A United States passport is an official government document issued by the United States Department of State. A United States passport certifies an individual's identity and U.S. citizenship. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document and it allows the passport holder to travel abroad and return to the United States. A valid United States passport may be used to enter most foreign countries, and often a visa is not required when traveling with a US passport. It is important for all passports to contain at least 2-4 blank pages for visa stamps and be valid for at least 6 months upon entry.

Some U.S. citizens hold dual citizenship, which means that an individual holds another citizenship besides U.S. citizenship. There are advantages and disadvantages of having dual citizenship and a second passport. However, in most cases dual citizenship is not a problem when renewing your passport since the U.S. government allows dual citizenship. However, it is important to be aware of the second country's rules for multiple citizenships, as a child may be born with an illegal citizenship unless the parents know the rules of each country.

How to obtain a new US passport

The process of applying for a new Passport can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. However, the U.S. Passport Application and Renewal Guide provides simple instructions and answers to frequently asked questions so that applying or renewing a US passport is easy. It is recommended that all applicants follow the instructions included in the "U.S. Passport Application and Renewal Guide" before submitting your application. The Passport Application guide also explains how U.S. citizens may apply for the new U.S. Passport Card.

The United States Passport Application Guide includes:

• United States passport overview
• Who can apply for a United States passport
• Application requirements
• Application procedures for a new United States passport
• Application procedures for the new Passport Card
• US passport filing fees
• How to renew a U.S. passport in person or by mail
• How to request a replacement of a lost or stolen passport
• How to add blank pages to a valid passport (48-page passports are no longer issued)
• How to fill out the application forms
• Where to apply for an American passport
• Special requirements for individuals under 17 years of age
• How to update your U.S. passport after a name change
• Information on urgent passport applications and renewals
• Locate the 7000 designated passport application facilities nationwide
• U.S. Passport Application Forms
• Add pages to your current U.S. passport
• Apply for a new passport
• Replace a lost or stolen passport
• Renew an expired passport
• Change your name or update other biographical information on an existing passport.
• How to apply for the new U.S. Passport Card