Apply For A New U.S. Passport
You must apply in person if any of these situations are applicable: this is your first application for a U.S. passport, you're applying with a child under the age of 16, your previous U.S. passport was issued before you turned 16, your U.S. passport was lost/stolen/damaged, or your U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
passportS vs passport card
The Passport Book
You are required to have a U.S. Passport Book when traveling by air to any international location. If you are traveling by land or sea, you may only need a Passport Card.
What is a U.S. Passport Card?
The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. It is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book; however, the passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. We advise you to obtain a passport book for emergencies. You can also apply for both. The passport card actually serves as a form of identification when you'd rather not show the address on your Driver's License.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Processing times vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances. Customers are encouraged to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 13 weeks.