Passports in Utah
Residents are required to fill out a passport application in Utah if they wish to cross country borders. They allow U.S. citizens to enter all open ports in foreign countries whether they are sea, land or air ports. Passports come in the form of a passport book or card and applicants can apply for one or both.
Because passports are physical objects that are carried around during travel, stolen, damaged and lost passports are common occurrences. Luckily the U.S. Department of State offers methods of replacing passports in addition to acquiring new ones. While getting a passport might feel overwhelming or confusing, the information below will help you gain a better understanding of the passport application process.
Where to Get a Passport in Utah
Residents who have never had a passport before may wonder to where to get a passport in Utah. They can find passport applications at both passport agencies and offices.
An official passport agency is administered by the Department of State. These are found regionally. There are no passport agencies in Utah but residents can head to neighboring Arizona or Colorado if need be.
A passport application is not required to be completed at an agency, but the benefit of submitting one directly to the Department of State is that it can get processed quicker. However, the passport agency only completes applications by appointment.
Passport offices, on the other hand, accept both walk-ins and appointments. These offices are post offices, county clerk offices and public libraries. Walk-in hours depend on each individual office but appointments can be made online or by phone.
Utah Passport Books vs. Cards
It is easy to be confused by the difference between passport books vs. cards. Below you fill find the distinguishing factors between the two.
People who have never held a passport before may ask “what is a passport book?” A passport book is a U.S. document that allows citizens to cross any domestic and international boundary by air, land or sea. It indicates a person’s identity, citizenship and nationality.
The U.S Department of State made the passport card available to enable easier crossing for residents of border towns. Passport cards in Utah are useful for residents who engage in frequent North American travel such as to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda and within the United States itself.
This form of the passport only allows individuals to cross foreign borders by sea or land. Passport card holders cannot enter North American territory or travel internationally by air. The passport card cost is cheaper than a passport book but does not allow for as many benefits.
How to Get a Passport in Utah
It can feel stressful to apply for such an important document like a passport, but by reading further you can learn how to get a passport in Utah. The process of getting a new passport is simple. Applicants only need to bring the following documents with them to a passport servicing office or agency:
- Completed passport application
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate, Naturalization Certificate or previous U.S. Passport)
- Proof of identity (military, state or government-issued ID)
- A method of payment (personal or cashier’s check or money order)
Applicants may fill out the application form online but may only submit it in person. Online, by mail or telephone applications are not accepted.
Minors are required to have their own passport book or card, but they must be accompanied by their parents for the application. Applicants younger than 16 years of age are considered to be minors. They must supply the same information as adults such as a completed passport application, proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid photo ID and furnish the appropriate fees.
Those who cannot or do not have both parents present can finalize their application only if they provide supporting documents. Those documents include: form of consent, a form regarding special family circumstances or a court order indicating custody. The cost for minor passports is cheaper than passports for adults but an expedited passport still accrues the same fees.
U.S. Passport Renewals in Utah
Citizens who have previously held a U.S. Passport are eligible to renew U.S. Passport credentials. Adults (applicants older than 16 years of age) can renew their passport every 10 years while minors and applicants younger than 16 must renew US passports every five years.
“How much does it cost to renew your passport?” is a common question, especially among those who have never had to do it before. Passport renewal costs are the same as those for a new passport. However, applicants are not required to pay the additional processing fee for renewals.
The following are forms and documents needed to renew a US passport:
- Completed passport renewal application
- A color passport photo
- Payment
- Most recent and unexpired passport
These documents can be submitted to a passport office or agency or sent to the Department of State by mail.
There are certain circumstances under which you may not renew a passport, but instead apply for a new one:
- You received the passport before your 16th
- You need to replace a lost passport.
- The passport is lost or damaged.
- The passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
- You received a name change and do not have legal proof of it.
How to Replace a Lost Passport in Utah
A stolen passport, or any important document, can cause great concern. Fortunately, a passport replacement can be requested for lost, stolen or damaged passports.
Once you discover that you have lost your passport or that someone has stolen it, you should learn how to replace a lost passport immediately. That involves first completing a lost passport form. This ensures protection of your identity if a dishonest party decides to use it.
Following that, you should make an appointment at a local passport agency or office to get a new passport. The procedure is the same as acquiring a brand new passport.
A damaged passport also requires replacement especially if it is no longer legible due to water damage, unofficial marking, hole punches or torn out visa pages. To replace a damaged passport, applicants can fill out a new passport application form, submit all required documents along with a signed statement about the damage of the passport.
How to Complete a Passport Update in Utah
Individuals typically request a passport update when they undergo a name change such as after marriage or divorce. But passports can be updated for other reasons:
- Misprinted information
- Incorrect information
- Ink smudging
- Discoloration
- Crooked printing
Most reprints can be done for free at a Department of State office or by mail. All applicants have to do to receive an updated passport book is submit a completed correction form, their current incorrect passport, an eligible passport photo and evidence of the error. However, applicants who request a corrected passport update after one year of the issue date or do not have proof of name change must pay regular US passport fees.
Utah Expedited Passport Service
An expedited passport service in Utah is available for individuals who want or need their passport cards or books delivered sooner than the standard four to six weeks. Though it incurs an extra cost, an expedited passport has the benefit of allowing you to keep your travel plans especially if they are within two weeks of your application.
All individuals who submit a passport application either for a new passport, renewal or replacement may select an expedited service. Applicants must simply indicate their preference for expedition on their application form or make an appointment at a Department of State office.