Frequently Asked Questions

What does my computer need to use the online Passport application?

The minimum PC configuration includes:

  • Your Internet browser must support 128-bit encryption.
  • If you are using Internet Explorer (Windows), the minimum version that will work with this site is version 5.0, with service pack 2.
  • If you are using Netscape, the minimum version that will work is version 6.2.
  • You also need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or higher installed to view and print your completed application.
  • We recommend using either an ink-jet or laser printer to print the completed application form.
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I don't have all the information I need to complete the form right now. Why can't I partially fill out the form and complete the rest by hand later?

In addition to generating a completed application form, this website also creates a barcode that is placed at the top of the generated passport application form. This barcode contains the information gathered from the web page, and is later used to easily read in and process the information on your application. For the barcode to be generated correctly, all required fields must be completed at the time the form is submitted for creation.

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When I click "Create Form" and select the "Open File" option, I receive an unknown file type message.

This message displays because you do not have Adobe Reader installed.
Perform the following options until the problem is solved:

  1. Verify Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat is installed on your computer.
    • If not, go to the Adobe Reader Download Page and follow the directions to download and install a copy of Adobe Reader.
    • If you are unfamiliar with how to determine which programs are loaded on your computer, please refer to your computer manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Determine if there are multiple copies of Adobe Reader installed on your computer or if the version loaded on your computer is too old.
    • Remove all but the most current version of Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you are unfamiliar with how to determine which programs are loaded on your computer or how to remove programs loaded on your computer, please refer to your computer manufacturer's instructions. Also try the Troubleshooting Guide located at http://www.adobe.com/support/products/acrreader.html.
  3. Determine if both Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat are installed on your computer.
    • Remove Adobe Reader from your computer. If you are unfamiliar with how to determine which programs are loaded on your computer or how to remove programs from your computer, please refer to your computer manufacturer's instructions. Also try the Troubleshooting Guide located at http://www.adobe.com/support/products/acrreader.html.
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The website displays blank or incomplete.

Retrieve a new version of the page with every visit by clearing the browser cache and configuring the browser cache settings. Due to the variety of web browsers, we recommend that you visit the website of the manufacturer of your web browser and follow the steps for clearing and configuring the cache setting in your web browser. If you feel uneasy about changing the settings in your web browser or do not wish to change the settings, one quick fix for this problem that works in most cases is to simply shut your computer off and start it again. Please do not just "restart" your computer, but shut it down completely and turn it back on. Also, ensure that you meet the minimum PC requirements to submit your Passport application online.

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My form does not print out properly.

We have found that recent security updates to several operating systems and web browsers may be causing this problem. We recommend you visit http://www.adobe.com, search for Support Knowledgebase document 32833, "PDF pages don't appear in web browser window." This knowledgebase document contains several solutions and links to related documents.

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Why do I have to provide my Social Security Number and what do I do if I don't have one?

Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6039E) requires you to provide your Social Security Number (SSN), if you have one, when you apply for a U.S. passport or renewal of a U.S. passport. If you have not been issued a SSN, enter zeros in the part of the form. Contact the Social Security Administration for more information on how to apply for a Number. If you are residing abroad, you must also provide the name of the foreign country in which you are residing. The U.S. Department of State must provide your SSN and foreign residence information to the Department of Treasury. If you fail to provide the information, you are subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS. All questions on this matter should be directed to the nearest IRS office.

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I receive a message asking if I would like to display secure and nonsecure information.

Adjust the security settings in your web browser. Due to the variety of web browsers, we recommend that you visit the website of the manufacturer of your web browser and follow their steps for configuring the security setting in your web browser.

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Is this website secure?

Our website is very secure. We use 128 bit SSL encryption to secure all traffic to and from the web server. This is the industry standard for ensuring a high level of security when transmitting sensitive information over the internet. The website also receives its SSL certificate from VeriSign, the industry leader in providing SSL certificates. The lock icon at the bottom of the screen and the "https:\\" address are other indications that the site is secure.

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Do I have to fill out the "Father" and "Mother" sections if my parents are deceased? Or is this section only for minors?

Yes, you still need to fill out those sections. These sections are not for minors only.

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The form will not accept any information that I type.

Ensure that you meet the minimum PC requirements to submit your Passport application online.

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Does the website save any information entered on the screen?

The website does not save any information the user enters on the screen. The information is discarded immediately after the PDF document is generated and/or the browser is closed.

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I received an error message when I deleted data from a field.

Ensure that there are no spaces left in the field. Highlight everything in the field and hit the Delete button.

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I need some help with the information requested on the passport application form.

Please call the National Passport Information Center, toll-free, at 1-877-487-2778, from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, to speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives or email your questions or concerns to http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/about/npic/npic_895.html.

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How do I check the status of my application?

You may:

  1. Check the status of you application online at: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.
  2. Email your request for a status check to the National Passport Information Center at: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/about/npic/npic_896.html.
  3. Contact the National Passport Information Center, toll-free, at 1-877-487-2778, from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, to speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives.
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I have tried every option, and I still cannot generate the form. What should I do?

You can download and print out a blank form from:

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How do I enter my international zip code?

International zip codes may include spaces or dashes when entered into the field.

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