants who desire a higher level of service must pay the full cost of that service; and

(4)  If the host government postal system is found to be lacking, Consular Affairs will, upon justification, fund an appropriately secure delivery method; i.e., registered mail or courier delivery.  Post should direct questions to the appropriate regional management analyst in CA/EX.

c.  File search fee:

(1)  The file search fee is not charged to applicants applying overseas whose previous passport was lost or stolen abroad or if a fee exemption is applicable (22 CFR 22.1); and

(2)  See 8 FAM 1201.1 for more information on when a file search fee may be charged.

d. 1-2 Day Delivery Service:  The 1-2 Day Delivery Service is charged for any costs of mailing above the standard level of service regularly provided by the Department (see paragraph b above) (see 22 CFR 51.56(c)).

8 FAM 602.2-3  passport fee Refunds

(CT:CITZ-92;   03-02-2023)

a. Passport fees are refundable if they constitute an overpayment, for example:

(1)  If a person refiles a passport application and pays a second fee, the original fee should be refunded if the original passport application is subsequently received (see 8 FAM 603.4-1 regarding refiled passport applications); or

(2)  Duplicate fees are submitted due to connection error or delays between OPR and Pay.gov.

b. Execution fee:  The passport execution fee is generally not refundable.  See the exceptions listed in 8 FAM 602.2-5 (22 CFR 22.6, 22 CFR 51.51 paragraph (b); 22 CFR 51.52; 22 CFR 51.55).

c .  Passport application fee:  The passport application fee is a processing fee and is retained whether or not the passport is issued.  If it is determined that a passport cannot be issued given the documentation submitted, the passport fee is not refundable.  See the exceptions listed in 8 FAM 602.2-5 (22 CFR 22.6, 22 CFR 51.52, 22 CFR 51.53) and 8 FAM 706.1 .

d . Security surcharge:  The passport security surcharge is also considered to be part of application processing and is retained whether or not the passport is issued.  If it is determined that a passport cannot be issued, the security surcharge is not refundable.  See the exemptions listed in 8 FAM 602.2-5 (22 CFR 22.6, 22 CFR 51.52 and 22 CFR 51.53).

e . Expedite fee:  The passport expedite fee, which is only charged when an applicant applies for a passport at U.S. passport agencies/centers and acceptance facilities and requests expedited processing , will be refunded only upon written request from the applicant if the passport agency/center does not provide the requested expedited processing as defined by the Department’s regulations (22 CFR 51.56).  See also 8 FAM 203.1 regarding refunds if the applicant dies during the passport application process.

f .  1-2 Day Delivery Service:  Funds paid by applicants requesting 1-2 day delivery service will be refunded upon written request from the applicant to cancel the service or if the service is not provided (e.g., if the applicant has emergency travel and picks up a passport from the public counter or if the application is denied ).

g . File search fee:  The file search fee is a processing fee that is retained whether or not a previous U.S. passport or form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth of a U.S. Citizen Abroad, is located (see 8 FAM 1201.1-11 for further guidance on the file search fee).  The file search fee is refunded if it was charged in error, e.g., the applicant submitted both the file search fee and primary or secondary evidence of citizenship or identity.

h . Refunds for $5.00 or less:  A refund may be processed for amounts of $5.00 or less only if specifically requested by the applicant at the time of the payment (22 CFR 22.6(b)).

8 FAM 602.2-4  Refund Procedures for passport fees and overpayments

a. Except for refunds of overpayments greater than $5.00 and the passport card refund in 8 FAM 706.1 , refund requests must be received in writing.

b. Refund of overpayment procedures:  This section applies to refunds of overpayments greater than $5.00, unless specifically requested per 8 FAM 602.2-3 .  A written request is not required to refund overpayments of greater than $5.00.  You must take the following steps to refund overpayments greater than $5.00:

(1)  Review the comment from the cashier requesting that an overpayment be processed;

(2)  Review the application to verify that the applicant is not requesting additional services and has overpaid: 

(a)  If the overpayment exactly matches the fee for an additional product/service, it may be possible that the applicant was requesting that service and you may designate the funds accordingly; or

(b)  If the overpayment does not exactly match the fee for an additional passport/service, you should not re-designate funds, e.g., to add expedited delivery, without the consent of the applicant.

(3)  Verify the amount of overpayment;

(4)  In, or near, the fee block on the first page of the application, record the amount to be refunded, the reason, and your Travel Document and Issuance System (TDIS) number:

(5)  Photocopy the first page of the application, ensuring that the fee information at the bottom is visible:

(a)  The photocopy must be shredded in accordance with section I of the Internal Controls Guide for Employees after management has completed the verification of the spreadsheet; and

(b)  If a photocopy of the first page of the passport application is not made, the passport agencies/centers may create a shared folder containing a spreadsheet where the passport specialist must record the passport application number, the applicant's last name and date of birth, and the amount and reason for the refund.  The customer service unit may then copy and paste the information into the CA/C weekly spreadsheet and fill out the rest of the fields.

(6)  Add a comment in TDIS indicating that the application was set up for a refund or that the applicant authorized a re-designation of funds.  If the applicant authorized a re-designation of funds in writing, the passport specialist must add a comment in TDIS;

(7)  Reallocate the overpayment amount to "miscellaneous" via the Change of Service or Payment module and obtain management approval to override the fee issue, if required;

(8)  Forward the photocopy (if made) of the first page of the application to the customer service manager (CSM)/communications office, following passport agency/center procedures (see 8 FAM 105.3 ); and

(9)  The CSM/communications office will process the refund in accordance with 8 FAH-1 H-803.16.

c.  Refund of fees procedures:  The written request for a refund of fees, whether received via mail, fax, email, or at the public counter, must be forwarded to the CSM/communications office and handled in accordance with 8 FAH-1 H-803.16.

d. Refund of Fees must be overseen in accordance with section 2.19 of the Internal Controls Guide for Employees.

8 FAM 602.2-5  Fee waivers and exemptions

a. Acceptance facilities are requested to waive the execution fee when a form DS-11 is re-executed at the same acceptance facility.

b. 22 CFR 51.52 defines who is exempt from passport fees (including execution fees when the application is executed before a federal official).  This includes:

(1)  An officer or employee of the United States proceeding abroad on official business, or the members of their immediate family authorized to accompany or reside with them abroad (22 U.S.C. 214);

(2)  A U.S. citizen sailor who requires a passport in connection with their duties aboard a U.S. flagged vessel (22 U.S.C. 214);

(3)  A widow(er), child, parent, or sibling of a deceased U.S. service member proceeding abroad to visit the grave of such service member or to attend a funeral or memorial service for such a service member (22 U.S.C. 214);

(4)  An employee of the United Seamen's Service who requires a passport for travel to assume or perform duties thereof (10 U.S.C. 2604);

(5)  A Peace Corps volunteer (22 U.S.C. 2504);

(6)  American Red Cross employee for travel outside the United States to assume or perform duties (10 U.S.C. 2602);

(7)  An individual or individuals abroad, returning to the United States, when the Secretary determines that waiving the collection of such fee is justified for humanitarian reasons or for law enforcement purposes (22 U.S.C. 214(a), as revised by section 5 of the Department Of State Authorities Act Of 2006 ), including :

(a)  Repatriates:  Emergency, limited-validity (for direct return to the United States) passports issued at posts in conjunction with a repatriation loan (see 7 FAM 370 );

(b)  Destitutes: Emergency, limited-validity (for direct return to the United States) passports issued at post to destitute persons who are not recipients of a repatriation loan;

(c)  Victims of disasters and evacuees:  Emergency, limited-validity passports issued at posts during period of international disaster or crisis for return to the United States (this category includes all crises and evacuations, including evacuations from neighboring countries, under the Department's evacuation authority) (see 7 FAM 1860 );

(d)  Returning victims of serious crime:  Emergency, limited-validity passports issued at posts to U.S. citizens or non-citizen U.S. nationals who are victims of serious crime such as terrorism victims, hostages, and victims of sexual assault, whose passports were lost or stolen, and who are returning to the United States; and

(e)  Deportees, extraditees, and transferring prisoners:  Limited-validity (for direct return to the United States) passports issued at posts to U.S. citizens or non-citizen U.S. nationals who are under law enforcement escort for deportation, extradition, or prisoner transfer to the United States.

(8)  Other categories of persons exempted by law.

c.  Security surcharge.  If an applicant is exempt from paying the passport application and execution fees, as provided in 8 FAM 602.2-5 , the applicant is also exempt from paying the security surcharge.

d. File search fee.  The file search fee may be waived in certain limited situations:

(1)  If the applicant is applying overseas because a passport was lost or stolen abroad and has no other evidence of identity and evidence of citizenship;

(2)  If the applicant is exempt from paying the passport and execution fees, as provided in 8 FAM 602.2-5 ; or

(3)  In circumstances specified in 8 FAM 1201.1 .

e. Replacement passports.  A replacement passport may be issued without payment of the execution, passport, security surcharge, and expedite fees:

(1)  In circumstances specified in 8 FAM 1001.5 , 8 FAM 1001.4 , and 8 FAM 603.4 (see 22 CFR 51.56d); or

(2)  In circumstances specified in 22 CFR 51.54.

f.  Expedite fee:

(1)  The Department may decline to accept an expedited passport processing request (22 CFR 51.56).  The Department may refuse to accept an expedite fee request in circumstances that include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a)  The passport application is pending action by an office other than the passport agency/center;

(b)  The passport application has already been in process longer than the minimum routine passport processing time as stated on travel.state.gov;

(c)  The passport agency/center cannot provide the requested service; or

(d)  Processing is sufficiently advanced that expedited processing will not advance the completion date.

(2)  The Special Issuance Agency (CA/PPT/SIA) does not charge the expedite fee when a passport application for a regular passport is submitted in conjunction with a passport application for an official or diplomatic passport;

(3)  The expedite fee is waived for individuals who apply in person at passport agencies/centers during Passport Awareness Days for individuals seeking routine service. Those requesting expedited service must pay the expedite fee ; and

(4)  The expedite fee is not applicable at posts.

8 FAM 602.2-5(A)  Fee Waivers for Victims of Major Disasters

a. The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (the "DRRA"), part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, 42 USC 5174b, provides that the President, in consultation with the Governor of a State, may provide a waiver to an individual or household described in 42 USC 5174(e)(1) of the following document replacement fees:

(1)  The passport application fee for individuals who lost their U.S. passport in a major disaster within the preceding three calendar years; and

(2)  The file search fee for a U.S. passport.  The file search fee waiver does not include a time limit in the Act although 44 CFR 206.110(e) indicates that the period of federal assistance because of a major disaster generally extends for 18 months after the date of the declaration.

b. The President has delegated to the Secretary of State the functions and authorities vested in the President to provide the fee waivers noted above. The Secretary further delegated this authority to the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs on February 28, 2019 (Delegation of Authority No. 465). A list of major disasters for which no-fee replacement of passports has been authorized can be found on travel.state.gov.  Passport agencies/centers will be notified whenever an authorized disaster has been added to the list.

c.  The DRRA fee waivers are not retroactive. 

d. Passport agencies/centers may accept applications for disaster replacement passports at a passport agency/center without requiring the applicant to pay the expedite fee.  However, the application will not be expedited without the payment of the expedite fee.

e . An applicant who had a valid passport product lost in a major disaster for which no-fee replacement of passports has been authorized should apply for a replacement using a form DS-5504, a new photograph, and a form DS-64 supporting the claim that the previous passport was lost because of a major disaster (see 8 FAM 902.3 for more information regarding lost passports).  Certification letters from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are not required.  Section 2 of form DS-64 must include the following:

(1)  The approximate location where the loss occurred (e.g., the address of the impacted residence);

(2)  The approximate date when the loss occurred;

(3)  Certification that replacement passport fees will not be reimbursed by other sources, such as a homeowner's insurance policy; and

(4)  The name or description of the major disaster that caused the loss.  If this part of the statement is not entirely clear, passport specialists should verify this information on www.fema.gov/disasters.  For example, if the applicant just writes "lost in a wildfire," the passport specialist could determine whether there was a major disaster fitting that description based on the location and date and annotate the application to that effect.

f .  The passport(s) reported lost must be added to the Consular Lost and Stolen Passport database.  The passport specialist must limit the replacement passport(s) to the expiration date of the original passport or one year, whichever is greater, using endorsement 03.  If the applicant instead submits a form DS-11 at an acceptance facility, the execution fee is required.  The expedite fee (if applicable) will be required unless the major disaster also prevents the Department from fulfilling its expedited service obligations.

g . An applicant who did not have a valid passport but was a victim of the major disaster must apply for a new passport with a form DS-11 and a photograph at a passport agency/center, acceptance facility, disaster recovery center, or local assistance center.  The passport and execution fees are required and the expedite fee (if applicable) will be required unless, as above, the natural disaster also prevents the Department from fulfilling its expedited service obligations.  The file search fee will be waived if the applicant submits a signed statement supporting the claim to have lost the required evidence of citizenship in the major disaster.  The statement must include the same information regarding the major disaster as required for the form DS-64 above.

h . Passport agencies/centers must follow the guidance on adjudicating passport applications using passport records in 8 FAM 1201.1 .  If the passport agency/center determines that the previous passport was issued in error or if a passport application will be denied because of insufficient evidence, please contact [email protected] prior to denying the passport application or requesting revocation of the previous passport.

i .  To track these cases, and because of the internal controls vulnerability created when waiving fees, fee waiver cases for major disasters must be audited at a rate of 100 percent in accordance with the Standard Performance Audit (see 8 FAH-1 H-602.4).

8 FAM 602.2-5(B)  Unassigned

8 FAM 602.2-6  Acceptable forms of payment

a. If an applicant is unable to provide an acceptable form of payment after the application has been executed at the public counter, the application must be suspended until payment is received (see section 2.6 of the Internal Controls Guide for Employees).

b. In an emergency, appropriate members of management may approve an overpayment and process a refund in accordance with 8 FAM 602.2-4 .  Otherwise, except as provided below, no overpayments may be accepted at the public counter.

c.  All fees must be paid in U.S. currency (see exception for posts below).

d. At passport agencies/centers – payment may be made by:

(1)  U.S. currency (if presented at the public counter) – Applicants paying by cash must provide the exact amount.  Passport Services' employees cannot make change.  If any funds are accepted over the exact amount, the excess funds must be placed into the miscellaneous category in TDIS;

(2)  Check – personal, traveler’s, certified, cashier’s, or commercial – payable through a U.S. financial institution based in the United States.  Temporary, starter, or filled-in bank counter checks are not acceptable because they do not meet the criteria in section 2.6 of the Internal Controls Guide for Employees.  You must record the application number(s) on the check;

(a)  If a check (or money order) that appears to be foreign is submitted as payment at the public counter, passport specialists must manually verify that the check or money order is drawn on a U.S. financial institution based in the United States by verifying that the routing number (which appears first in the magnetic ink character recognition line of the check or money order) consists of nine consecutive digits:

(b)  If a check (or money order) that appears to be foreign is submitted as payment at the public counter, cashiers may further verify whether a check or money order is payable through a U.S. financial institution using the Federal Reserve Bank Services e-payments Routing Directory.  To use the e-payments routing directory, agree to the terms and conditions, select the “search FedACH participant RDFIs” link, and search using the routing number;

(c)  If a foreign check (or money order) is received with a fee issue passport application from the lockbox (or for a counter expedited mail out application that is not detected until cashiering), a passport specialist or other designated staff member must reject it and request another, acceptable form of payment.  The unacceptable foreign check or money order must be returned to the sender with Information Request Letter 795-07.  Passport agencies/centers must void foreign checks, but do not void foreign money orders .  Voiding a money order prevents the purchaser from cashing it; it must be returned as is.  Refund requests because of foreign money orders lost in the mail while being returned to the applicant will not be honored; and

(d)  If the passport application is a form DS-11, the customer service manager must also be notified that a foreign check or money order was received, so appropriate tracking, outreach, and training may be conducted with the acceptance agent/facility.

(3)  Major credit card - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card:

(a)  Debit cards displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo are acceptable forms of payment; and

(b)  Pre-paid credit cards or gift cards displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo are acceptable forms of payment.  In addition to standard documentation requirements (see 8 FAM 603.1 ), the applicant’s full name must be manually recorded on the Department's copy of point-of-sale receipt.

(4)  Third-party credit card – a credit card submitted by anyone other than the primary applicant or the parent of a minor child (see section 2.7 of the Internal Controls Guide for Employees);

(5)  Money order - U.S. Postal, commercial, international, currency exchange.  You must record the application number on the money order.  If a money order that appears to be foreign is submitted, see the guidance above regarding foreign checks.  Do not void money orders or

(6)  Mobile device payments - Mobile device payments (such as, but not limited to, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.) using any acceptable major credit card.  Processing mobile device payments, e.g., chargebacks, is the same as for any major credit card.

e. At domestic acceptance facilities – payment may be made by:

(1)  Check – personal, traveler’s, certified, cashier’s; or

(2)  Money order - U.S. Postal, commercial, international, currency exchange.

f.  At posts (see 7 FAH-1 H-700 ) - Payment may be made by:

(1)  Check - traveler’s, certified, or cashier’s.  Personal checks are not acceptable ;

(2)  U.S. or local currency - if presented directly at post (currency should not be mailed);

(3)  Major credit card - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover at designated/authorized posts (see 7 FAH-1 H-722.2-2 for guidance on card-present and card-not-present transactions and 7 FAH-1 H-722.2-3 for guidance on chargebacks); or

(4)  Money order - U.S. Postal, commercial, international, currency exchange.

8 FAM 602.2-7  Insufficient Funds

a. Returned prior to issuance:  If the check is returned prior to issuance of the passport, the application will be suspended for the required fees.  If payment is not received within 30 days, the application may be denied per 8 FAM 802.1 (this is a separate process from the notices in 4 FAM 493 ).  Please note that the payment timeline differs from the regular passport application suspense process; however, there is no need to alter normal suspense procedures.

b . Returned after issuance:  If the check is returned after issuance of the passport, Passport Services will submit a form DS-1833, Debit Voucher and Returned Check Deposit, to the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services (CGFS) to collect the debt in accordance with 4 FAM 493 .

c .  See also section 2.6 of the Internal Controls Guide for Employees.

8 FAM 602.2-8  Procedures and Management controls for fee collection and refunds

(CT:CITZ-22;   06-05-2019)

a. Refer to 8 FAH-1 H-700 and the Internal Controls Guide for Employees for procedures for passport agencies/centers regarding the collection and handling of fees.

b. Posts should refer to 7 FAH-1 H-720 and the Consular Fees information under the management tab on the CAWeb.

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Money and Other Monetary Instruments

You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. However, if it is more than $10,000, you will need to report it to CBP. Use the online Fincen 105 currency reporting site or ask a CBP officer for the paper copy of the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105). The penalties for non-compliance can be severe.

"Money" means monetary instruments and includes U.S. or foreign coins currently in circulation, currency, travelers' checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form.

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Sending Money Orders

When sending money by mail, use money orders as a safe alternative to cash and personal checks. U.S. Postal Service ® money orders are affordable, widely accepted, and never expire. Your money order receipt will help you track your payment and show proof of value in case the money order gets lost, stolen, or damaged.

You can buy or cash postal money orders at any Post Office ™ location .

Send Money Orders Internationally

ALERT : Starting June 20, the Money Order Inquiry System will be temporarily unavailable as we upgrade to a new system. Read More ›

How to Send Domestic Money Orders

• Decide on the money order amount. You can send up to $1,000 in a single order anywhere in the United States.
• Go to any Post Office location .
• Take cash, a debit card, or a traveler’s check. You cannot pay with a credit card.
• Fill out the money order at the counter with a retail associate.
• Pay the dollar value of the money order plus the issuing fee.
• Keep your receipt to track the money order.

Money Order Standards and Guidelines (DMM 509.3)

Money Order Fees

Fees are based on the money order dollar amount.

Receiving Money Orders – How to Spot a Fake

Before accepting a money order, make sure it's real. There are several key things to look at to spot a counterfeit money order.

Examine the Paper

Real USPS money orders have specific marks and designs to prevent fraud. If you hold the money order up to the light you should see:

• Watermarks of Ben Franklin on the left side repeat top to bottom (circle 1 on image).
• On the right of the Franklin watermark, a vertical, multicolored thread with the letters “USPS” weaves in and out of the paper to (circle 2 on image).

Check the Dollar Amounts

• If the dollar amount is discolored, it may have been erased, indicating fraud (circle 3 on image).
• Make sure the dollar amount is imprinted twice (circle 4 on image).
• See if the dollar value is too large.
• Domestic money orders cannot be more than $1,000.
• International money orders cannot be more than $700 ($500 for El Salvador or Guyana).

Suspect a Fake?

• If you suspect fraud, call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.
• If you think you’ve been given a fake money order, call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822.

How to Cash Domestic Money Orders

Domestic money orders never expire and they do not accrue interest. Money orders are cashed for the exact amount on the order.

You can cash a USPS money order at a Post Office for free. You can also cash them at most banks and some stores. Rural carriers may cash money orders if they have enough money on hand.

Cashing a Money Order at the Post Office

• Do not sign the money order.
• Take a primary photo ID with the money order to any Post Office location .
• Sign the money order at the counter in front of a retail associate.

See additional requirements for money orders made out to organizations, more than one person, and minors.

Cashing Money Orders (DMM 509.3.3)

Check the Status of a Money Order

You can check the status of a money order you've purchased from the U.S. Postal Service at any time by visiting the Money Orders Application . Make sure you have the following information for the postal money order you want to check:

• Serial number
• Post Office number
• Dollar amount

Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Money Orders

Lost or stolen money orders.

You cannot stop payment on postal money orders, but a lost or stolen money order can be replaced.

• Money order loss or theft may take up to 30 days to confirm.
• Investigating a money order's lost or stolen status may take up to 60 days.
• There is a $18.00 processing fee to replace a lost or stolen money order.

Requesting a Refund

• Take your money order receipt to any Post Office location .
• Talk to a retail associate at the counter to start a Money Order Inquiry.
• After starting the inquiry, you will be able to check the status of your money order and inquiry progress by visiting the Money Orders Application .
• When your money order is confirmed lost or stolen, we’ll issue you a replacement money order.

Damaged Money Orders

We'll replace money orders that are defective or damaged. Take the damaged money order and your receipt to your local Post Office location to get a replacement.

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Visit Money Orders to learn more about money order guidelines and tips.

If you have money order related questions, please email the Accounting Help Desk or call 1-866-974-2733 .

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• Passport Forms

Form Finder -- Passport Forms

If you are applying for a U.S. passport, use the Passport Form Filler to fill out our primary forms (DS-11, DS-82, DS-5504, and DS-64) online and print them. The Form Filler will save you time and reduce the chance of errors on your form.

Passport Appointments Available

We now accept appointments for passports. More details here . 

Passport Services

Click here to book your appointment

About our passport services

Our customer service centers accept only DS-11 applications for first-time applicants, minor renewals and certain qualifying adult renewals (DS-11 form only). The standard adult renewal (DS-82 form) is mail-in only.

Please expect to wait 15-20 minutes past your appointment time to meet with a representative. 

You can also apply for a U.S. passport card , which is valid for land and sea crossings between the United States and Canada, Mexico and the Carribean. The card is not valid for travel by air.

Passport hours vary by location. See the individual customer service center location pages for details. The Downtown Customer Service Center and the Mobile Customer Service Center do not accept passport applications.

What to submit with your completed application

Make sure you have the following items when visiting a customer service center to apply for a passport:

• State-certified birth certificate, a previous U.S. passport or an original certificate of naturalization. These will be returned to you, in a separate envelope, around the same time you receive your new passport. Children under 16 must always submit an original birth certificate, even when renewing and submitting a previous passport. Hospital certificates, photocopies and keepsake certificates are not accepted.
• One current, color passport photo . Passport photos are 2 inches by 2 inches, with a white background.
• A primary photo ID . (See list of qualifying identification documents on the travel.state.gov website.)
• We will collect two separate payments with each application. One payment will be to the U.S. Department of State. The other payment is an acceptance fee for the City of Seattle.

Other important information

• Customers who have a life-or-death emergency or urgent travel within three business days, should get more information at travel.state.gov .
• If you apply for the passport book and passport card at the same time, you pay one acceptance fee only.
• For passports, we cannot accept credit or debit cards as a form of payment . You must be able to pay with check or money order.
• All applicants, even minors, must appear in person.
• For children under the age of 16, both parents must be present or have a notarized consent form from the absent parent, as well as a front and back copy of the parent's driver's license.
• If you need your passport within 14 days, call the U.S. Passports agency for an appointment: Phone: 1 (877) 487-2778 Hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-midnight eastern time
• Additional information and forms are available on the U.S. Department of State's website at travel.state.gov .

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