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Applying for Your Second U.S. Passport
Navigate the second passport application process with confidence. This comprehensive guide walks you through every requirement, document, and step needed to secure your additional passport book for international business travel.
Why You Might Need a Second Passport
A second U.S. passport serves as a vital tool for frequent international travelers, particularly business professionals who need to apply for visas while traveling abroad. When your primary passport is held by an embassy or consulate for visa processing, you can continue traveling with your second passport book.
The U.S. Department of State issues second passports to applicants who can demonstrate a legitimate need for simultaneous international travel. This service is particularly valuable for those traveling to countries with conflicting entry requirements or who need to maintain continuous travel capabilities while managing multiple visa applications.
Frequent Travel
Continue traveling while visa processing
Visa Conflicts
Navigate countries with entry restrictions
Two Ways to Complete Your Application
You have flexibility in how you complete your DS-82 application form. Choose the method that best fits your comfort level and schedule. Both approaches are equally valid and will result in a properly processed application.
Option A: Assisted Completion
Complete the Passport Application Questionnaire provided by your travel services company. They'll prepare your DS-82 form accurately and return it to you for your original signature. This option ensures all information is entered correctly and saves you time navigating the government website.
Option B: Self-Service Online
Visit the official State Department website and complete the DS-82 form independently. Navigate to the online portal, acknowledge the privacy notices, and fill out all required fields yourself. This gives you direct control over your application details and timing.
Critical Application Guidelines
Attention to detail is essential when completing your DS-82 form. The State Department has strict requirements, and applications with errors or violations of these guidelines will be rejected, causing delays in processing. Review these critical rules carefully before submitting your application.
Name Consistency
Enter all names exactly as they appear on your previous passport. Any variation, including middle names or suffixes, must match precisely. Inconsistencies will trigger application rejection.
Passport Size Selection
Consider requesting a Large Book if you travel internationally on a frequent basis. The large format contains 52 pages compared to 28 pages in the standard book, providing more space for visa stamps and entry records.
Processing & Delivery
Select Expedited at Agency Service ($60) for processing method and Standard Delivery (FREE) for delivery method. These options balance speed with cost-effectiveness for second passport applications.
Barcode Generation
After submitting your application online, the system generates a unique barcode. You must print the application form with this barcode intact. Applications without the auto-generated barcode cannot be processed.
Signature Requirements
Sign and date your printed application using black ink. The signature and execution date must be no older than 5 days when submitted. Never make corrections using write-overs, scratch-outs, or white-out on the printed form.
Required Documents Checklist
Gathering the correct documents before starting your application prevents delays and rejections. This comprehensive checklist outlines every item you'll need to submit for your second passport request. Review each requirement carefully and assemble all materials before proceeding.
01
Completed DS-82 Application
Either prepared by your service provider from the questionnaire or completed by you online with barcode printed
02
Two Recent Passport Photos
Must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 3 months, with no glasses allowed per current regulations
03
Original Primary Passport
Must have minimum one year of remaining validity from application date
04
Proof of Travel Documentation
Copies of airline tickets or travel itinerary showing destinations for next 6+ months
05
Two Company Letters
Both on official letterhead with original signatures, detailing travel needs and timeline
06
Second Passport Statement Form
Signed and dated by applicant, with travel dates matching other documents
07
Authorization Form
Permits service provider to submit application on your behalf
08
Service Order Form
Completed form for processing coordination
Passport Photo Requirements
Meeting Official Standards
Your passport photos must meet strict U.S. Department of State specifications. Photos that don't comply will result in application rejection. Submit two identical photos that are no more than three months old at the time of application.
Each photo must measure exactly 2×2 inches and show your full face with a neutral expression. The background must be plain white or off-white, with no shadows visible. Your head should be positioned between 1 and 1⅜ inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

Important: Glasses are no longer permitted in passport photos under any circumstances. This rule applies even if you wear prescription eyewear daily. Contact lenses are acceptable.
Visit the official State Department guidelines at travel.state.gov for detailed photo specifications, including examples of acceptable and rejected photos.
Company Letter Requirements
Two separate company letters on official letterhead are mandatory for second passport applications. These letters establish the business necessity for your additional passport and provide justification to the State Department. Both letters require original signatures from authorized company representatives.
First Company Letter: Processing Request
This letter must explicitly request RUSH processing for your second passport application. Include the specific date when you need the passport for international travel or visa processing. Be precise with dates to justify the expedited service request.
  • State "RUSH processing requested" clearly
  • Specify exact date passport is needed
  • Include reason for urgency (travel or visa deadline)
  • Original signature on company letterhead required
Second Company Letter: Travel Justification
This letter must provide detailed explanation of your upcoming international travel and articulate why a second passport is necessary for business operations. Include specific destinations, dates, and any visa processing timelines that create scheduling conflicts.
  • Detail all planned international destinations
  • Explain business purpose of each trip
  • Reference attached travel itineraries
  • Note any visa processing time requirements
  • Original signature on company letterhead required
Additional Required Forms
Beyond your DS-82 application and supporting documentation, three additional forms complete your second passport submission package. Each form serves a specific purpose in authorizing and processing your application. Download these forms from the links provided and complete them carefully.
1
Second Passport Statement Form
This official form requires your signature and must detail the specific dates and destinations of your upcoming international travel. The information you provide must align precisely with the travel described in your company letters and submitted itineraries. Any discrepancies may result in application denial.
2
Company Authorization Form
This form grants legal permission for your designated travel services company to submit your passport application to the State Department on your behalf. Complete all fields and provide your original signature. Without this authorization, the service provider cannot act as your representative.
3
Service Order Form
This administrative form coordinates the processing and handling of your application with your service provider. It ensures proper tracking, communication, and delivery of your completed second passport. Complete all requested information for smooth processing coordination.
Download Service Order Form
Renewing Your Second Passport
Special Requirements for Renewal
If you're renewing an existing second passport rather than applying for your first one, the process follows nearly identical requirements with one critical difference: you must submit both your primary passport book and your second passport book with your renewal application.
All other requirements remain the same—you'll still need the DS-82 form, recent photos, company letters, proof of travel, and the required authorization forms. The presence of both passport books demonstrates your continued need for dual passport capability.

Renewal Reminder: Both your primary and second passports must have sufficient validity remaining. If your primary passport is also nearing expiration, consider whether you need to coordinate both renewals simultaneously.
Submit Your Application
Ready to Move Forward?
Once you've gathered all required documents—completed application, photos, passports, company letters, travel proof, and authorization forms—contact your travel services provider to arrange submission. They offer convenient pickup service from your office location, or you can ship the complete package directly to their processing center.
Before submitting, verify one final time that every document is included and properly completed. Check that all signatures are original, dates are current, and information is consistent across all forms. This final review prevents processing delays and ensures your second passport application moves through the system efficiently.
Final Document Check
Review entire package for completeness and accuracy before submission
Contact Provider
Notify your service company when documents are ready for pickup
Submit Application
Arrange office pickup or ship directly to processing center
Your second passport will be processed expeditiously and returned to you ready for your upcoming international business travel. Safe travels!