You might be able to get a 2nd US passport — here's how

Although it's not widely publicized, it is possible to have two U.S. passports. However, not everyone qualifies, and the perk of a second passport is limited to pretty specific situations.

You can only get a second U.S. passport if:

• You have stamps in your passport that could result in denied entry to another country (e.g., an Israeli stamp in some countries).
• You have more than one international trip coming up, and you need to get visas, meaning your current passport will be out of your possession for some time.
• You can prove your job requires you to travel frequently. Flight attendants, pilots and journalists covering foreign news, for example, likely qualify for a second passport.

There are two ways to apply for a second passport, depending on your circumstances. Here's what you'll need in each scenario.

Request a 2nd passport by submitting your current passport

Use this method if you are applying because of the first reason above and do not need your current passport for international travel within the time it will take for a second passport to be processed.

What you'll need

• Two passport photos that are distinctly different from those in your first passport
• Your original passport
• Completed DS-82 passport form (the same form you'd use to renew)
• $130 application fee. Add $60 if you'd like it expedited and another $19.53 if you want one- or two-day shipping. (Note that you cannot pay these fees by credit or debit card. Payment options include personal, certified or cashier's checks, as well as money orders, made out to "U.S. Department of State." The application fee and any of the above add-ons should be tallied and paid with a single check or money order.)
• A letter clearly explaining why you need a second passport. You can find a sample statement on this page under the second section.
  
• Proof of reason why you need the second passport (e.g., copies of your flight itineraries or the problematic passport stamp)

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Request a 2nd passport if you can't send in your current passport

Use this method if you qualify under the second or third reason above. This is the way to go if you don't have your passport in your possession due to mailing it in for required visas or if you have near-constant international travel scheduled and, therefore, can't part with your current passport long enough to mail it in. You can also take this route if you qualify under the first reason but have several upcoming international trips scheduled.

What you'll need

• Two passport photos that are distinctly different from those in your first passport
• Your original birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, such as a consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship (which you will need to mail in with your application)
• Completed DS-11 passport form (the same form you'd use if you were applying for your very first passport or for a new one if your last one expired more than 15 years ago)
• An in-person appointment at a passport acceptance facility. (These are most often post offices, but certain clerks of court offices and libraries can also accept applications.) You can find one here and make an appointment here.
• $130 application fee. Add $60 if you'd like it expedited and another $19.53 if you want one- or two-day shipping. (Note that you cannot pay this fee by credit or debit card. Payment options include personal, certified or cashier's checks, as well as money orders, made out to "U.S. Department of State." The application fee and any of the above add-ons should be tallied and paid with a single check or money order.)
• Acceptance facility processing fee of $35, payable by credit or debit card, or with a money order or personal check made out to "Postmaster"
• A letter clearly explaining why you need a second passport. You can find a sample statement on this page under the second section.
• Proof of reason you need the second passport (e.g., copies of your flight itineraries or the problematic passport stamp)
• Another form of government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, to verify your identity at the time of application submission

Tips for getting and using a 2nd passport

As with the standard passport renewal process, travelers can apply for a second passport at an appointment-only passport agency -- assuming they can even get through to make an appointment in the first place. (It can only be done over the phone.) However, this method can only be utilized when the second passport needs to be expedited (think: same-day service). For this, you will also need another form of government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, to verify your identity on the day of your appointment.

Remember that there's no guarantee you'll get a second passport; your application could be denied. If that happens, you won't receive a refund for the fees, so make sure to include sufficient documentation to make your case. If approved, your second passport will only be valid for four years, unlike a regular full-validity passport, which is good for 10 years. Your second passport will also have a different number from your original passport, and it cannot be renewed.

If you have Global Entry linked to your primary passport, you can change it to link it to your second passport in your Trusted Traveler account. Log in, then navigate to the "Update Documents" section to replace your primary passport information with the details for your secondary passport. Keep in mind that if you travel again later using your primary passport, you'll have to change your passport information back. If you'd like to have both passports saved in your account, you'll need to visit a Global Entry enrollment center for assistance.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or an expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Additional reporting by Lori Zaino.