Keep your passport updated

Frequently Asked Questions about Passport Services

• What is the Letter of Authorization?
  The Letter of Authorization gives VisaHQ permission to assist you with your passport request. We will need an original ink signed copy delivered to our office. A copy of the Letter of Authorization can be found at

  Letter of Authorization
• If I am renewing my passport card, do I need to send it in with the documents?
  Yes, if you are requesting a renewal to your passport card you will need to send this along with the other documents on the checklist
• Can I renew my passport now even if it is still valid?
  Yes, you can renew your passport while it is still valid provided there is a reason for doing so. If the passport contains no markings and is otherwise completely unused the traveler may need to provide a letter explaining as to why this service is being requested. VisaHQ recommends that you renew your passport prior to the final six months of validity as many countries will not permit travel with a passport containing fewer than six months validity remaining.
• Do I need to pay the $211.36 US Department of State fee if I have already paid for your services?
  Yes, you do need to pay the $211.36 US Department of State fee for any passport request. For a new, lost, damaged, or passport for a child the fee will be included in your sealed documents. For a renewal, second passport, or name change VisaHQ can pay this fee on your behalf if you have requested it as part of your order.
• I have two pages left in my passport endorsement and amendment pages can I have visas stamped on these pages?
  Visas cannot be stamped in endorsement or amendment pages. If you no longer have any passport pages which state 'visas' then you'll need to renew your passport in order to apply for a visa.
• I need more pages added to my passport, how can I do this?
  The State Department has stopped adding passport pages since January 2016. If you need to obtain more pages for your passport you'll need to renew the passport instead. VisaHQ can assist you with this request by selecting passport renewal
• I applied for a passport renewal through your site, I was supposed to get a DS-82 form, but printed a DS-11, why?
  The form generated on the State Department's website depends on your answers. If you were given a DS-11 (appplication for new passport) instead of a DS-82 (passport renewal application) then it is likely that the traveler did not meet the criteria for a renewal. As such, your order with VisaHQ will need to be adjusted and the procedure for applying for your passport will change as a result.
• Can I travel internationally by air with a passport card?
  No. Passport cards are only valid for land and sea travel to the countries of Canada, Mexico, The Carribean and Bermuda. If you need to travel internationally by air you will need to bring a passport valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay.
• I applied for a passport card along with my passport book, but only received my passport book, where is my passport card?
  Passport cards are shipped back directly from the US Department of State to the home address on file within 2 weeks. If you have not received it within this timeframe please let us know.
• Can I expedite a passport card through you?
  It is possible to get your passport card more quickly by utilizing our services, however, our processing times are for turnaround of the passport process. Generally, a passport card is shipped directly to the applicant's home address about one week after their passport is released from the Department of State
• What is the department of state fee?
  The Department of State fee is the fee paid by VisaHQ to the US Passport Agency to expedite the renewal. This fee is required regardless of whether you apply through VisaHQ or apply on your own and is in addition to our service fee.
• Why is the fee on the department of state website $130 and you ask for $211.36, what is the extra $81.36 for?
  The extra $60 is the cost of an expedited passport renewal. $130 is the cost of the standard 6-8 week renewal should you choose to apply directly with the Department of State. The $21.36 is the return shipping fee via USPS express mail 1-2 day delivery. The passport will be shipped back directly from the Department of State to the address provided on your Application form for the 4-7 business days, and the 8-10 business days process.
• Do I have to pay for shipping on the department of state website, if I already paid with VisaHQ?
  The Department of State website is purely to fill out the passport application form and does not billg any charges. Fees are explained while filling out the application but there is no payment collected during this process.
• What do I select for processing on the passport products and fees page: standard, expedited or expedited at agency service?
  Expedited at agency is the appropriate selection when filling out the online passport application. However, if you've selected a different option the application generated is still useable just be sure to follow the instructions given to you by VisaHQ rather than the State Department
• Do I need to provide my social security number on the passport application? What if my child does not have their social security number is this required?
  Your social security number is required for the application. If your child has not yet received their SSN they will need to wait until it is issued to them.
• I am applying for a second passport, do I need to send in my primary passport as well?
  If this is your first time applying for a second passport you will need to send your original unexpired primary passport as part of the process. If you are renewing a second passport you can do this without sending the primary but you will still need the rest of the documents including the letter explaining the need for a second passport
• Can I come into your office to apply for my passport?
  Yes, you can always come in to any of our offices for assistance with a passport request. However, due to the logistics of passport processing your documents will stil need to be mailed to our Washington DC office after we review your application.
• Can I submit a handwritten passport application form?
  No. VisaHQ cannot submit handwritten passport application forms. In order for us to assist you you will need to fill out and sign the online application as listed on the US Department of State website here: https://pptform.state.gov/
• Can I use the same picture the last time I applied for the passport?
  You cannot reuse a photo which was used in a previous passport. In order to apply you will need a new photograph taken within the last 6 months.