Applicants requesting a New US Passport must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• This is your first time applying for a US passport
• Your previous US passport was issued prior to the age of 16
• Your previous US passport was issued more than 15 years ago regardless of your age

If you meet one or more of these requirements you must apply for a new US passport and Passport & Visa Advisors is here to help.

Expediting Explanation

New Passport Expediting Services consist of three main steps:

• Step 1 – The applicant appears at a local Acceptance Agency to prove they are a US citizen, have proper identification, that all paperwork is in order and all passport fees are paid. The applicant must indicate they are using a third-party expediting service to process the passport quickly (commonly referred to as ‘hand-carry’ service).
• Step 2 – The Acceptance Agency will review the documents and witness the applicant/guardian’s signature on the application. The finalized documents are sealed in an envelope by the agent and returned to the applicant.
• Step 3 – The applicant sends the sealed envelope to Passport Visa Advisors. PVA hand carries the sealed passport application into a Passport Agency for submission. When the passport is complete, PVA collects the passport and overnights it back to the applicant. Please note: processing speeds are determined based on the applicant’s departure date.

Proof of Citizenship

The applicant must provide one of the following documents.  The document must be original or a certified copy (not notarized).  A certified copy is a document that bears a seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.
Note: “short form” birth certificates are not admissible for new passport applications

• Fully valid, undamaged US passport (can be expired)
• US birth certificate issued by the city, county or state of birth. This birth certificate must list:
  • The applicant’s full name, date and place of birth
  • The applicant’s parents full names
  • Date stamped with the registrar’s office no later than one year after birth
  • Has the registrar’s signature and the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Proof of Identification

The applicant must have valid proof of identification, issued more than six months prior to the US passport application. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Valid State issued Driver’s License (front and back)
• Valid State issued Identification (front and back)
• Previously issued, undamaged US passport
• Naturalization Certificate
• Current Government ID (city, county, state, federal) (front and back)
• Current Military ID (front and back)
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Current permanent resident card also known as “green card” (front and back)
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards) (front and back)

If primary proof of identification has been issued less than six months previous to the passport application plan to provide secondary identification documents found here.

Photos

The applicant must provide one recent passport photo with their application.

• Taken within the last six months
• Must be in color and on photo paper – glossy or matte finish is acceptable
• Photo size: must be 2” x 2” (51 x 51 mm)
• Head size: between 1” and 1-3/8” (25mm x 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• No glasses, neutral expression, no smiles or grins, facing the camera directly.
• Both eyes open
• No Selfies, no social media filters, no poses
• No hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes. A personal letter of explanation must be submitted

Click here for passport photo guidelines.

Letter of Authorization

All hand-carry applications must include Letter of Authorization (LOA) granting permission to submit the passport documents on the applicant’s behalf.

PVA will assign a Letter of Authorization to the applicant once their order has been placed. Please call us at 704-246-6373 with your order number after your order is placed.

The Letter of Authorization must bear the original signature of the applicant. Photocopies, scans and any other facsimile of an original LOA aren’t accepted by the US Passport Agency.

Fill out and originally sign TWO COPIES of the Letters of Authorization. One will be submitted to the Acceptance Agent and the other will be sent to PVA alongside of the official, sealed envelope.

Proof of International Travel

The US Passport Agency requires proof of travel within 2-4 weeks depending on the traveler’s destination. Acceptable proof of international travel includes:

• A flight itinerary from the airline, travel agency or online booking company.
• A confirmation showing a Trip ID to an international destination is the most common proof of travel.
• A business letter on company letterhead explaining why urgent travel is required.
• Click here for a business letter template.
• A personally signed letter of explanation explaining that a passport is required for employment.
• A personally signed letter explaining that the traveler’s employer requires frequent travel with unexpected notice.
• If travel is to Canada or Mexico, a hotel confirmation is best, however a letter of explanation will also be considered.

Note: Letters of explanation are accepted at the discretion of the US Passport Agency.

Application

The applicant is required to submit a DS-11 application.

The DS-11 application must be filled out online via the US Passport Agency’s website. Hand-written applications are not allowed.

Fill out the application, if the application is done properly, a barcode will appear in the upper left hand corner and the bottom right hand corner of the pages.

Print TWO COPIES of the application, SINGLE-SIDED and DO NOT SIGN the application until instructed to do so at the Acceptance Agency.

Click here to fill out and print the DS-11 application.

Government Fees

The US Passport Agency charges $170 for expedited adult passports and $35 charge for the Acceptance Agency execution services. Both fees are paid at the Acceptance Agency.

The $170 Expedited Passport Fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State and must be paid by:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Additional $30 will be charge if you order a Passport Card with your Passport Book

The $35 Execution Fee is paid to the agent directly and can be paid by:

• Money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the agent
• Personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations
• Credit cards at some locations.

Note: Please verify acceptable payment methods with the acceptance facility ahead of time.

PVA Fees

Passport processing days are counted in business, not calendar days and unless special arrangements are made in advance, the day the documents are received by PVA is not counted as a processing day.

Government Fees are paid by the applicant at the Acceptance Agency and are not collected by PVA.

Execution Process

Once the applicant has collected all documents listed above, they are prepared to visit the Acceptance Agency.

Please contact PVA for more detailed instructions regarding the Acceptance Agency process and what happens next.
Documents required:

• State issued birth certificate
• State Issued Driver’s License
• One passport photo – 2” x 2” (51mm x 51mm) color passport photo
• Letter of Authorization – print TWO COPIES
• Proof of International Travel

  Note: Flight itinerary showing travel from the USA in less than two week for a passport alone or four weeks or less if a visa is required – print TWO COPIES of itinerary
• DS-11 Application – filled out online, print TWO COPIES, SINGLE SIDED and DO NOT SIGN
• Passport Fee – $170 payable to the US Department of State
• Execution Fee – $35 paid to the Acceptance Agency

The local Acceptance Agencies are usually by appointments so check using your local zip code and determine if an appointment is required.
Note: Not all Acceptance Agencies takes passport photos or accept every form of payment, check with your selected Acceptance Agency to determine the method of payment they accept.

PVA's Responsibility

Once the documents are received at PVA’s office:

• PVA will review the documents provided on the outside of the sealed envelope and the application is prepped for submission at the Passport Agency.
• PVA will hand walk the application into the Passport Agency for submission and collect the passport (and supporting documents) upon completion.
• PVA’s Quality Check will verify the information is correct on the passport before shipping it back. If any information is incorrect, we will resubmit to correct the issue at no additional cost.
• PVA will send the new passport and all other original documents to the address provided on the applicant’s PVA order form.

Once the passport has been received by the applicant:

• It’s the responsibility of the passport owner to review the passport one more time when it arrives. If an error is found, please bring this to PVA’s attention immediately and we’ll get the issue corrected.

Applicant is eligible to apply for a Replacement Passport if:

• Your valid US passport has been lost
• Your valid US passport has been stolen

If you meet one or more of these requirements, you may apply for a US passport replacement and Passport & Visa Advisors is here to help.

Expediting Explanation

Lost / Stolen Expediting Services consist of three main steps:

• Step 1 – The applicant appears at a local Acceptance Agency to prove they are a US citizen, have proper identification, that all paperwork is in order and all passport fees are paid. The applicant must indicate they are using a third-party expediting service to process the passport quickly (commonly referred to as ‘hand-carry’ service).
• Step 2 – The Acceptance Agency will review the documents and witness the applicant/guardian’s signature on the application. The finalized documents are sealed in an envelope by the agent and returned to the applicant.
• Step 3 – The applicant sends the sealed envelope to Passport Visa Advisors. PVA hand carries the sealed passport application into a Passport Agency for submission. When the passport is complete, PVA collects the passport and overnights it back to the applicant. Please note: processing speeds are determined based on the applicant’s departure date.

Proof of Citizenship

The applicant must provide one of the following documents. The document must be original or a certified copy (not notarized). A certified copy is a document that bears a seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

Note: “short form” birth certificates are not admissible for new passport applications

• Fully valid, undamaged US passport (can be expired)
• US birth certificate issued by the city, county or state of birth. This birth certificate must list:
  • The applicant’s full name, date and place of birth
  • The applicant’s parents full names
  • Date stamped with the registrar’s office no later than one year after birth
  • Has the registrar’s signature and the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Proof of Identification

The applicant must have valid proof of identification, issued more than six months prior to the US passport application. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Valid State issued Driver’s License (front and back)
• Valid State issued Identification (front and back)
• Previously issued, undamaged US passport
• Naturalization Certificate
• Current Government ID (city, county, state, federal) (front and back)
• Current Military ID (front and back)
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Current permanent resident card also known as “green card” (front and back)
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards) (front and back)

If primary proof of identification has been issued less than six months previous to the passport application plan to provide secondary identification documents found here.

Photos

The applicant must provide one recent passport photo with their application.

• Taken within the last six months
• Must be in color and on photo paper – glossy or matte finish is acceptable
• Photo size: must be 2” x 2” (51 x 51 mm)
• Head size: between 1” and 1-3/8” (25mm x 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• No glasses, Neutral expression, No smiles or grins, Facing the camera directly.
• Both eyes open
• No Selfies, No social media filters, No poses
• No hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes. Letter of explanation must be submitted

Click here for passport photo guidelines.

Letter of Authorization

All hand-carry applications must include Letter of Authorization (LOA) granting permission to submit the passport documents on the applicant’s behalf.

PVA will assign a Letter of Authorization to the applicant once their order has been placed. Please call us at 704-246-6373 with your order number after your order is placed.

The Letter of Authorization must bear the original signature of the applicant. Photocopies, scans and any other facsimile of an original LOA aren’t accepted by the US Passport Agency.

Fill out and originally sign TWO COPIES of the Letters of Authorization. One will be submitted to the Acceptance Agent and the other will be sent to PVA alongside of the official, sealed envelope.

Proof of International Travel

The US Passport Agency requires proof of travel within 2-4 weeks depending on the traveler’s destination. Acceptable proof of international travel includes:

• A flight itinerary from the airline, travel agency or online booking company.
• A confirmation showing a Trip ID to an international destination is the most common proof of travel.
• A business letter on company letterhead explaining why urgent travel is required.
• Click here for a business letter template.
• A personally signed letter of explanation explaining that a passport is required for employment.
• A personally signed letter explaining that the traveler’s employer requires frequent travel with unexpected notice.
• If travel is to Canada or Mexico, a hotel confirmation is best, however a letter of explanation will also be considered.

Note: Letters of explanation are accepted at the discretion of the US Passport Agency.

Application

The applicant is required to submit both a DS-11 application and a DS-64 form.

The DS-11 is the application for the Replacement Passport and the DS-64 form explains what happens to the missing passport.

The DS-64 form is filled out at the same time as the DS-11 application and the applicant will choose to submit the DS-64 online or physically along with the DS-11 application form.

Both forms must be filled out online via the US Passport Agency’s website. Hand-written applications are not allowed.

Fill out both forms, if they are done properly, a barcode will appear in the upper left hand corner and the bottom right hand corner of the DS-11 application.

The DS-11 application and DS-64 must be printed SINGLE-SIDED.

Print TWO COPIES of the DS-11 application form and DO NOT SIGN the application until instructed to do so at the Acceptance Agency.

Print the DS-64 form if applicable and signed

Click here to fill out and print the DS-11 application and DS-64 form.

Government Fees

The US Passport Agency charges $170 for expedited adult passports and $35 charge for the Acceptance Agency execution services. Both fees are paid at the Acceptance Agency.

The $170 Expedited Passport Fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State and must be paid by:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Additional $30 will be charge if you order a Passport Card with your Passport Book

The $35 Execution Fee is paid to the agent directly and can be paid by:

• Money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the agent
• Personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations
• Credit cards at some locations.

Note: Please verify acceptable payment methods with the acceptance facility ahead of time.

PVA Fees

Passport processing days are counted in business, not calendar days and unless special arrangements are made in advance, the day the documents are received by PVA is not counted as a processing day.

Government Fees are paid by the applicant at the Acceptance Agency and are not collected by PVA.

Execution Process

Once the applicant has collected all documents listed above, they are prepared to visit the Acceptance Agency.

Please contact PVA for more detailed instructions regarding the Acceptance Agency process and what happens next.

Documents required:

• State issued birth certificate
• State Issued Driver’s License
• One passport photo – 2” x 2” (51mm x 51mm) color passport photo
• Letter of Authorization – print TWO COPIES
• Proof of International Travel
  Note: Flight itinerary showing travel from the USA in less than two week for a passport alone or four weeks or less if a visa is required – print TWO COPIES of itinerary
• DS-11 Application – filled out online, print TWO COPIES, SINGLE SIDED and DO NOT SIGN
• DS-64 Form – filled out online, printed out and signed or submitted online
• Passport Fee – $170 payable to the US Department of State
• Execution Fee – $35 paid to the Acceptance Agency

The local Acceptance Agency are usually by appointments so check using your local zip code and determine if an appointment is required.

Note: Not all Acceptance Agencies takes passport photos or accept every form of payment, check with your selected Acceptance Agency to determine the method of payment they accept.

PVA's Responsibility

Once the documents are received at PVA’s office:

• PVA will review the documents provided on the outside of the sealed envelope and the application is prepped for submission at the Passport Agency.
• PVA will hand walk the application into the Passport Agency for submission and collect the passport (and supporting documents) upon completion.
• PVA’s Quality Check will verify the information is correct on the passport before shipping it back. If any information is incorrect, we will resubmit to correct the issue at no additional cost.
• PVA will send the new passport and all other original documents to the address provided on the applicant’s PVA order form.

Once the passport has been received by the applicant:

• It’s the responsibility of the passport owner to review the passport one more time when it arrives. If an error is found, please bring this to PVA’s attention immediately and we’ll get the issue corrected.

Applicants are eligible to apply for a Replacement Passport if:

• Their current US Passport is mutilated or damaged and in their possession.

If you meet one or more of these requirements, you may apply for a US passport replacement and Passport & Visa Advisors is here to help.

Expediting Explanation

Damaged / Mutilated Expediting Services consist of three main steps:

• Step 1 – the applicant appears at a local Acceptance Agency to prove they are a US citizen, have proper identification, that all paperwork is in order and all passport fees are paid. The applicant must indicate they are using a third-party expediting service to process the passport quickly (commonly referred to as ‘hand-carry’ service).
• Step 2 – The Acceptance Agency will review the documents and witness the applicant/guardian’s signature on the application. The finalized documents are sealed in an envelope by the agent and returned to the applicant.
• Step 3 – The applicant sends the sealed envelope to Passport Visa Advisors. PVA hand carries the sealed passport application into a Passport Agency for submission. When the passport is complete, PVA collects the passport and overnights it back to the applicant. Please note: processing speeds are determined based on the applicant’s departure date.

Proof of Citizenship

The applicant must provide one of the following documents. The document must be original or a certified copy (not notarized). A certified copy is a document that bears a seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

Note: “short form” birth certificates are not admissible for new passport applications

• Fully valid, undamaged US passport (can be expired)
• US birth certificate issued by the city, county or state of birth. This birth certificate must list:
  • The applicant’s full name, date and place of birth
  • The applicant’s parents full names
  • Date stamped with the registrar’s office no later than one year after birth
  • Has the registrar’s signature and the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Proof of Identification

The applicant must have valid proof of identification, issued more than six months prior to the US passport application. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Valid State issued Driver’s License (front and back)
• Valid State issued Identification (front and back)
• Previously issued, undamaged US passport
• Naturalization Certificate
• Current Government ID (city, county, state, federal) (front and back)
• Current Military ID (front and back)
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Current permanent resident card also known as “green card” (front and back)
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards) (front and back)

If primary proof of identification has been issued less than six months previous to the passport application plan to provide secondary identification documents found here.

Photos

The applicant must provide one recent passport photo with their application.

• Taken within the last six months
• Must be in color and on photo paper – glossy or matte finish is acceptable
• Photo size: must be 2” x 2” (51 x 51 mm)
• Head size: between 1” and 1-3/8” (25mm x 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• No glasses, Neutral expression, No smiles or grins, Facing the camera directly.
• Both eyes open
• No Selfies, No social media filters, No poses
• No hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes. Letter of explanation must be submitted

Click here for passport photo guidelines.

Letter of Authorization

All hand-carry applications must include Letter of Authorization (LOA) granting permission to submit the passport documents on the applicant’s behalf.

PVA will assign a Letter of Authorization to the applicant once their order has been placed. Please call us at 704-246-6373 with your order number after your order is placed.

The Letter of Authorization must bear the original signature of the applicant. Photocopies, scans and any other facsimile of an original LOA aren’t accepted by the US Passport Agency.

Fill out and originally sign TWO COPIES of the Letters of Authorization. One will be submitted to the Acceptance Agent and the other will be sent to PVA alongside of the official, sealed envelope.

Letter of Explanation

Applicants requesting a mutilated or damaged replacement passport are required to submit a personal letter of explanation describing how the passport was damaged.

This letter must be addressed to the attention of the US Passport Agency and bear the applicant’s (or legal guardian’s) original signature.

A letter template can be found here.

Proof of International Travel

The US Passport Agency requires proof of travel within 2-4 weeks depending on the traveler’s destination. Acceptable proof of international travel includes:

• A flight itinerary from the airline, travel agency or online booking company.
• A confirmation showing a Trip ID to an international destination is the most common proof of travel.
• A business letter on company letterhead explaining why urgent travel is required.
• Click here for a business letter template.
• A personally signed letter of explanation explaining that a passport is required for employment.
• A personally signed letter explaining that the traveler’s employer requires frequent travel with unexpected notice.
• If travel is to Canada or Mexico, a hotel confirmation is best, however a letter of explanation will also be considered.

Note: Letters of explanation are accepted at the discretion of the US Passport Agency.

Application

The applicant is required to submit a DS-11 application.

The DS-11 application must be filled out online via the US Passport Agency’s website. Hand-written applications are not allowed.

Fill out the application, if the application is done properly, a barcode will appear in the upper left hand corner and the bottom right hand corner of the pages.

Print TWO COPIES of the application, SINGLE-SIDED and DO NOT SIGN the application until instructed to do so at the Acceptance Agency.

Click here to fill out and print the DS-11 application.

Government Fees

The US Passport Agency charges $170 for expedited adult passports and $35 charge for the Acceptance Agency execution services. Both fees are paid at the Acceptance Agency.

The $170 Expedited Passport Fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State and must be paid by:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Additional $30 will be charge if you order a Passport Card with your Passport Book

The $35 Execution Fee is paid to the agent directly and can be paid by:

• Money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the agent
• Personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations
• Credit cards at some locations.

Note: Please verify acceptable payment methods with the acceptance facility ahead of time.

PVA Fees

Passport processing days are counted in business, not calendar days and unless special arrangements are made in advance, the day the documents are received by PVA is not counted as a processing day.

Government Fees are paid by the applicant at the Acceptance Agency and are not collected by PVA.

Execution Process

Once the applicant has collected all documents listed above, they are prepared to visit the Acceptance Agency.

Please contact PVA for more detailed instructions regarding the Acceptance Agency process and what happens next.

Documents required:

• State issued birth certificate
• State Issued Driver’s License
• One passport photo – 2” x 2” (51mm x 51mm) color passport photo
• Letter of Authorization – print TWO COPIES
• Letter of Explanation
• Proof of International Travel
  Note: Flight itinerary showing travel from the USA in less than two week for a passport alone or four weeks or less if a visa is required – print TWO COPIES of itinerary
• DS-11 Application – filled out online, TWO COPIES, SINGLE SIDED and DO NOT SIGN
• Passport Fee – $170 payable to the US Department of State
• Execution Fee – $35 paid to the Acceptance Agency

The local Acceptance Agencies are usually by appointments so check using your local zip code and determine if an appointment is required.

Note: Not all Acceptance Agencies takes passport photos or accept every form of payment, check with your selected Acceptance Agency to determine the method of payment they accept.

PVA's Responsibility

Once the documents are received at PVA’s office:

• PVA will review the documents provided on the outside of the sealed envelope and the application is prepped for submission at the Passport Agency.
• PVA will hand walk the application into the Passport Agency for submission and collect the passport (and supporting documents) upon completion.
• PVA’s Quality Check will verify the information is correct on the passport before shipping it back. If any information is incorrect, we will resubmit to correct the issue at no additional cost.
• PVA will send the new passport and all other original documents to the address provided on the applicant’s PVA order form.

Once the passport has been received by the applicant:

• It’s the responsibility of the passport owner to review the passport one more time when it arrives. If an error is found, please bring this to PVA’s attention immediately and we’ll get the issue corrected.

Applicant is eligible to apply for a US Passport Renewal if:

• Your current US passport is in your possession
• Your current US passport is in good condition and un-damaged
• Your current US passport was issued at age 16 or older
• Your current US passport was issued in the last 15 years
• Your current US passport is running out of pages
• Your name has legally changed since your last US passport was issued

If you meet one or more of these requirements, you may apply for a US passport renewal and Passport & Visa Advisors is here to help.

Current US Passport

The applicant must submit their current/expired US passport. The passport must have been issued within 15 years.

Photos

The applicant must provide one recent passport photo with their application.

• Taken within the last six months
• Must be in color and on photo paper – glossy or matte finish is acceptable
• Photo size: must be 2” x 2” (51 x 51 mm)
• Head size: between 1” and 1-3/8” (25mm x 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• No glasses, Neutral expression, No smiles or grins, Facing the camera directly.
• Both eyes open
• No Selfies, No social media filters, No poses
• No hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes. Letter of explanation must be submitted

Click here for passport photo guidelines.

Letter of Authorization

All hand-carry applications must include Letter of Authorization (LOA) granting permission to submit the passport documents on the applicant’s behalf.

PVA will assign a Letter of Authorization to the applicant once their order has been placed. Please call us at 704-246-6373 with your order number after your order is placed.

The Letter of Authorization must bear the original signature of the applicant. Photocopies, scans and any other facsimile of an original LOA aren’t accepted by the US Passport Agency.

Proof of International Travel

The US Passport Agency requires proof of travel within 2-4 weeks depending on the traveler’s destination. Acceptable proof of international travel includes:

• A flight itinerary from the airline, travel agency or online booking company.
• A confirmation showing a Trip ID to an international destination is the most common proof of travel.
• A business letter on company letterhead explaining why urgent travel is required.
• Click here for a business letter template.
• A personally signed letter of explanation explaining that a passport is required for employment.
• A personally signed letter explaining that the traveler’s employer requires frequent travel with unexpected notice.
• If travel is to Canada or Mexico, a hotel confirmation is best, however a letter of explanation will also be considered.

Note: Letters of explanation are accepted at the discretion of the US Passport Agency.

Application

The applicant is required to submit a signed DS-82 application. The DS-82 application must be filled out online via the US Passport Agency’s website. A hand-written applications will lead to delays in processing.

If the application is done properly, a barcode will appear in the upper left hand corner and the bottom right hand corner of the pages.

The DS-82 application must be printed SINGLE-SIDED. The applicant is only required to submit the last 2 pages of the application.

Click here to fill out and print the DS-82 application.

Government Fees

The US Passport Agency charges $170 for expedited adult passports.

The $170 Expedited Passport Fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State and must be paid by:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Additional $30 will be charge if you order a Passport Card with your Passport Book

PVA Fees

Passport processing days are counted in business, not calendar days and unless special arrangements are made in advance, the day the documents are received by PVA is not counted as a processing day.

Government Fees are paid by the applicant at the Acceptance Agency and are not collected by PVA.

Execution Process

Once the applicant has collected all documents listed above, please contact PVA for more detailed instructions regarding what happens next.

Documents required:

• Current passport
• One passport photo – 2” x 2” (51mm x 51mm) color passport photo
• Letter of Authorization – print two copies and signed in black ink
• Proof of International Travel
  Note: Flight itinerary showing travel from the USA in less than two week for a passport alone or four weeks or less if a visa is required – print two copies of itinerary
• DS-82 Application – filled out online, printed single sided and signed in black ink
• Passport Fee – $170 payable to the US Department of State

PVA's Responsibility

Once the documents are received at PVA’s office:

• PVA will review the documents provided on the outside of the sealed envelope and the application is prepped for submission at the Passport Agency
• PVA will hand walk the application into the Passport Agency for submission and collect the passport (and supporting documents) upon completion.
• PVA’s Quality Check will verify the information is correct on the passport before shipping it back. If any information is incorrect, we will resubmit to correct the issue at no additional cost.
• PVA will FedEx the new passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate and all other original documents to the address provided on the applicant’s PVA order form.

Once the passport has been received by the applicant:

• It’s the responsibility of the passport owner to review the passport one more time when it arrives. If an error is found, please bring this to PVA’s attention immediately and we’ll get the issue corrected.

Applicants are eligible to apply for a Passport Name Change if:

• Your name has legally changed since your last US passport was issued due to marriage, divorce, adoption or other legal reason, AND;
• Your current US passport is in your possession
• Your current US passport is in good condition and undamaged
• Your current US passport was issued at age 16 or older
• Your current US passport was issued within the last 15 years

If you meet one or more of these requirements, you may apply for a Name Change on your US Passport and Passport & Visa Advisors is here to help.

Current US Passport

The applicant must submit their current/expired US passport. The passport must have been issued within 15 years.

Photos

The applicant must provide one recent passport photo with their application.

• Taken within the last six months
• Must be in color and on photo paper – glossy or matte finish is acceptable
• Photo size: must be 2” x 2” (51 x 51 mm)
• Head size: between 1” and 1-3/8” (25mm x 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• No glasses, Neutral expression, No smiles or grins, Facing the camera directly.
• Both eyes open
• No Selfies, No social media filters, No poses
• No hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes. Letter of explanation must be submitted

Click here for passport photo guidelines.

Letter of Authorization

All hand-carry applications must include Letter of Authorization (LOA) granting permission to submit the passport documents on the applicant’s behalf.

PVA will assign a Letter of Authorization to the applicant once their order has been placed. Please call us at 704-246-6373 with your order number after your order is placed.

The Letter of Authorization must bear the original signature of the applicant. Photocopies, scans and any other facsimile of an original LOA aren’t accepted by the US Passport Agency.

Proof of International Travel

The US Passport Agency requires proof of travel within 2-4 weeks depending on the traveler’s destination. Acceptable proof of international travel includes:

• A flight itinerary from the airline, travel agency or online booking company.
• A confirmation showing a Trip ID to an international destination is the most common proof of travel.
• A business letter on company letterhead explaining why urgent travel is required.
• Click here for a business letter template.
• A personally signed letter of explanation explaining that a passport is required for employment.
• A personally signed letter explaining that the traveler’s employer requires frequent travel with unexpected notice.
• If travel is to Canada or Mexico, a hotel confirmation is best, however a letter of explanation will also be considered.

Note: Letters of explanation are accepted at the discretion of the US Passport Agency.

Application

The applicant is required to submit a signed DS-82 application. The DS-82 application must be filled out online via the US Passport Agency’s website. A hand-written applications will lead to delays in processing.

If the application is done properly, a barcode will appear in the upper left hand corner and the bottom right hand corner of the pages.

The DS-82 application must be printed SINGLE-SIDED. The applicant is only required to submit the last 2 pages of the application.

Click here to fill out and print the DS-82 application.

Name Change Document

The applicant is required to submit and original or certified copy of their marriage certificate, divorce decree or other legal document establishing a name change.

The name change document must bear the official seal of the issuing authority. Photocopies and/or notarized documents will not be accepted by the passport agency.

Government Fees

The US Passport Agency charges $170 for expedited adult passports.

The $170 Expedited Passport Fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State and must be paid by:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Additional $30 will be charge if you order a Passport Card with your Passport Book

Note: If you are requesting a name change less than one year after your current US passport was issued, you are not required to pay additional fees to the US passport agency. If this applies to you, you are required to submit a DS-5504 form in addition to all other supporting documents listed above.

Click here to fill out and print a DS-5504 form.

PVA Fees

Passport processing days are counted in business, not calendar days and unless special arrangements are made in advance, the day the documents are received by PVA is not counted as a processing day.

Government Fees are paid by the applicant at the Acceptance Agency and are not collected by PVA.

Execution Process

Once the applicant has collected all documents listed above, please contact PVA for more detailed instructions regarding what happens next.

Documents required:

• Current passport
• One passport photo – 2” x 2” (51mm x 51mm) color passport photo
• Letter of Authorization – print two copies and signed in black ink
• Proof of International Travel
  Note: Flight itinerary showing travel from the USA in less than two week for a passport alone or four weeks or less if a visa is required – print two copies of itinerary
• DS-82 Application – filled out online, printed SINGLE-SIDED and signed in black ink
• Original / Certified name change document
• Passport Fee – $170 payable to the US Department of State or DS-5504 form if applicable.

PVA's Responsibility

Once the documents are received at PVA’s office:

• PVA will review the documents provided on the outside of the sealed envelope and the application is prepped for submission at the Passport Agency
• PVA will hand walk the application into the Passport Agency for submission and collect the passport (and supporting documents) upon completion.
• PVA’s Quality Check will verify the information is correct on the passport before shipping it back. If any information is incorrect, we will resubmit to correct the issue at no additional cost.
• PVA will FedEx the new passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate and all other original documents to the address provided on the applicant’s PVA order form.

Once the passport has been received by the applicant:

• It’s the responsibility of the passport owner to review the passport one more time when it arrives. If an error is found, please bring this to PVA’s attention immediately and we’ll get the issue corrected.

Applicants are eligible to apply for a Second US Passport if:

• Your current US passport is in your possession
• You are able to submit your current US passport to the US passport agency
• You can provide documentation showing conflicting international travel plans and/or the need to obtain a travel visa
• You can prove that you are traveling or have traveled to Israel and also have to travel to Arab countries in conflict with Israel

If you meet one or more of these requirements, you may apply for a second US passport and Passport & Visa Advisors is here to help.

Current US Passport

The applicant must submit their current/expired US passport. The passport must have been issued within 15 years.

Photos

The applicant must provide one recent passport photo with their application.

Taken within the last six months
Must be in color and on photo paper – glossy or matte finish is acceptable
Photo size: must be 2” x 2” (51 x 51 mm)
Head size: between 1” and 1-3/8” (25mm x 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
No glasses, Neutral expression, No smiles or grins, Facing the camera directly.
Both eyes open
No Selfies, No social media filters, No poses
No hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes. Letter of explanation must be submitted

Click here for passport photo guidelines.

Letter of Authorization

All hand-carry applications must include Letter of Authorization (LOA) granting permission to submit the passport documents on the applicant’s behalf.

PVA will assign a Letter of Authorization to the applicant once their order has been placed. Please call us at 704-246-6373 with your order number after your order is placed.

The Letter of Authorization must bear the original signature of the applicant. Photocopies, scans and any other facsimile of an original LOA aren’t accepted by the US Passport Agency.

Proof of International Travel

The US Passport Agency requires proof of travel within 2-4 weeks depending on the traveler’s destination. Acceptable proof of international travel includes:

• A flight itinerary from the airline, travel agency or online booking company.
• A confirmation showing a Trip ID to an international destination is the most common proof of travel.
• A business letter on company letterhead explaining why urgent travel is required.
• Click here for a business letter template.
• A personally signed letter of explanation explaining that a passport is required for employment.
• A personally signed letter explaining that the traveler’s employer requires frequent travel with unexpected notice.
• If travel is to Canada or Mexico, a hotel confirmation is best, however a letter of explanation will also be considered.

Note: Letters of explanation are accepted at the discretion of the US Passport Agency.

Application

The applicant is required to submit a signed DS-82 application.

The DS-82 application must be filled out online via the US Passport Agency’s website. A hand-written applications will lead to delays in processing.

If the application is done properly, a barcode will appear in the upper left hand corner and the bottom right hand corner of the pages.

The DS-82 application must be printed SINGLE-SIDED. The applicant is only required to submit the last 2 pages of the application.

Click here to fill out and print the DS-82 application.

Personal Letter of Explanation

The applicant is required to submit an originally signed personal letter of explanation detailing their need for a second passport.

Click here for a template letter.

Company / Corporate Letter of Explanation

If the applicant is requesting a second passport for business travel, their employer must provide a letter requesting the issuance of a second passport and detailing the applicant’s conflicting travel plans.

The company/corporate letter of explanation must appear on company letterhead and be originally signed by a company employee other than the applicant.

Click here for a template letter.

Government Fees

The US Passport Agency charges $170 for expedited adult passports.

The $170 Expedited Passport Fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State and must be paid by:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Additional $30 will be charge if you order a Passport Card with your Passport Book

PVA Fees

Passport processing days are counted in business, not calendar days and unless special arrangements are made in advance, the day the documents are received by PVA is not counted as a processing day.

Government Fees are paid by the applicant at the Acceptance Agency and are not collected by PVA.

Execution Process

Once the applicant has collected all documents listed above, please contact PVA for more detailed instructions regarding what happens next.

Documents required:

• Current/Expired US Passport
• One passport photo – 2” x 2” (51mm x 51mm) color passport photo
• Letter of Authorization – print TWO COPIES and signed in black ink
• Proof of International Travel
  Note: Flight itinerary showing travel from the USA in less than two week for a passport alone or four weeks or less if a visa is required – print TWO COPIES of itinerary
• DS-82 Application – filled out online, printed SINGLE SIDED and signed in black ink
• Personal Letter of Explanation
• Company/Corporate Letter of Explanation
• Passport Fee – $170 payable to the US Department of State

PVA's Responsability

Once the documents are received at PVA’s office:

• PVA will review the documents provided on the outside of the sealed envelope and the application is prepped for submission at the Passport Agency.
• PVA will hand walk the application into the Passport Agency for submission and collect the passport (and supporting documents) upon completion.
• PVA’s Quality Check will verify the information is correct on the passport before shipping it back. If any information is incorrect, we will resubmit to correct the issue at no additional cost.
• PVA will send the new passport and all other original documents to the address provided on the applicant’s PVA order form.

Once the passport has been received by the applicant:

• It’s the responsibility of the passport owner to review the passport one more time when it arrives. If an error is found, please bring this to PVA’s attention immediately and we’ll get the issue corrected.

Applicants are eligible to apply for a Minor US Passport if:

• Minor applicant is a US citizen under the age of 16, AND;
• Minor applicant has never held a US passport, OR;
• Minor applicant’s passport has expired or will be expiring

Note: Minor US passports cannot be renewed. When a minor’s passport expires, a new passport must be applied for.

If you meet one or more of these requirements you must apply for a new US passport and Passport & Visa Advisors is here to help.

Expediting Explanation

Minor Passport Expediting Services consist of three main steps:

• Step 1 – the applicant appears at a local Acceptance Agency to prove they are a US citizen, have proper identification, that all paperwork is in order and all passport fees are paid. The applicant must indicate they are using a third-party expediting service to process the passport quickly (commonly referred to as ‘hand-carry’ service).
• Step 2 – The Acceptance Agency will review the documents and witness the applicant/guardian’s signature on the application. The finalized documents are sealed in an envelope by the agent and returned to the applicant.
• Step 3 – The applicant sends the sealed envelope to Passport Visa Advisors. PVA hand carries the sealed passport application into a Passport Agency for submission. When the passport is complete, PVA collects the passport and overnights it back to the applicant. Please note: processing speeds are determined based on the applicant’s departure date.

Proof of Citizenship

The applicant must provide one of the following documents. The document must be original or a certified copy (not notarized). A certified copy is a document that bears a seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

Note: “short form” birth certificates are not admissible for new passport applications

• Fully valid, undamaged US passport (can be expired)
• US birth certificate issued by the city, county or state of birth. This birth certificate must list:
  • The applicant’s full name, date and place of birth
  • The applicant’s parents full names
  • Date stamped with the registrar’s office no later than one year after birth
  • Has the registrar’s signature and the seal of the issuing authority
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

Proof of Identification

The Minor applicant’s Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) must have valid proof of identification, issued more than six months prior to the US passport application. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Valid State issued Driver’s License (front and back)
• Valid State issued Identification (front and back)
• Previously issued, undamaged US passport
• Naturalization Certificate
• Current Government ID (city, county, state, federal) (front and back)
• Current Military ID (front and back)
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Current permanent resident card also known as “green card” (front and back)
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards) (front and back)

If primary proof of identification has been issued less than six months previous to the passport application plan to provide secondary identification documents found here.

Proof of Parental Relation or Legal Guardianship

Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) are required to provide proof of their relation to the minor applicant. The following documents can serve as proof of relation:

• Minor’s original or Certified US Birth Certificate with parents’ names
• Minor’s original or Certified Foreign Birth Certificate with parents’ names
• Minor’s certified Report of Birth Abroad with parents’ names
• Adoption Decree with adoptive parents’ names
• Original or Certified Court Order establishing custody
• Original or Certified Court Order establishing guardianship

If both parents cannot be present to apply for the passport, the absent parent must provide notarized consent in the form of a DS-3053 Statement of Consent – Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16. Notarization must be done in English. Electronic notaries are not accepted. The consenting parent must provide a photocopy of their valid identification.
If neither parent is able to sign on the minor’s behalf, a third party can be appointed to represent the parents. If this applies to you, please contact Passport & Visa Advisors to discuss your options.

Click here to print the DS-3053 Statement of Consent – Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16.

Photos

The applicant must provide one recent passport photo with their application.

• Taken within the last six months
• Must be in color and on photo paper – glossy or matte finish is acceptable
• Photo size: must be 2” x 2” (51 x 51 mm)
• Head size: between 1” and 1-3/8” (25mm x 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• No glasses, Neutral expression, No smiles or grins, Facing the camera directly.
• Both eyes open
• No Selfies, No social media filters, No poses
• No hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes. Letter of explanation must be submitted

Click here for passport photo guidelines.

Click here for children passport photo guidelines.

Letter of Authorization

All hand-carry applications must include Letter of Authorization (LOA) granting permission to submit the passport documents on the applicant’s behalf.

PVA will assign a Letter of Authorization to the applicant once their order has been placed. Please call us at 704-246-6373 with your order number after your order is placed.

The Letter of Authorization must bear the original signature of the applicant or parents/guardians. If the minor is under 16 years old the parents will sign their child’s LOA. The minor will not sign. If the minor is between 16-18, the minor and parent will sign the Letter of Authorization.

Photocopies, scans and any other facsimile of an original LOA aren’t accepted by the US Passport Agency.

Fill out and originally sign TWO COPIES of the Letters of Authorization. One will be submitted to the Acceptance Agent and the other will be sent to PVA alongside of the official, sealed envelope.

Proof of International Travel

The US Passport Agency requires proof of travel within 2-4 weeks depending on the traveler’s destination. Acceptable proof of international travel includes:

• A flight itinerary from the airline, travel agency or online booking company.
• A confirmation showing a Trip ID to an international destination is the most common proof of travel.
• A business letter on company letterhead explaining why urgent travel is required.
• Click here for a business letter template.
• A personally signed letter of explanation explaining that a passport is required for employment.
• A personally signed letter explaining that the traveler’s employer requires frequent travel with unexpected notice.
• If travel is to Canada or Mexico, a hotel confirmation is best, however a letter of explanation will also be considered.

Note: Letters of explanation are accepted at the discretion of the US Passport Agency.

Application

The applicant is required to submit a DS-11 application.

The DS-11 application must be filled out online via the US Passport Agency’s website. Hand-written applications are not allowed.

Fill out the application, if the application is done properly, a barcode will appear in the upper left hand corner and the bottom right hand corner of the pages.

Print TWO COPIES of the application, SINGLE-SIDED and DO NOT SIGN the application until instructed to do so at the Acceptance Agency.

Minors under the age of 16 will not sign their own passport applications. The parents whose names appear on the minor’s birth certificate are required to appear with the child at the Acceptance Agency.

Minors age 16 or 17 require one parent to appear with them at the Acceptance Agency and both the parent and minor will sign the DS-11 application.

Remember, the DS-11 application must be fill out with the minor’s information.

Click here to fill out and print the DS-11 application.

Government Fees

The US Passport Agency charges $140 for expedited minor passports and $35 charge for the Acceptance Agency execution services. Both fees are paid at the Acceptance Agency.

The $140 Expedited Passport Fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State and must be paid by:

• Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Additional $15 will be charge if you order a Passport Card with your Passport Book

The $35 Execution Fee is paid to the agent directly and can be paid by:

• Money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the agent
• Personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations
• Credit cards at some locations.

Note: Please verify acceptable payment methods with the acceptance facility ahead of time.

PVA Fees

Passport processing days are counted in business, not calendar days and unless special arrangements are made in advance, the day the documents are received by PVA is not counted as a processing day.

Government Fees are paid by the applicant at the Acceptance Agency and are not collected by PVA.

Execution Process

Once the applicant and parents have collected all documents listed above, they are prepared to visit the Acceptance Agency.

Please contact PVA for more detailed instructions regarding the Acceptance Agency process and what happens next.

Documents required:

• State issued birth certificate
• Parent’s/Guardian’s Issued Driver’s License
• Proof of Parental Relation or legal Guardianship
• DS-3053 Statement of Consent – if applicable
• One passport photo – 2” x 2” (51mm x 51mm) color passport photo
• Letter of Authorization – print TWO COPIES
• Proof of International Travel
  Note: Flight itinerary showing travel from the USA in less than two week for a passport alone or four weeks or less if a visa is required – print two copies of itinerary
• DS-11 Application – filled out online, print TWO COPIES and DO NOT SIGN
• Minors under the age of 16 do not sign their own passports.
• Minors 16 or 17 sign their own passport applications with one of their parents.
• Passport Fee – $140 payable to the US Department of State
• Execution Fee – $35 paid to the Acceptance Agency

The local Acceptance Agencies are usually by appointments so check using your local zip code and determine if an appointment is required.

Note: Not all Acceptance Agencies takes passport photos or accept every form of payment, check with your selected Acceptance Agency to determine the method of payment they accept.

PVA's Responsibility

Once the documents are received at PVA’s office:

• PVA will review the documents provided on the outside of the sealed envelope and the application is prepped for submission at the Passport Agency.
• PVA will hand walk the application into the Passport Agency for submission and collect the passport (and supporting documents) upon completion.
• PVA’s Quality Check will verify the information is correct on the passport before shipping it back. If any information is incorrect, we will resubmit to correct the issue at no additional cost.
• PVA will send the new passport and all other original documents to the address provided on the applicant’s PVA order form.

Once the passport has been received by the applicant:

• It’s the responsibility of the passport owner to review the passport one more time when it arrives. If an error is found, please bring this to PVA’s attention immediately and we’ll get the issue corrected.