TO OBTAIN YOUR FIRST U.S. passport, go to the nearest passport office or an authorized post office or courthouse and complete form DSP-11. You will need two passport-size photographs, an original or a certified birth certificate, and a picture ID, such as your driver's license. The cost is $65.

In most circumstances, you should renew your passport by mail. Use form DSP-82, available from passport agencies, authorized post offices and courthouses, some travel agencies, and the National Passport Center. Enclose your old passport and a check for $55. Only if you need your passport within two weeks should you renew in person at the post office or courthouse; fill out form DSP-11, and pay $92 plus $26.75 for express mail. The passport will take 5-7 days to arrive..

If your passport is lost or stolen, follow the procedure for getting your first passport, and explain what happened using form DSP-64.

The procedure is different if you have a problem while you are traveling overseas. If your passport expires while you are outside the U.S., contact the U.S. consular office in that country. Your previous passport will be accepted as proof of your citizenship.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you're away, the nearest embassy or consulate will replace it if you have a picture ID. If you cannot provide a picture ID, gather as much evidence of your citizenship and identity as possible; the embassy must be able to verify that you are who you say you are. It will then contact the State Department to verify that you had been issued a passport.

The embassy may decide to let you return to the U.S. without issuing a replacement passport; the fee is then $100.

The State Department strongly advises that you make copies of your identification—especially the photo page of your passport and your driver's license—and that you carry the copies separate from the originals.

When visiting or traveling through a country, some countries require you to have more than 6 months before the expiration date on your passport. Check with the consulate of the country(ies) you plan on visiting for their requirements.

The National Passport Center can answer any questions; call (603) 334-0500.

Also visit the Passport Services and Information website of the US State Department.

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