The most common on the list of valid reasons for a second U.S. passport is that you’re in the process of applying for a visa for an upcoming trip but have immediate plans to travel internationally. Obtaining a tourist visa often requires sending your primary passport to an embassy by mail.
If your visa application process coincides with other international travel arrangements, you won’t be able to leave the country while you wait. This is considered a valid reason to apply for a second passport. Similarly, if you need numerous visas on an ongoing basis because you travel internationally very frequently for work, you can request a second passport.
The State Department will also issue you a duplicate passport if the travel stamps you already have in your passport will deny you entry to other countries you plan to visit. The most common example of this is having Israel stamps in your passport when planning to visit some countries in the Middle East such as Iran. In order to get in, you’ll need another valid passport without Israel entry stamps.
How can I apply for a process second U.S. passport?
It’s important to note that the Department of State does not hand out duplicate passports freely. All applicants must:
Complete the Passport Application Form DS-82 by mail or online. To complete this form—the same one used for the passport renewal process—you must already have a valid and undamaged 10-year passport.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship plus a passport photo taken within the last six months. The photo must be a clear image of your face (no face masks or coverings) in color against a plain white or off-white background, it can’t be a selfie, and eyeglasses must be remove, according to State Department guidelines.
Submit a signed statement to the U.S. Department of State. This letter must describe and justify the reason that the applicant needs a duplicate passport (proof of travel plans, such as a flight itinerary). The applicant must sign the letter and attest that any loss of either the primary or secondary passport will be immediately reported to a passport office or the nearest U.S. embassy, consulate, or consular agency. (The State Department provides a draft version of this letter online.)
Make the necessary payment for passport fees, which entails a check for $110 made payable to the U.S. Department of State (or $170 if you need expedited service).
