Second Passports

Current regulations reflect the long standing policy of the Department of State that no person should be in possession of more than one valid, or potentially valid, passport at any one time unless under circumstances specifically authorized by the Secretary of State. The issuance of a second, concurrently valid passport should be considered an exception to the regulations, and is to be approved on an individual basis only where justified. The validity of a regular American passport is ten (10) years. The second, concurrently valid passport will be limited in validity for two (2) years. This passport is not extendable.

To apply for a second passport, the applicant will need to submit the following documents:

• a valid regular passport;
• a completed passport application form DS-82, available at https://pptform.state.gov/ If you experience trouble with the Passport Application Wizard, click here for Form DS-82 [PDF]. For tips on completing the DS-82 [PDF], please follow this link;
• a completed "Statement in Support of Application for Second Passport" available at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/forms/uk523.pdf
• passport fee of $75. (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diner's Club and Discover credit cards are accepted - please use our credit card form);
• a pre-paid, self-addressed Special Delivery Envelope which shows "postage and minimum fee paid". Alternatively, you can arrange for the Embassy's contracted courier service, Special Mail Services (SMS), to deliver your second passport.
• Two new passport photographs. The photographs must:
• be identical
• be taken within the last six months
• be printed on high quality photographic paper
• be untrimmed
• measure 2" by 2" excluding white border
• show head size between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inch from the chin to top of the head
• show applicant facing completely forward (head not turned)
• be taken in normal street attire, without a hat, head covering, or dark glasses unless a signed statement is submitted by the applicant verifying the item is worn daily for religious purposes or a signed doctor's statement is submitted verifying the item is used daily for medical purposes
• have a white or off-white background
• be in color (black and white photographs are NOT acceptable)

The Embassy will reject any photographs that do not conform to the above standards (e.g., photo too small, head size too small or too large, not identical, out of focus, dark background). Please see the attached information on passport photographs for an example.

Following its receipt at this office, your application will be processed and a new second passport returned to you in approximately 15 workdays. We cannot respond to inquiries as to the status of your passport before 15 business days have passed.

Processing Time for Applications by Mail or Courier

We must return to you, at your cost, any application that is not complete or does not comply fully with the application instructions. Please review your application carefully before submission.

Following its receipt at this office, your application will be processed and a new passport returned to you in approximately 15 workdays. We cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of your passport before 15 business days have passed.

You can send your passport renewal application by Royal Mail Special Delivery. To ensure the safe return of your passport, you should also enclose a pre-paid, Special Delivery, self-addressed return envelope showing "Postage and Minimum Fee Paid". Inquiries regarding Special Delivery Mail should be directed to your local Post Office. Applications should be mailed to:

Alternatively, you can arrange for the Embassy's contracted courier service, Special Mail Services (SMS), to deliver your passport to us and to arrange the return of your new passport. Please contact SMS directly on 0870 950 1760.

If you should have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone or e-mail. The telephone number is 020 7894 0563 and lines are open from 8.30am to 12.30pm, Monday through Friday, with the exception of all British and American public holidays. Our e-mail address is londonpassports@state.gov .

This information is valid as of 1 February 2008.

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