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Passport FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Passport services at Charlotte. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewer, we are here to make your process easy.

Don’t see your question below? Licensing is happy to help! Email unionstation@charlotte.edu or call 704-687-5803.

General Questions

Who needs a valid U.S. Passport?

A passport is required for any U.S. citizen traveling to another country. Having a valid U.S. passport is essential for citizens who seek to visit family abroad, plan a vacation in another country, or hold a job that may require international travel.

How long are passports valid?

Passports for applicants aged 15 or under are valid for 5 years. Passports for applicants aged 16 or older are valid for 10 years.

What is the difference between a Passport Book and Passport Card?
  • Passport Book – may be used by U.S. citizens to travel by any means to any international travel destination.
  • Passport Card – may be used by U.S. citizens to travel at United States land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry when arriving to and from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda only. These cannot be used to fly internationally.
Can I apply for both passport types at the same time, with the same application?

Yes you can. Check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would like to apply for both.

If you already have a Passport Book and are eligible, you may apply for a new Passport Card by mailing Form DS-82. You may renew your passport at the same time using the same form.

How do I check the status of my application?

If you applied in person or renewed by mail, you can check your passport status online.

Applying & Processing

How long does it take to process my application?

Current routine processing takes 8-11 weeks and may change depending on the volume of applicants.

Expedited processing takes 5-7 weeks. Expedited services have an additional $60.00 fee per application. The fee for this service is payable to the U.S. Department of State in addition to application fees.

If you need your passport sooner for travel, please visit the official Department of State website or contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-888-874-7793 with any questions.

Am I able to apply with my Social Security card instead of my Birth Certificate?

No. A Social Security card does not constitute proof of citizenship in the same way as a Birth Certificate. However, you do still have to provide your Social Security number on the application.

What if I can’t find my Birth Certificate or Social Security card?

For a certified copy of a birth certificate, contact the Vital Statistics Office of the state in which you or your child was born.

Contact the Social Security Administration for information about obtaining a new or replacement Social Security number or card.

Can I apply for a passport with a felony conviction or unpaid back taxes/child support?

You can apply for a U.S. Passport, but it’s not guaranteed that you will be approved for or issued one.

  • All applicants are screened by law enforcement, and some offenses result in a permanent passport ban.
  • If you owe more than $59,000 in back taxes or your unpaid back child support balance reaches $2,500, the US Department of State may deny the issuance of a passport.

Please contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 to discuss your eligibility.

Minor Applications

Does a baby need a passport?

Yes. An infant, even a newborn, must possess a passport if the child will be taken outside of the United States.

How do I renew my child’s passport?

You must bring a DS-11 Form, the old passport* and a photocopy of their Birth Certificate to the appointment. Check the full application process for minor passports for any other requirements.

*If you are unable to locate the passport, you must also complete Form DS-64 (Lost/Stolen Passport) in addition to Form DS-11.

What if I don’t have a Birth Certificate or Social Security card for my child?

For a certified copy of a birth certificate, contact the Vital Statistics Office of the state in which you or your child was born.

Contact the Social Security Administration for information about obtaining a new or replacement Social Security number or card.

Does a minor need parental/legal consent when applying for a passport?

Yes, minors aged 15 or younger must be accompanied by their parent(s) and submit a parental consent form with their application.

For minors aged 16 or 17, a parental consent form is not required, though it is recommended to avoid delays. However, in the absence of a parental consent form, parental awareness is required. To indicate awareness, the parent may:

  • Sign the application
  • Be listed as the emergency contact
  • Provide a written awareness statement with a photocopy of their ID (if not present at the passport appointment)

Renewals & Updates

Do I need an appointment to renew my passport?

An adult passport issued less than 15 years ago does not require an appointment. Complete and mail Form DS-82 to the address on the application.

However, adult applicants renewing a passport that is more than 15 years from the issue date must make an appointment and complete a new application.

Do I need to renew if I run out of pages in my 10-year passport?

Yes, you will need to complete and mail the DS-82 Renewal Form.

What should I do if my previous passport was lost, stolen, damaged or defaced?

You will need to reapply and re-complete the new passport process with all required documents, either as an Adult applicant or a Minor applicant, including Form DS-64.

How can I update my passport if my name has changed?

You usually do not need an appointment or agent assistance for a name change.

  • If the passport is less than one year from the issue date, complete Form DS-5504.
  • If the passport is more than one year from the issue date, complete Renewal Form DS-82.

However, if the passport is more than 15 years from the issue date, you must reapply for a new passport with all required documents.