Passports in Alaska
Completing a passport application is what will allow you to visit another country, as passports are the primary form of identification used to travel internationally. Alaska has over 40 facilities that will allow you to get a passport card or book. The state also provides quick passport services for an additional cost if you want or need your credentials sooner.
Whether you are looking to obtain or replace your lost passport, it is important to bring all required documents. The state will not allow you to obtain a card or book if you do not follow all the instructions and bring appropriate payments and documents. You can find out what items are needed, and how to replace, get or renew your travel credentials in the state of Alaska be reviewing the sections below.
Where to Get a Passport in Alaska
You are not able to obtain your first passport online, which means you have to complete the process in person at one of many application acceptance locations. The majority of them are located in postal offices, passport offices, city halls or public libraries. There are also facilities located at the University of Alaska, Colony High School and Prince William Sound Community College.
These various location offer accessibility to all state residents for easy requests to obtain new, corrected or renewed credentials. Many locations in Alaska require an appointment for passport-related transactions. It does not matter if you plan to replace your lost passport or get one for the first time, some locations will not serve you without an appointment.
Alaska Passport Books vs. Cards
When planning a trip abroad, you may ask, “What is a passport book?” Although a passport card and book are both passports, they have many differences. One major difference is what you are capable of doing with each identification.
With the booklet, you can travel by air, land and sea to countries around the globe. However, with the card, you can only travel by land or sea to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and Bermuda.
The passport card cost is significantly cheaper than the booklet due to the limitations that card has. If you know you will not need to travel by air internationally or go to a destination where you cannot use the card, then getting a card is right for you. However, if you plan to travel to take an international flight or trip to a country not on the card list, then you should obtain a passport book.
How to Get a Passport in Alaska
If you are planning to get international travel identification for the first time, you need to make sure you bring specific types documents with you. All sites in Alaska and the U.S. require the same documents to receive identification. If you do not take the following items, you will not be able to complete to get your credentials:
- Your completed passport application form in black ink.
- A passport photo that meets requirements.
- The original copy of your birth certificate.
- A money order or check for US passport fees.
- A form of photo identification, such as an Alaska drivers license.
How to Get a Passport in Alaska for Minors
If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you have to bring all the items that are listed above with you to a passport acceptance facility. In addition to that, you will also have to prove that at least one parent is aware that you are getting travel credentials.
The easiest way for you to provide proof is by having a legal guardian present while you go through any US passport location. If no one is able to attend, they must fill out, sign and have the parental awareness form notarized. You will then present that form during your appointment.
For minors younger than 16 years of age, the application process is different. All passport locations require specific items from guardians and minors. The items needed include:
- A completed passport form in black ink.
- A passport photo of the minor.
- Evidence of the minor’s U.S. citizenship.
- Permission from both guardians.
- Photo identification of parents.
- A money order or check for fees.
In the situation where a guardian cannot attend the appointment, that guardian must provide permission by completing a parental consent form. The documentation must be notarized and the guardian has to provide a photocopy of the front and back of his or her ID.
Minors without parental consent and people that do not bring all required items to obtain a passport are not eligible to receive travel credentials. In addition, people that are prevented from getting a new passport include:
- A person with unpaid national loans.
- A person on probation or has felony convictions.
- A person with unpaid child support.
Additional conditions will prevent approval of a passport application.
U.S. Passport Renewals in Alaska
Renewing your passport is different from applying for travel identification for the first time. If you meet certain requirements, you are able to go through the passport renewal process by mail. With this option, you do not have to visit a facility for passport processing.
To continue with the procedure by mail, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You received your travel credentials in the last 15 years.
- You got your when you were 16 years of age or older.
- Your passport is not lost, stolen or damaged.
If you do not meet the criteria listed above, you will not be able to renew your credentials by mail. However, you can still renew your credentials in person at any facility. You will need to take the following items with you:
- A completed renewal passport application
- A current U.S. passport.
- A photograph that meets Department of State requirements.
- A check or money order for US passport fees.
“How much does it cost to renew your passport?” is a common question for travelers renewing credentials. Currently, renewals cost the same as new passports.
How to Replace a Lost Passport in Alaska
If you lost your passport, you need to report that it is missing. This will help prevent identity theft as well as having someone else pretending to be you. To report a lost or stolen passport, you need to call the US Department of State or print and mail the lost passport form to the address that is on the form.
Unlike renewing your travel identification, your only option to get replacement credentials is to do it in person. You will have to bring the same documents as if you were going to obtain travel credentials for the first time along with the document that details the loss of the credentials.
How to Complete a Passport Update in Alaska
Passport updates are free of charge as long as it is a data error. Updating your identification can be done by mail or in person. In order to make changes, you have to provide the following information:
- A completed passport form
- Evidence of the error
- Most recent passport
- A passport photo
If you are looking to update your credentials because of a name change, you need to provide an original certified name change document. If you are requesting the change a year after your identification was issued, then you must pay for a renewal.
If you completed the drivers license name change process after getting married, you can present updated credentials as proof of the name change. Otherwise, this process is also free of charge. Once you get your passport replacement, you can plan a trip abroad without worry.
Alaska Expedited Passport Service
It takes four to eight weeks for you to receive your new passport no matter the reason. If you need your travel credentials sooner, you have the option to receive an expedited passport.
Expediting your credentials can be done at any acceptance agency, which means you should receive your identification in less than four weeks. However, if you want it in less than two or three weeks, you must go to a passport center or a private passport expeditor.