When you travel to other countries, a passport will be required to prove your identity. If you do not have a valid passport, you will be refused entry. If you have a valid U.S. passport, you will be eligible to apply for a second passport when you meet some additional requirements. If you don’t know what a second passport is, in this article we will show you a detailed guide explaining the second passport and how to get a second passport.
What Is a Second Passport?
According to U.S. immigration rules, most United States citizens can only hold a passport when they travel to other countries. However, if you meet certain specific requirements, you are allowed to have a second passport book. The second passport has the same function as the first passport, which shows your identity and helps you cross the border smoothly. The second passport book contains your basic information, such as photo, name, date of birth, and address. In addition, the second passport will not be issued for the convenience of a traveler or for other illegal purposes.
Who can apply for a second passport?
When you wish to apply for a second passport, you must meet one of the following requirements.
- If you want to visit a foreign country, but the required visa or entry is denied because there are stamps or markings from other countries on your current passport.
- If you need urgent international travel but the foreign visa application is delayed and you cannot obtain the visa before your trip, you will need a second passport.
- If you need frequent international travel, such as working in a multinational country.
- If you are in the middle of a trip and can’t continue without a new passport, you will need a second passport.
How to Get a Second Passport
Since you know when you need a second passport, you need to apply for it as soon as possible to make sure it doesn’t affect your business or travel. Here you can follow the steps below and complete the second passport application.
Make an appointment
You must make an appointment for your second passport. You can make an appointment via the online appointment system by selecting the available slot.
- Visit the online booking system.
- Choose the service you need.
- Select the available date and time.
- Fill in the basic appointment information, such as the applicant’s name, telephone number, email address, and the names of all non-applicants who plan to accompany the applicant to the Embassy or Consulate.
- Submit the appointment after you have checked all the details.
- You will receive confirmation of the appointment by email.
You are only allowed to make one appointment for the second passport. If you have made many slots for the second passport, they will only keep the earliest appointment. You must attend your appointment at the scheduled time, as you will not be allowed in if you arrive 15 minutes earlier or later than your scheduled appointment time. Also, if you find that you can’t attend the appointment on time, you can cancel it.
Prepare documents
After you have successfully booked an appointment for your second US passport, you must bring all the necessary documents with you.
- Complete Form DS-82: You can complete the form online and print it out.
- The current 10-year valid passport (if you are applying for a second passport for the first time) or your previous second passport (if you renew the second passport)
- A written and signed statement from your company or organization explaining why you need a second passport.
- One passport-size photo in 2″ X 2″ (5 cm X 5 cm) with a white background. You cannot wear eyeglasses in U.S. passport photos.
- Application fee for the second passport.
- An envelope to send back your second passport.
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If you cannot show a full 10-year passport for a second passport, you will need to complete a Passport Application (Form DS-11).
Submit the application in person
First, submit the application form and the required documents in person. You are only allowed to bring your required application documents with you. Certain prohibited items will not be allowed in the Consulate, such as pocket knives, food, iPods and MP3 players or handheld gaming devices. And they will temporarily restore these items at the security checkpoint during your visit. It is best not to bring these items that may cause you to miss the application process.
Collect the second passport
After you have submitted all the required documents, you can go home and wait for the new second passport. They will send it in an envelope that you have prepared. Or you can track your application status online 2 weeks from the day you apply for a second passport.
Second Passport Application Fee & Processing Time
The price for a second passport varies according to the application form and the expedited fee. When you apply for the first and second passports, the price will be $130.00 for the passport application fee and $35 for the execution fee. And the processing time will vary depending on the processing method. For example, routine processing currently takes 6 to 8 weeks. And it will take 2 to 3 weeks if you choose expedited processing (Post Office). If you want the second passport urgently, you can request the expedited service and it will charge you for an extra $60. In addition, you may also pay for the extra $19.53 for the 1-2 delivery service of your completed second passport book.
Second Passport Validity and Renewal
After you have received your new second passport, you must know the validity of a U.S. passport. If it is eligible, the second passport will be valid for four years. You need to renew it before it expires. Here you can renew the second passport in person, online or by mail. You must prepare all required documents, such as the Application Form-DS82, your previous second passport, a passport photo, a $130.00 non-refundable application fee, and the return delivery envelope. And you can mail them to the U.S. Embassy and renew your second passport.
Is the passport card a second passport?
No. A passport card cannot be counted as a second passport. The second passport is a passport book that is valid for all types of travel, such as air, land and sea travel. However, the passport card cannot be used for international air travel. You can only use it for domestic air travel or when traveling from Canada, Mexico, and several Caribbean countries.
📚 Read Also: What is the Difference between Passport Book and Passport Card
Frequently Asked Questions About Second Passport
👉 Is the second passport exactly the same as my first passport?
No. The second passport is different from the primary passport because there is a special endorsement code printed on one of your passport’s visa pages, indicating that you have a limited-validity, second passport book.
👉 Will I get a new passport number on my second passport?
Yes. You will receive a new passport number when you receive your second passport. The number on the second passport will be different from the number on your primary passport book.
👉 Do I need to replace my passport after changing my name?
It will depend on when you request a name change. For example, if you legally changed your name less than one year after receiving your second passport, you will need to apply for a replacement second passport at no additional cost. You can check the steps below.
- You must complete Form DS-5504 for name changes.
- Then you should prepare the required documents: a signed, written, and dated statement explaining why you still need a second passport after changing your name; your name change documents, such as a marriage certificate, or a court order; a passport photo and your second passport.
- You must mail all documents and applications to the address listed on Form DS-5504.
However, if you change your name more than one year after receiving your second passport, you can reapply for a second passport by following the steps above.
📚 Read Also: Is My Passport Valid With My Maiden Name?
👉 Can minors get a second passport like an adult?
Of course, yes. If minors cannot obtain an entry visa before their next trip, they can obtain a second passport under similar conditions as adults. However, when applying for a second passport, they need parental consent and some documents proving that minors need a second passport.
👉 Can I apply for a second passport at the passport agency or center?
Yes. You can do this. However, you will only be allowed to make an appointment at the center or agency. You must present the required documents in person at the U.S. Consulate.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is easy to apply for a second passport when you need international travel urgently. However, you must ensure that you have met the requirements when applying for a second passport. Otherwise, the rejection of a second passport will ruin your international travel.
Dolores Xiao