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Passport & Passport Photo Information
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A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports.
Although AAA cannot issue passports, you can obtain passport photos at your local AAA office. At your local AAA office, the front receptionist will handle any passport photo requests. AAA members can acquire passport photos for a nominal fee or free for AAA Plus members.
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New Requirements for Travelers Between
the United States and the Western Hemisphere
Travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports.
The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases according to the U.S. Department of State, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines.
If you are planning any travel to these destinations, please review the U.S. Department of State's new requirements before traveling. If you need a passport or need to renew a passport, there is information below with access to further information.
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Passport Information
Getting a Passport for The First Time
To obtain a passport for the first time, you will need to apply in person to one of the many passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two passport photos, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.
Plan ahead to make sure your travel plans are not impacted by the new requirements. While not difficult, it does take some time, usually about 6 weeks, to get a new passport, so follow these steps to get yours ahead of time.
- Visit your local AAA Office to obtain your passport photo.
- Review the online guide provided by the U.S. Department of State on getting one for the first time.
- How to apply, documentation required, and download the required application
New online passport procedures announced designed to speed processing and reducing data entry errors.
Applicants now can enter personal information through a secure online site and print completed forms, which feature a bar code that is scanned during the passport processing stage. After forms are printed, the site automatically deletes applicant information to ensure privacy.
Forms are available by accessing www.travel.state.gov/passport and then click on "Application for Passport: DS-11" or click here (scroll to the bottom of page). Completed forms, along with appropriate supporting documents and passport fees, can be submitted at any of the federal processing facilities in the country.
- Expedited service
- Where to Apply in the US
- Where to Apply Abroad
Renewing Your Passport
If you need to renew your passport, you may do so by mail if: your most recent passport is available to submit and is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change. For more information on how to renew a passport, please click here.
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U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs
First Time Passport | Renewal of Passport | Travel Advisories
New Requirements for Travelers | New Requirement Timeline | New Requirements for Travelers FAQ
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