Passports in Hawaii
A completed passport application is the first step toward taking an international trip. A passport card or book is a document that includes your full name, date and birth and photo. It serves as a valid form of identification and is an essential part of your travel documents.
To obtain one, there are several steps you must perform, including the collection of pertinent documents and visit to a passport office. Anyone can obtain a passport. However, expiration dates do vary depending on age and other factors.
It is important that passport card and book holders keep note of their passport’s expiration date and begin the renewal process early on. This is to avoid being denied access to a country due to a nearing passport expiration date. If you do end up waiting until the last minute, you can obtain an expedited passport in Hawaii.
Where to Get a Passport in Hawaii
You can obtain a passport application by visiting one of many passport acceptance facilities in Hawaii. Many residents believe the process takes place in federal buildings. However, there are many libraries and county clerk offices that manage passport applications.
These facilities process routine passport applications that take four to six weeks to complete. While it is not mandatory, many facilities advise residents to set appointments beforehand to facilitate the process once they visit. If you need a passport in three weeks or less, you can obtain an expedited passport.
Hawaii Passports Books vs. Cards
As you prepare to complete an application, you might wonder, “What is a passport book and is it different from a passport card?” The answer is yes. A passport book is an identification document that holds several blank pages.
As you begin to travel internationally, the pages will fill with documentation of your entry and exit into foreign countries. The passport book is a mandatory document to travel overseas by air.
The passport card, on the other hand, is smaller and is only accepted for domestic travel. It is also approved for re-entry in the country from Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean via land or sea. Due to its limitations, it costs less than the passport book.
How to Get a Passport in Hawaii
When getting a new passport, you must follow a series of steps. Obtaining a passport can be a tedious task, as it requires research and organization. Find below the steps to follow:
- Locate a passport acceptance facility or passport agency near you. The former is for routine passports whereas agencies are for emergency situations wherein you require an expedited passport.
- Collect important documents. You must bring proof of U.S. citizenship, color passport photos, a form of ID and a signed completed passport application form. Those who are under 18 must also bring a consent form signed by their parent or guardian and proof of the relationship.
- Set an appointment. Acceptance facilities do not always require appointments but it makes the process go faster and smoother. At passport agencies, however, they are mandatory.
- Submit all documents and pay fees to process the passport application.
U.S. Passport Renewals in Hawaii
You should renew your US passport in Hawaii when it is near its expiration date, approximately nine months in advance. Some countries do not allow entry into their country if the passport will not be valid for an additional six months. Since the process usually takes four to six weeks, it is important to start the process early on.
To renew, you must send several documents via mail. These documents include:
- A completed passport renewal form
- Your old passport
- Color photograph
To obtain an expedited passport, you must write “EXPEDITE” on the package once you have included all of the necessary documents in your mailing envelope. How much does it cost to renew your passport? This varies due to several factors: your age, how quickly you want to obtain the passport and the type of passport you are purchasing.
How to Replace a Lost Passport in Hawaii
To replace a lost passport, you cannot complete the process online or via mail. You must visit one of the passport offices located in Hawaii. The second step is completing a new passport application form to replace the lost or damaged passport.
If you need a passport immediately, you must visit a passport agency as that will ensure you receive it in less than three weeks. However, if you are not in a rush, you may visit an acceptance facility. In the case of a stolen passport, it is imperative that you report it immediately.
When your passport is stolen, you may become a victim of identity theft. As such, notify the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) by completing the correct form immediately to invalidate the passport before applying for a replacement. You should also make sure to replace other documents that may have been compromised, like your driver’s license.
How to Complete a Passport Update in Hawaii
A passport update is an important task to perform if you have recently undergone a major life change. This can include a change in your name or sex designation. For the former, the form you must complete may differ depending on when you file the request.
However, the necessary documents are the same: proof of the passport name change, a passport and color photo. For a change in your sex designation, you can obtain a temporary passport if you are still transitioning.
If your transition is complete, you will obtain a new passport that will last five or 10 years, depending on your age. You can submit all documents including a medical certification and recent ID photo to one of the US passport locations via mail.
Printing and data errors can also happen on your passport and that requires an update. To correct the mistake, you must submit a completed form, passport, color photo and evidence of the error. There are no fees to pay for this task.
Hawaii Expedited Passport Service
If you need to receive a passport in a hurry, you must visit the passport agency in Hawaii for expedited passport services. Keep in mind that there are strict eligibility requirements to qualify for a passport agency visit. You must prove that you have international travel plans in two weeks or less, there was an error on your passport or you have an immediate need for a foreign visa.
Once you meet these qualifications, you may set an appointment at the passport agency in Honolulu. As for the US passport fees, note that they will be higher because it is expedited.