Passmere is a private company, not a government agency. This guide is free information, not legal advice. Each fact links to the official source and shows the date we checked it.
Passport
Second U.S. passport book: who can get one and how to apply
Why the State Department may issue a second passport book, how long it lasts, the signed statement you add, and when you apply by mail or in person.
Who can get a second passport book
under review — see the official source3These reasons are examples. The State Department decides each request. If your reason is different, check the official source before you apply.
Mail or in person
under review — see the official source4The renewal steps work only if your current passport meets every condition for mail renewal:
under review — see the official source5
If every point is true, you use Form DS-82 and mail it with your current passport and your statement. under review — see the official source6
If your passport is not with you (for example, an embassy is holding it for a visa), or it fails any point above, you apply in person with Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility. Find one with the official search: under review — see the official source7.
under review — see the official source8
under review — see the official source9Step by step
- Check that your current passport book is valid and that your reason matches the rule above.
- Write a short statement that explains why you need a second book, and sign it.
- Check the mail renewal list. If every point is true, fill in Form DS-82. If not, fill in Form DS-11 and leave it unsigned.
- Get one passport photo that meets the official rules (see Passport photo requirements).
- By mail: put Form DS-82, the stapled photo, your current passport, your signed statement and the payment in the envelope, and mail it to the address for your state and service speed (see Where to mail your passport application).
- In person: take Form DS-11, your signed statement and the items in the list above to an acceptance facility, and sign the form only when the agent asks.
- Watch your email for status updates and keep your receipt or tracking number.
Checklist
Before you apply for a second book
- Your current passport book is valid
- Your reason fits the official rule
- Signed statement explaining why you need a second book
- Form DS-82 (by mail) or Form DS-11 (in person), filled in
- One passport photo that meets the official rules
- Your current passport in the envelope, if you apply by mail
- Check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State"
- Separate payment of the acceptance fee, if you apply in person
Do and don't
Do
- Say clearly in your statement which trips or visas make the second book necessary.
- If you apply by mail, plan your trips around the weeks your current passport is away.
- Keep a copy of everything you send or hand in.
Don't
- Don't ask for a passport card as your second passport: only books are issued.
- Don't use online renewal for this. under review — see the official source10
- Don't pay a website that says it will renew online for you. under review — see the official source11
Fees
These are government fees, separate from any Passmere fee. The application fee goes to the U.S. Department of State; the acceptance fee goes to the facility.
| What | Paid to | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passport book | U.S. Department of State | under review — see the official source1 |
| Acceptance fee (in person with Form DS-11 only) | Acceptance facility | under review — see the official source2 |
| Expedited service (optional) | U.S. Department of State | under review — see the official source12 |
| 1–3 day return delivery (optional) | U.S. Department of State | under review — see the official source13 |
| Larger book with more visa pages | U.S. Department of State | under review — see the official source14 |
How long it takes
- Routine processing: under review — see the official source17.
- Expedited processing: under review — see the official source18.
- Mailing can add up to under review — see the official source19 each way.
- Documents you sent, such as your current passport, come back up to under review — see the official source20 after the new book.
Need the second book for a trip that is coming up soon? Read Urgent travel: how to get a U.S. passport fast.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a second passport book valid?
For less time than a regular passport book. The exact limit is in the official rule under "Who can get a second passport book".
Can my second passport be a card?
No. Only books are issued as second passports. If you want a card for land and sea trips, read Passport card vs. passport book.
Do I have to send my current passport?
If you follow the mail renewal steps, yes; it comes back to you separately. If you can't send it, apply in person with Form DS-11.
Does Passmere decide whether I get a second book?
No. Only the State Department decides. Passmere is a private company: it prepares the forms from your answers, a person checks every page, and you sign and submit them yourself.
Will Passmere ask for my Social Security number?
No. under review — see the official source21 Passmere never asks for it: you write it on the form yourself.
Sources and verification
- Government application fee — adult passport book — U.S. Department of State: Passport Fees. under review — see the official source
- Acceptance facility fee (in-person applications) — U.S. Department of State: Passport Fees. under review — see the official source
- Second passport book — U.S. Department of State: Apply for a Second Passport Book. under review — see the official source
- Statement for a second passport — U.S. Department of State: Apply for a Second Passport Book. under review — see the official source
- Who can renew by mail (Form DS-82) — U.S. Department of State: Renew Your Passport by Mail. under review — see the official source
- How to send a mail renewal — U.S. Department of State: Renew Your Passport by Mail. under review — see the official source
- Official acceptance facility search — USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration): Apply for a new adult passport. under review — see the official source
- What to bring for Form DS-11 — U.S. Department of State: Apply for Your Adult Passport. under review — see the official source
- When to sign Form DS-11 — U.S. Department of State: Apply for Your Adult Passport. under review — see the official source
- Your old passport after an online renewal — U.S. Department of State: Renew Your Passport Online. under review — see the official source
- Unofficial renewal websites — U.S. Department of State: Renew Your Passport Online. under review — see the official source
- Expedited service fee — U.S. Department of State: Passport Fees. under review — see the official source
- 1–3 day return delivery fee — U.S. Department of State: Passport Fees. under review — see the official source
- Extra cost for the large passport book — U.S. Department of State: Renew Your Passport by Mail. under review — see the official source
- How to pay the government fees — U.S. Department of State: Passport Fees. under review — see the official source
- Refunds of passport fees — U.S. Department of State: Passport Fees. under review — see the official source
- Routine processing time — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Processing Time. under review — see the official source
- Expedited processing time — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Processing Time. under review — see the official source
- Mailing time each way — U.S. Department of State: Get Your Processing Time. under review — see the official source
- Return of your supporting documents — U.S. Department of State: Renew Your Passport by Mail. under review — see the official source
- Social Security number on the form — U.S. Department of State: Form DS-82 (edition 04-2025) — instructions. under review — see the official source