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Thousands of Post Offices ™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo.

• Renewing Passports : If you answer 'Yes' to all 5 eligibility questions in the " Renew a Passport by Mail " section, mail your renewal form directly to the State Department. If you don't meet all the renewal requirements, you'll need to go to a Post Office in person and do a new, first-time passport application.
• First-Time Passports (and Passport Photos) : Schedule your in-person appointment online.

Schedule an Appointment

Alert: --> online scheduler to make an appointment for passport services to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. The State Department has extremely limited passport services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expect significant delays of several months before receiving your new U.S. passport. Learn More

Alert: Please use our online scheduler , a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk, or visit a Post Office retail counter to make an appointment for first-time passport and photo services. Alternatively, find a location near you with passport walk-in acceptance hours.

First-Time Passports

First-time applicants and people who aren’t allowed to get a new passport by mail.

Apply at a Post Office

Expedited Delivery

Renewing Passports

Most people renewing a passport should mail their application directly to the State Department.

Renew by Mail

Passports for Minors

Passports for children under 16 have special requirements. Make sure you are prepared.

Apply for a First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person at the Post Office.

Step 1: Gather Documents Early

Generally, you should apply for your new passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally—at least several months in advance. Passport processing times may vary, so be sure to check the latest State Department service estimates . First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.

• Application forms (unsigned)
• Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Passport fees

Apply for a Passport in Person

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package

Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.

• Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
• Print your completed application. DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Postal employee must witness your signature.
• Have a passport photo taken.
• Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
• Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
• State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Get Started on Your Application

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk.

Scheduling Online

• Go to Schedule an Appointment .
• Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• You can search for appointment by location or date first. If you search by location first, you'll then be asked to choose a date and time; if you search by date first, you'll then need to choose a location and time.
• After you choose your appointment location and time, provide your contact information, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Click Review Appointment , then confirm your appointment.

If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, click the Manage Appointments tab and enter your confirmation number and email address or phone number.

Using a Self-Service Kiosk

• Go to a Post Office location with lobby self-service kiosks. Find USPS Locations
• At the self-service kiosk, touch the screen to begin, then select "Other Services," then "Passport Scheduler."
• Choose the passport service you need, then enter the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• Search for Post Office locations by ZIP Code™ or City/State and choose a location.
• Select an available appointment date and time, then agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Enter your contact information and decide if you'd like to receive SMS text notifications.
• Review and confirm your information, then select “Schedule Appointment” to finalize.
• Take your printed receipt listing your confirmation number and appointment details.

Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance & Processing Fees

First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra. Learn how to calculate fees and what you can use to pay for them.

Application Acceptance Fees – Postal Service

Pay acceptance fees in person at the Post Office. You may pay by check or money order, payable to "Postmaster," debit card, or credit card.

• $35.00 - Post Office acceptance fee
• $15.00 - Post Office photo fee (if needed)

Application Processing Fees – Department of State

State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from USPS fees.

• State Department Fees State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online .
• Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
• Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You can buy a money order at the Post Office with cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. You cannot pay with a credit card.

Application Status Updates

• Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are on their way to the Department of State. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page " U.S. Passports ."

Renew a Passport by Mail

If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail .

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail

A minor's passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor's passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person . An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.

You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer "Yes" to all 5 of the following statements:

Your passport:

• Is in your possession to submit with your application.
• Is undamaged other than normal "wear and tear."
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• Was issued within the last 15 years.
• Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport .)

If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.

State Department Renew by Mail

Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.

• Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
• Print and sign your DS-82 form.
• Have a passport photo taken. You can schedule a passport photo-only appointment at a Post Office ™ location.
• Calculate your passport renewal fees .
• Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
• Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
• TIP : Pay for Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your application. Order easily online: Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope or Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope .
• Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.

How to Renew a Passport - Details

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application

Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.

Choose one of the following services:

• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Delivery Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Signature Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail Express ® Service (for overnight delivery requests)

Compare Delivery Tracking Services

Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress

If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking ® to see when your package is delivered.

• With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.

USPS Tracking Status

U.S. Passport Application Status

Expedited Passport Delivery

Get a new passport faster in emergencies & special cases.

If you need your passport faster for emergency travel or another special case, you can send your passport application via Priority Mail Express ® service and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery.

Life-or-Death Emergency

If you need to travel within 72 hours (3 business days) for an immediate family member who is dead, dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury:

• Visit the Life-or-Death Emergencies page on travel.state.gov to learn if you are eligible.
• The State Department processes these requests by appointment only.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel.

Urgent Travel in Less than 10 Weeks

If you are traveling in less than 10 weeks, you must call the State Department Passport Agency to schedule an appointment:

• You can call 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) to schedule an appointment.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel, and you must provide proof of travel.

Note : An extremely limited number of appointments are available for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days), and other restrictions apply .

Get My Passport Fast

Renew Your Passport Fast

If you pay an additional $60 for expedited service and mail it with Priority Mail Express , you can get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.

• Check your eligibility under Renew Your Passport by Mail, Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail .
• Prepare your application as listed under Renew a Passport by Mail, Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package .
• Add these special fees, both payable to the U.S. Department of State, to your regular processing fees.
• $60.00—Expedited application processing at the State Department
• $18.32—1- to 2-day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department
• Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
• Ship your application to the State Department by Priority Mail Express. Cost varies by location.
• Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
• Children need evidence of citizenship.
• Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
• NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years. They are not "renewable": When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them. When making a passport appointment for a child, please choose "New Passport Only" or "New Passport with Photo Services."

Apply for a Minor's Passport

• Department of State Passport Website English | Español
• Ask Questions at the National Passport Information Center
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Plan Your Trip with the Traveler's Checklist
• Get Help in an Emergency Overseas

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.

Report Your Lost/Stolen Passport

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• For Travelers

Apply for a U.S. Passport

DHS provides information on the passport application process, obtaining a visa, border crossing documents, and general travel tips. U.S. Citizens must get a passport issued by the U.S. Department of State to travel overseas.

Information on requirements for U.S. passport applications.

Do I Need a Visa?

Learn about your destination and find out if you need a visa for travel outside the country.

U.S. Passport Application Status

Check the status of a U.S. passport application.

Passport Travel Tips

Safeguard your Passport. You must present your passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States. Carry your passport—do not pack it in your checked luggage. We recommend you make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place as a safeguard in case it is lost or stolen.

Traveling with Children. All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children.

• If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.
• If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent. For example, "I acknowledge that my wife/ husband is traveling out of the country with my son/ daughter. He/She/ has my permission to do so."
• If a single parent has sole custody, a copy of the court custody document can replace a letter from the other parent.

Western Hemispheric Travel Initiative

The Western Hemispheric Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows six types of acceptable documents required for travel in the Western Hemisphere, i.e., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America.

The goal of WHTI is to strengthen border security while facilitating entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers. WHTI makes the traveling process more efficient and convenient.

• How Do I - For Travelers

Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page

Use this site to find the nearest acceptance facility where you can submit your U.S. passport application. Acceptance facilities include post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other local government offices which accept passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. Search for facilities by zip code, state, or state/city. You can also find facilities which offer on-site photo services.

• Download and fill out passport forms
• Steps on how to apply
• Calculate your fees
• Find current processing times

Please note that information on this site changes weekly. If you wish to provide feedback on using this site, click here.  

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Schedule an Appointment

Appointment status: confirmed, confirmation #:, change your appointment, note: you may modify this appointment until ..

To change your appointment location , cancel this appointment and create a new one.

To change the date, time, number of applicants, or contact information , edit your appointment information and click "Review Appointment" at the bottom of this page.

Manage a Scheduled Appointment

Enter the email address or phone number that was used to schedule this appointment..

Appointment Information

Confirmation

Step 1: Choose a Service

Appointment includes at least 1 minor under the age if 16.

Step 2: Search by

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Use Find USPS Locations to compare Post Offices that provide passport services.

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Passport photo locations.

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Choose a location by selecting an available date..

Note: You'll only see appointments for the 5 closest locations. Choose another location or different date for additional appointments.

Select a Date

Select the day you'd like to search for appointments. You can search for appointments up to 4 weeks from now.

Step 3: Select a Time

Select a time from the list of appointments available. If you don't see a time that works for you, check another location. Appointments take approximately 15 minutes per person. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. Appointment times displayed reflect the proper time zone of this Passport Acceptance Facility.

Schedule Key:

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Blue color indicates current selected appointment time.

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To confirm this appointment, provide your contact information.

We need to verify your identity to confirm this appointment. Provide your contact information and select a method below to receive a verification code. We will use this code to confirm your identity and secure your appointment.

Your telecommunications carrier may charge data usage fees (including additional charges when roaming) to receive text message updates. You should contact your wireless provider for complete pricing details.

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Your information will be used to schedule an appointment for retail services and to identify and mitigate the effects of fraudulent transactions. Collection is authorized by 39 U.S.C. 401, 403, and 404. Providing the information is voluntary, but if not provided, we may be unable to provide this service to you. We do not disclose your information to third parties without your consent, except to act on your behalf or request, or as legally required. This includes the following limited circumstances and disclosures authorized by the Privacy Act as Routine Uses: incident to legal proceedings involving the Postal Service; for law enforcement purposes; to a congressional office on your behalf; to agents or contractors when necessary to fulfill a business function; to a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) auditor; to labor organizations as required by applicable law; to government agencies in connection with decisions as necessary; to agencies and entities for financial matters; and for customer service purposes. For more information regarding our privacy policies visit www.usps.com/privacypolicy .

Final Step: Review & Confirm Appointment Details

Review your information and click "Confirm Details" to schedule your appointment. After you confirm the appointment, you'll receive your final confirmation number.

Service Type

Contact information, post office, appointment details.

• Arrive 10 minutes early.

Estimated USPS ® Charges 1

Total usps fees.

1 The Department of State charges additional fees for Passport Books and/or Cards as well as processing. See the Passport Fee Calculator.

Please do not refresh the page.

Initializing Services

Searching for nearest locations, searching for available appointments, loading appointment, processing your cancelation, you can't make passport renewal appointments.

You must Renew by Mail if you are eligible. See the 5 eligibility requirements.

• Eligible to Renew by Mail: Select Renew by Mail below and follow the instructions for mailing your renewal form to the State Department.
• Not Eligible to Renew By Mail: Close this box and choose one of the "New Passport" service options to schedule an in-person appointment at a Post Office™ location.

Are you sure you want to cancel your appointment?

All appointment information will be lost.

Unfortunately, you can no longer make changes to this appointment.

If you would like to change your date, time, number of applicants, or contact information, please cancel this appointment and schedule a new one.

New Passport Only

2 Adults, 1 Minor

500-555-1234

[email protected]

Appointment Status: Canceled

We're sorry, this appointment was canceled by the post office because the time slot is no longer available.

Please reschedule.

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You can search for appointments up to 4 weeks from now. Please note: Appointments are not available on holidays.

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or have to get a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or in person in an emergency.

Renew early. Passport processing times  vary. And some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.

Determine if you can renew your passport

If any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:

• Issued before your 16th birthday
• Issued more than 15 years ago
• Damaged, lost, or stolen. Learn how to report a lost or stolen passport.
• Issued in your previous name, and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change

If none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport.

How to renew your passport and documents you will need

Passports can only be renewed by mail. Online renewals are currently paused. Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires.

Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport:

• You can fill out Form DS-82 online , or
• Download Form DS-82 and fill it out by hand, or
• Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up a copy.
• Passport photo
• Passport fee
• Your most recent passport
• Name change documentation, if necessary

Learn how to submit all your documentation and passport fees by mail.

Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals .

If you need your passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need to change your name or correct your passport

After you receive your renewed passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

Check the status of your passport renewal

Learn how to check the status of your passport renewal online . Or check its status by phone (call wait times may be long).

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. 

Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the  Department of State's country information page .

• On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.
• On that country's page, look for "passport validity."

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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U.S. Passport Application Status

Sorry, we couldn’t find that page. here are several suggestions to help find what you’re looking for:.

• Check our website's homepage, passportstatus.state.gov
• Travel.State.Gov
• U.S. Passports
• International Travel

MyTravelGov

Welcome to MyTravelGov

Additional information.

• PSP Division
• Passport Seva
• Passport Offices in India
• Mission/Post Abroad
• Citizens' Charter
• General Information
• Chief Passport Officer
• Passport Offices
• Vigilance Unit
• Visa Services
• Consular / Visa

Money Talks News

3 Ways to Renew Your Passport in a Hurry — and Everything Else to Know

Posted: February 6, 2024 | Last updated: February 6, 2024

Excited to have a vacation on the horizon, I bought airline tickets for a trip out of the country recently. To my shock, the airline alerted me that my passport would expire before my trip. Suddenly, I needed to move fast to get the passport renewed.

There’s been a big demand for passports in recent years, with the growth of overseas travel. “In 1990, only 5 percent of Americans had a passport. Today, that number is 48 percent,” the State Department says . For a time the agency fell behind its goal of processing applications within six to eight weeks for routine applications, although it says that it has caught up now.

Besides the routine approach for renewing a passport, there are three other, faster ways to renew: expedited, urgent and emergency. Each has rules, fees and processing times.

Read on to learn about your options to renew a passport, including official routes (click the timelines for details) and how to speed up a renewal application that’s already in the system. We also look briefly at private companies — couriers and expediters not affiliated with the government — that claim to process passport renewals quickly.

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Routine passport renewal timeline

• Time left before travel: Eight weeks or more
• Fees : Passport book, $130; passport card (not good for international air travel), $30. Postage not included. Optional one- to two-day delivery service, $19.53, is available for passport books only.

Submit a routine renewal application if you’re not in a rush. Routine processing time is six to eight weeks, not including mailing.

According to a hotline agent I spoke with, you can either renew by mail or make an appointment with a passport agency near you. (For now, a trial online system has been paused .) Download and complete Form DS-82 , or use the online Form Filler Tool and print the completed form at home.

As you’d expect, government forms and rules can be fussy. This link explains how to apply, including how to take a good photo. Children under age 16 aren’t eligible to renew using Form DS-82. Instead, use Form DS-11 and apply in person. You can get help — no charge — filling out forms, answering questions and assembling your application at one of many official passport acceptance facilities (including post offices, libraries and some local government offices).

1. Expedited passport renewal

• Time left before travel: Less than eight weeks

Fees: $60 expediting fee on top of application fee

Submit your expedited renewal application by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility . Processing time (not including mailing) is two to three weeks.

Here’s how I made my expedited renewal application:

• On advice from the National Passport Information Center hotline (1-877-487-2778), I took my completed application, regulation passport photos , old passport and a check for the application and processing fees to a U.S. Post Office. The passport hotline is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• I put everything in a USPS’ Priority Mail Express envelope, since I was in a hurry to receive my renewed passport. I called the passport hotline, and they advised using the one- to two-day delivery service for an additional fee.
• My new passport arrived in two weeks, quicker than I’d dared hope. My old passport was returned separately.

Using USPS Priority Mail Express was a great tip from the hotline. Otherwise, an application can spend up to two weeks in the mail to the passport agency; and your new passport could spend another two weeks in the return mail.

2. Urgent passport renewal

• Time left before travel: Two to three weeks

For urgent travel (if you’re traveling within 14 days or if you need a foreign visa within four weeks), you can skip the mail and make an appointment (no charge) online to visit a passport agency or center . It’s OK to make your appointment as many as 14 days in advance, but the appointment itself must fall within five calendar days of your departure. No specific processing time is given for urgent applications.

Related: Half of All Retirees Say They Fear This

One hitch: “Appointments are limited and we cannot guarantee one will be available,” the State Department says . Walk-ins are not accepted.

3. Emergency passport renewal

Time left before travel: Three business days (72 hours)

This category of renewals is reserved for a life-or-death emergency that requires international travel. You’ll need an appointment. It’s OK to book the appointment as far as two weeks in advance but the appointment itself must be within three business days of your international travel.

Before making the appointment you’ll need to document the emergency. Here’s how to apply for an emergency passport renewal . Bring proof of travel to your appointment.

The emergency provision is for a documented “life-or-death” emergency involving an immediate family member (not aunt, uncle, cousin, or other relative) outside of the United States who:

• Is dying (in hospice care)
• Has a life-threatening injury or illness

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Upgrading a passport application already in the system

If you’ve already submitted a passport renewal application but need to travel sooner than you’d thought, you can apply to upgrade your application.

The State Department explains how to proceed if you’ve already got an application in the system and have urgent travel. Call the passport hotline for instructions.

Are couriers and expediters worth it?

Some people, hoping to move quickly and willing to spend more money, use private courier and expediter companies . Such companies are not affiliated with the government, despite what some may say or imply.

A service may promise fast service for an additional fee. But with an outside service, “you will not receive your passport faster than applying at one of our passport agencies ,” the State Department says.

Some services may offer to wait in line for you, mail your documents or make an appointment on your behalf. But the State Department doesn’t charge for appointments and says, “If you are asked to pay for an appointment, you should consider the request to be fraudulent.”

The State Department doesn’t back promises from private companies or guarantee documents’ safety in the hands of couriers and expediters.

Also, scammers sometimes pose as passport expediters and courier companies. Experian, the credit agency, tells how to protect yourself from passport scams . The State Department also maintains a list of registered couriers .

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