Where Can I Obtain Passport Application Forms?
All passport application forms and instructions can be found here.
You should follow the instructions on our website and disregard the instructions on the passport forms as they refer specifically to passport applications processed in the U.S. You need to submit your application to the U.S. Consulate in the country in which you are physically present.
Can I Apply For My Passport Renewal By Mail Or Do I Have To Appear In Person
You can apply to renew your passport by mail if:
- Your passport was issued when you were over 16;
- You have in your possession an undamaged passport valid for 10 years;
- Your current passport has not expired for more than 5 years.
You need to complete DS-82. For details, see requirement for applying by mail.
You must appear in person, through a pre-arranged appointment if:
- Your passport was issued when you were under 16;
- Your passport was lost/stolen or damaged;
- Your passport has expired more than 5 years
- You are applying for your first passport
You need to complete Form DS-11. Before you come in, see requirements for:
If I Am Eligible To Renew My Passport By Mail Can I Still Come To The Embassy To Do This? How Long Does It Take To Get A Passport When I Apply By Mail?
If you are an adult with a 10-year passport issued within the last 15 years, you should submit your passport renewal by mail. This convenience will save you time. You will not need to come to the embassy, wait in security lines or in the waiting room. You can apply by mail from the comfort of your own home and the new passport will be returned to you in approximately three weeks by courier.
Will The Passport I Have To Submit With My Application Be Returned To Me? What Happens To The Foreign Visas In My Old Passport?
Yes, your old passport will be cancelled and returned to you with the new one. The U.S. Embassy does not have the authority to transfer visas issued by other countries. You may have to re-apply for the foreign visas that are currently in your old passport. Please contact the relevant foreign embassy or consulate for information.
Social Security Number: Do I Have To Provide It On My Application?
You must complete this item in accordance with 22 USC 2714a. If you were never issued a social security number, you/your parent/legal guardian (for minors) must submit a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that you were never issued a social security number. Failure to provide a Social Security Number will result in suspension of your passport application. If you have a number, but do not remember it, contact the Embassy’s Federal Benefits Unit for assistance here.
How Long Is A Passport Valid For?
In general, children under the age of 16 are issued passports valid for five years; those 16 and over are issued passports valid for ten years.
If I Don't Plan To Travel Any Time Soon, Why Should I Renew My Passport?
Many reasons:
- The passport is proof of American citizenship. Every American abroad should have valid proof of his/her citizenship at all times. A valid passport is required for administrative purposes.
- Life is unpredictable. You never know when you may need to travel suddenly. The last thing you need to do in an emergency is worry about getting to the Embassy to get your or your child’s passport renewed. It is much better to do it when it is convenient for you.
- If you wait too long, you may not be able to renew an expired passport by mail. You will have to apply in person and pay an extra fee.
- Passports cannot be extended. When applying from overseas, processing time is approximately 2-3 weeks.
How Soon Should I Renew My Passport Before It Expires?
You may renew your passport at any time before or after it expires. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. If you wait too long, you cannot renew an expired passport by mail and have to apply in person and pay an extra fee.
How Long Will It Take To Process My Passport Application?
Applications for full-validity or second passports are sent to the U.S. for printing. Therefore, whether you apply for the passport by mail, or in person, you should allow approximately 2-3 weeks for your application to be processed.
Emergencies: I Have A Life Or Death Emergency In The U.S., And Need A Passport. What Should I Do?
Life or Death Emergencies involve serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family that require you to travel within 72 hours. You must appear in person at the Embassy for emergency service, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. except Greek and American holidays. Documentation of the emergency may be requested. More info is available here.
I Lost My Passport. What Should I Do?
For information, see replacing lost or stolen passports.
What Is A Passport Card?
The Department of State has developed a Passport Card as a more portable and less expensive alternative to the traditional passport book. The passport card is the wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card is a convenient alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea.
I Just Got My New Passport Back And There's A Mistake In It. What Do I Do?
Contact us as soon as possible at AthensAmericanPassports@state.gov
My Passport Has Been Damaged. Can I Continue To Use This Passport?
If your passport has been significantly damaged, especially the book cover or the page displaying your personal data and photo, you will need to apply for a new passport. For more information, see damaged passports.
How Much Does It Cost To Apply For A Passport And How Can I Pay The Fee?
See our Fee Schedule for cost and forms of payment. If you are applying for more than one passport renewal by mail, you can send only one bank check for the total amount.
Passport Photographs: What Are The Requirements For Correct Photos?
See Passport Photos for requirements and photo examples. Do NOT staple the photos to your application. Failure to submit the correct photographs will result in significant processing delays.
My Passport Is Still Valid, But Its Pages Are All Fully Stamped. Could I Have Extra Pages Added To It Or Should I Apply For A New Passport?
As of January 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of State no longer adds visa pages into U.S. passports. The decision to discontinue this service was made to enhance the security of the passport and to abide by international passport standards.
To mitigate the impact on frequent travelers, the Department began issuing 52-page passports to all applicants outside the United States starting October 1, 2014 for no additional cost.
I Legally Changed My Name In Greece. How Can I Change My Name In My U.S. Passport?
You will need to present the court order showing the legal change of name with an official English translation and your Greek i.d./Greek passport issued in the new name.
The Name In My Greek Passport Is Not The Same As In My U.S. Passport. I Will Purchase A Flight Ticket To The U.S. Soon. Which Name Do I Have To Use When I Purchase A Ticket?
U.S. citizens should travel to the United States on their U.S. Passport. The ticket should be issued in the same name as the U.S. travel document.
I Was Recently Married/Divorced. How Do I Change My Name On My Passport?
If your current passport was issued within the last year, you will need to complete Form DS-5504: and submit the following:
- Your passport;
- Certified documentation of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree with your new name); and
- Two recent passport photos per the State Department’s photo requirements;
If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you must complete Form DS-82: and submit the following:
- Your passport;
- Certified documentation of your name change;
- Two recent passport photos per the State Department’s photo requirements;
- Fee – See our Fee Schedule for cost and forms of payment
Can I Submit Copies Of The Supporting Documents (Birth Certificate/Marriage Certificate/Divorce Decree)? If This Document Is Not In English, Do You Require A Translation?
You are required to present the originals or copies certified by the issuing authorities bearing the official’s seal and signature. Any documents not in Greek or English, must be accompanied by an official English translation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
My Children And I Will Be Applying For Our Passports Together. May We Make One Appointment Or Should Each Family Member Make Their Own Individual Appointments?
Each family member seeking a service should make an individual appointment.
Is It True That Passport Applications For Minors Under 16 Require The Consent Of Both Parents?
Effective February 1, 2008, U.S. passport applications for children under the age of 16, requires both parents’ consent. See Special Requirements for Children Under Age 16.
I Am Applying For My Child’s Passport. Your Website Says I Need Proof Of Parentage. What Documents Are Acceptable?
Any of the following are acceptable:
- Certified U.S. birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad with both parents’ names
- Certified Greek birth certificate with both parents’ names
Adoption Decree with adopting parents’ names or Court Order establishing sole legal custody (accompanied by an official translation in English, if this document is in a foreign language).
I Want To Apply For Consular Reports Of Birth And/Or Passports For My Children. Do I Have To Bring Them To The Consulate?
Yes, anyone who is applying for their first passport, or whose previous passport was issued when they were under 16, must appear in person through a pre-arranged appointment.
My Child Is Too Young To Sign His/Her Own Passport. How Do I Sign My Child's Passport?
In the space provided for the signature, the mother/father must print the child’s name and sign their own name. Then, in parenthesis, write the word (mother) or (father).
Both My Husband And I Are U.S. Citizens. My Child Was Born In Greece. How Do I Register My Child As A U.S. Citizen, And Obtain A U.S. Passport?
A child born in wedlock outside of the United States to two U.S. citizen parents is entitled to citizenship, provided that:
- both parents were U.S. citizens prior to the child’s birth and one of the parents had, prior to the birth of the child, been a resident in the United States. (No specific period of time is required). See requirements for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
My Mother/Father Was A U.S. Citizen Prior To My Birth. I Was Born In Greece After November 14, 1986. Can I Acquire U.S. Citizenship Through Her/Him?
A child born outside of the United States to one U.S. citizen parent and one non-U.S. citizen parent may be entitled to citizenship providing that:
- the U.S. citizen parent was a U.S. citizen prior to the child’s birth and
- the parent can prove that she/he had been physically present in the United States for five years, at least two years of which were after she/he reached the age of fourteen. This period of physical presence must have taken place prior to the birth of the child. See details on requirements for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
My Mother/Father Was A U.S. Citizen. I Was Born Overseas Between December 24, 1952 And November 13, 1986. Can I Acquire U.S. Citizenship Through Her/Him?
A Child born in wedlock to one U.S. citizen parent and one non-U.S. Citizen parent between December 24, 1952 and November 13, 1986, may be entitled to citizenship providing that:
- the U.S. citizen parent was a U.S. citizen prior to the child’s birth and
- the parent can prove that she/he was physically present in the United States for a period of ten years, at least five years of which were after she/he reached the age of fourteen. This period of physical presence must have taken place prior to the birth of the child. See details on requirements for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
I Have A Child Born In Greece. I Was Not Married At The Time Of His/Her Birth. I Am A U.S. Citizen But The Child’s Father Is Not. Can My Child Acquire U.S. Citizenship Through Me?
A child born outside of the United States and out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother may be entitled to U.S. citizenship providing the U.S. Citizen mother had been physically present in the United States for a continuous period of at least one year (365 days) at some time prior to the birth of the child. Periods spent overseas with the U.S. government/military or as a government/military dependent, are NOT considered as physical presence in the U.S. for transmission under this category.
NOTE: A child born outside of the United States on or after June 12, 2017, out of wedlock to a U.S. mother may be entitled to U.S. citizenship providing the U.S. citizen mother had been physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for five years, at least two years of which were after she reached the age of fourteen.
Is It True That Anyone Born In The United States Is A U.S. Citizen?
Yes, almost anybody born in the United States is an American citizen regardless of the nationality or status of his/her parents. The only exception is for children of foreign diplomats who have full diplomatic immunity.
If I Cannot Transmit Citizenship Automatically To My Child, Is There Any Way That She/He May Become A U.S. Citizen?
Yes, if the child is under age 18, he/she may be able to acquire U.S. citizenship either through their U.S. citizen grandparent or through expeditious naturalization. More information is available at uscis.gov.
We Are Americans Living In Greece. We Just Adopted A Child And She/He Is Living With Us Here. How Do We Get Her/Him An American Passport?
Adoption by a U.S. citizen parent does not automatically confer citizenship, but it does qualify a child for expeditious naturalization, or citizenship upon entry to the U.S. For more information visit uscis.gov.
Can My Spouse Obtain A U.S. Passport Or Citizenship Through Marriage?
A U.S. citizen cannot transmit citizenship to a spouse. Your spouse would be required to apply for an immigrant visa and reside in the United States as a lawful permanent resident (LPR). For more information visit uscis.gov.
I Am An American Citizen, But Also Have A Foreign Passport. Can I Use My Foreign Passport To Travel To The United States?
No. Under U.S. law, U.S. citizens must be in possession of a valid U.S. passport to enter or leave the United States. This is true even if you hold a passport from another country. If your U.S. passport has been lost or stolen, or if it has expired, you must apply to replace it before traveling to the United States. There is no guarantee of entry to the United States without a valid U.S. passport.
How Can I Obtain Copies Of U.S. Marriage, Divorce, Or Death Certificates?
You may obtain a certified copy of these certificates from the state in which the event occurred. The National Center for Health Statistics maintains a list of states’ contact information for this purpose. See Where to write to for vital records. An available on-line service is: http://www.vitalchek.com/?clicked=1
How Do I Get Copies Or Replace My Lost/Damaged Consular Report Of Birth Abroad (FS-240)? How Do I Amend My Consular Report Of Birth Abroad?
To obtain a certified copy or amend a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240), please contact the Passport Services Office at the Department of State;
How Can I Find Out If I Need A Visa To Travel To A Particular Foreign Country?
Please consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for the country to which you wish to travel. You should also check with the Embassy/Consulate of that country for definitive guidance.