{"id":44097,"date":"2017-09-22T12:20:34","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T12:20:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/?p=44097"},"modified":"2017-09-22T12:20:34","modified_gmt":"2017-09-22T12:20:34","slug":"2017-passport-updates-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/travel\/2017-passport-updates-what-you-need-to-know.html","title":{"rendered":"2017 passport updates: What you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

2017 passport updates: What you need to know<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

2017 passport updates: What you need to know:-Is your passport valid for your next trip? September marks the U.S. Department of State\u2019s Passport Awareness Month, since this year is particularly important ahead of some impending passport changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know for Passport Awareness Month, covering everything from the REAL ID Act to what to do if your passport is damaged in a natural disaster.<\/span><\/p>\n

The basics: Is my passport valid?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Your passport is valid for 10 years, and a child\u2019s passport is valid for five. However, many countries require you to have validity through six months after your return date in order to travel. So, check your expiration date this month and mark down when you should renew your passport, especially if you travel overseas frequently. Passports can take anywhere from four to six weeks to renew, or three weeks via expedited service that\u2019ll cost you an extra $60.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you (significantly) don\u2019t look like your passport picture anymore, your passport may no longer be valid. With the development of facial recognition technology, it\u2019s important that you can be identified by your passport or ID photo. Don\u2019t freak out if you\u2019ve colored your hair or grown facial hair \u2014 the Department of State only requires a new photo if you\u2019ve undergone \u201csignificant change\u201d like facial surgery, a gender transition, significant weight loss\/gain, or adding\/removing facial tattoos and piercings.<\/span><\/p>\n

The REAL ID Act and passports<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The REAL ID Act is in the news a lot recently, making headlines like, \u201cYou Might Not Be Able to Fly with Your Driver\u2019s License.\u201d In reality, the new act means that U.S. state IDs must have certain security features and data attached to them in order to be valid, and IDs are typically necessary to get on a plane.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not all states currently have standardized these enhanced security features, yet the REAL ID Act is set to take effect in early 2018 \u2014 so all states that are not compliant have been granted an extension. The full list of states with non-complying features can be found on the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s website. If your state is one, you\u2019ll need to make sure you\u2019re flying with a REAL ID-compliant id by October 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n

As part of its Passport Awareness Month, the Department of State is encouraging people to use a U.S. passport book or card as a compliant form of ID. According to the agency, \u201cThe U.S. passport book and the U.S. passport card are REAL ID compliant and are acceptable identification to board domestic flights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that a U.S. passport card is the same size of a driver\u2019s license, but won\u2019t cover you for international travel, just domestic. A passport card costs $55 for a first-time applicant and $30 if you\u2019ve already had a passport.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do if your passport Is damaged or lost<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you were affected by any of the recent natural disasters in the U.S. and have found water or other damage to your passport, it\u2019s no longer valid. The U.S. Department of State requires you to apply in person when replacing a damaged or lost passport (Note: The Houston Passport Agency was not shuttered by Hurricane Harvey).<\/span><\/p>\n

Replacing a damaged passport<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Passports that have water damage can no longer be used, and should be replaced. Apply in person to replace a damaged passport at an acceptance facility or passport agency. You\u2019ll need the following:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 The damaged U.S. passport<\/span>
\n\u2022 A signed statement explaining the damage<\/span>
\n\u2022 Form DS-11 (Application for U.S. passport)<\/span>
\n\u2022 Citizenship evidence* (i.e., birth or naturalization certificate)<\/span>
\n\u2022 A photocopy of citizenship evidence<\/span>
\n\u2022 Present ID (physical copy)<\/span>
\n\u2022 A photocopy of that ID<\/span>
\n\u2022 One passport photo<\/span>
\n\u2022 Paid fees<\/span><\/p>\n

Replacing a lost passport<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To replace a lost passport, you\u2019ll also need to apply in person and include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Form DS-64 (Statement regarding lost or stolen passport)<\/span>
\n\u2022 Form DS-11 (Application for U.S. passport)<\/span>
\n\u2022 Citizenship evidence* (i.e., birth or naturalization certificate)<\/span>
\n\u2022 A photocopy of citizenship evidence<\/span>
\n\u2022 Present ID (physical copy)<\/span>
\n\u2022 A photocopy of that ID<\/span>
\n\u2022 One passport photo<\/span>
\n\u2022 Paid fees<\/span><\/p>\n

*If your citizenship evidence was lost or damaged during the flooding, and you are unable to replace them before applying for your passport, you can request a file search for an additional fee, if you have previously been issued a passport.<\/span><\/p>\n

Urgent travel<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re traveling in two weeks or less, or need a foreign visa in four weeks or less, you can make an appointment at one of the passport agencies for expedited service. This is the quickest way to get your passport, and you\u2019ll be charged an additional $60 expedite fee.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can make an appointment online, or call 877-487-2778 if you\u2019re unable to find an appointment that meets your needs. It is important to bring all necessary documents, including proof of travel, when you apply at a passport agency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resources for replacing U.S. citizenship evidence:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Birth certificate<\/span>
\n\u2022 Naturalization certificate<\/span>
\n\u2022 Consular Report of Birth Abroad<\/span><\/p>\n

If you need to renew your passport, do it ASAP<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, if your passport is set to expire this year or next, or if you need a passport for the first time, you should do it as soon as you can. Due to a travel legislation change in 2007 (10 years ago), the Department of State issued over 18 million passports that year, meaning all of those passports are now expiring. According to the Department of State there is an increased demand for passport renewals, and this is expected to continue well into 2018. So, avoid long waits or an expediting fee by applying sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few things to keep in mind if you\u2019re applying for a passport this year:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Check to see if you\u2019re eligible to renew by mail; this is the fastest and easiest way to get your new passport.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Check to see if your city is hosting a Special Passport Acceptance Fair: New events are added every Monday. Make sure you have all required application documents beforehand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 As of November 2016, a passport photo is no longer valid if you\u2019re wearing glasses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 An invalid photo is the No. 1 reason a passport application is rejected, so make sure to follow these photo-taking tips before you submit your application.<\/span><\/p>\n

Source:-https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/travel\/advice\/2017\/09\/21\/passport-updates\/685738001\/<\/span><\/p>\n

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