Have you ever looked at people’s passports when going through immigration? Maybe you noticed the color difference and wondered why that was the case. There are various types of passports, and the passport category affects their color. We look at the different types of U.S. passports, what they look like, and where you can use them:
What Are the Different Types of U.S. Passports?
When applying for a passport, you select whether you want a new passport or a renewal. However, these are not types of passports but rather passport services. Passport types relate to the nature of the passports, the rights attached to them, and their aesthetic factors. So, what types of passports would you encounter if you were working at the immigration office?
1) Regular U.S. Passports (Type P Passports)
You likely have seen or have such a passport – the blue travel document most people have at the airport. Most people apply for this passport type as it is the most versatile. You can use it for the following reasons:
- To tour other countries,
- For business or work appointments,
- To study abroad, etc.
As such, this passport has many fans. After all, it is not restrictive on where you can use it, which makes it easy to travel for different reasons without necessitating a new passport.
How to Get a Regular Passport
Applying for this passport is fairly easy. You will need to compile the following documents:
- A complete DS-11 form that details your data,
- Two passport photos,
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, and
- Proof of identification.
Minors also need to establish parental relationships and must apply in the presence of their parents. You must present these documents to a local acceptance agent for verification. Once they have okayed the documents, you will sign the DS-11 form. And you can hand the documents over to TVP for submission and expedition. We offer an expedited time range that ranges from a few days to weeks. And we can get you a regular passport within your preferred timeline.
When to Renew a Regular Passport
Regular passports have a full validity of five years for minors and ten years for adults. Once this time lapses, you must get a passport renewal (for adults) or a new passport (for minors). But expiry dates are not the only reason to renew your passport. These documents feature 28 or 52 pages, based on your choice when applying for a passport. When you run out of blank pages, you must apply for another passport; otherwise, you will face visa denials and be turned away from host countries.
How to Renew a Regular Passport
The renewal process is straightforward. You will need the following:
- A complete DS-82 form,
- Two passport photos, and
- Your most recent passport.
If you have changed your name, you should also include supporting documentation. Unlike with a new passport, you will not need to show up in person and can instead apply from the comfort of your home. You only need to send these documents to TVP for processing.
2) No-Fee Regular U.S. Passports
You may be aware that regular passports incur government and processing fees. But there is a category that does not. These passports, which are also blue, are available for free. You are eligible if you belong to the following categories:
- You are an employee of the Peace Corps,
- You work at the American National Red Cross, or
- The Department of Defense employs you.
In these cases, you get this passport at no cost. But the caveat is that it lasts five years, after which you must get a new one.
3) Official U.S. Passports
Have you ever seen anyone holding a U.S.-issued maroon passport? If yes, it belonged to a government official or military personnel. It may also have belonged to a spouse or immediate family member of someone working for the government or military. So, what makes these types of passports different?
- Purpose: This document is only handy when its holder is on official government business. Thus, when a passport holder wants to go away on vacation, they use a regular passport instead of this one.
- Validity: Like the no-cost regular passport, this document is only valid for five years. Once this time lapses, holders must apply for new passports.
Like the no-fee regular passport, this document is also free. But you must prove your eligibility to get your hands on one.
4) Diplomatic U.S. Passports
Black passports belong to people undertaking overseas diplomatic duties on behalf of the U.S. government. What makes it different from regular types of passports?
- Purpose: This passport is only available to people on diplomatic visits. They should be used with copies of official orders for the said assignments. When diplomats are not serving such roles, they must use their regular passports.
- Validity: These passports have a limited validity of five years.
Once a diplomatic passport holder completes their duties, they must return the documents.
5) Service Passports
Here is another interesting hue – grey. Have you seen such a passport? It is only available to third-party U.S. government contractors traveling for official reasons. But they only need it if they cannot travel using their regular passports. This document is valid for only five years, like diplomatic and official types of passports. Once the time lapses, the passport holder may or may not be eligible for another service passport.
6) Passport Cards
When traveling to countries like Canada and Mexico, some people use passport cards instead of books. These travel documents are handy for such destinations because:
- They are acceptable as WHTI-compliant documents,
- They last five years for minors and ten years for adults,
- They prevent you from using up most of your blank pages, and
- They are versatile as they are even eligible for closed-loop cruises.
Even so, having a passport book at hand is crucial as it helps during emergency evacuations. So, it’s always better to have a card and a book.
Summing Up on the Types of U.S. Passports
Can you hold more than one passport type at once? Yes! Some people have regular and other passport types to suit their travel needs. And they interchange the documents per their destinations.
You, too, can have more than one passport type. It’s easy! Let us know why you need any of the passport options above, and we will advise you on getting one. And thanks to our expedited passport services, you should have your passport within days!
