Since March 2021, more than 2 million Next Generation Passports have been issued to Americans across the country as part of ongoing agency modernization efforts.
"We continue to roll out the NGP -- redesigned to be smarter, safer and better -- at our passport agencies and centers," said a State Department official. "We are on track to offer the NGP nationwide by the end of 2022."
Excluding the aforementioned 2 million Americans, U.S. passport holders have the ePassport book, which is the standard passport book currently circulated in passport issuances and renewals.
"While the U.S. passport book currently in circulation ... is already an extremely secure travel document, our Next Generation Passport uses new technologies and has enhanced security features, such as a polycarbonate data page, laser engraved personalization and updated artwork," the spokesperson said.
Should you receive the NGP, the main differences you'll likely notice are the polycarbonate data page and the placement of the endorsement page on page three. Additionally, visa pages have updated art and ink colors to showcase imagery of U.S. architecture, history, culture, landscapes and traditions.
Although these changes may entice you to apply for the NGP, note that you cannot request a specific version of the passport book. Also, the State Department cannot guarantee receipt of the ePassport versus the NGP as they gradually replace existing ePassport printers with NGP printers at the 29 passport agencies and centers nationwide.
Because both ePassport books and cards will continue to "meet and exceed international passport security standards" suitable for international travel, there is really no benefit to having the NGP beyond its novelty.
"The rollout of the Next Generation Passport is a multiyear process," according to the State Department. "We will issue both the ePassport and Next Generation Passport until August 2022, when all passport agencies and centers will be printing the new Next Generation Passport books."
Related: Learn from my experience: How to avoid a 7-week passport renewal saga
