Military U.S. passport renewal: How to apply

Whether you're a seasoned service member, a military spouse, or a family member supporting your loved one's military journey, you understand the importance of having a reliable passport. Your U.S. military passport is not just a travel document, it's your key to exploring the world and fulfilling your duty.

In this article, we're here to guide you through the process of renewing your military U.S. passport with ease and clarity. We understand that navigating the bureaucracy can seem daunting, especially with the ever-changing rules and requirements.

Rest assured, we've got your back, and we'll walk you through each step, ensuring you're well-prepared for your passport renewal journey.

What is the difference between a regular and a military passport?

A regular passport and a military passport in the United States serve different purposes and are issued to different groups of individuals. Here are the key differences between them:

Regular United States passport

The State Department issues regular passports to U.S. citizens for international travel and identification purposes. They are available to the general public.

Regular U.S. passports have a blue cover and contain biographical information and a photo of the passport holder. They are recognized worldwide as a standard travel document.

Military United States passport

The U.S. Department of State also issues military passports, but they are specifically for members of the U.S. armed forces and Department of Defense personnel traveling overseas for military duty. It is not intended for personal travel unrelated to military duties.

Military passports may have a green cover and typically include additional pages or endorsements for recording official travel orders and visas. They may also have a distinctive "Department of Defense" emblem.

It's important to note that while military personnel may possess a military passport for official duty-related travel, they may also have a regular passport for personal travel when not on military assignments. The two types of passports serve distinct purposes and should not be used interchangeably.

Importance of keeping your military passport current

Keeping your military passport current is of utmost importance for several reasons, especially if you are a member of the U.S. armed forces or a Department of Defense employee. Here’s why it is essential to maintain the validity of your military passport:

• Official travel: Military passports are primarily issued for official military travel and assignments abroad. Failing to keep it current could disrupt your ability to fulfill your military responsibilities.

• Emergency deployments: In the event of an unexpected crisis or emergency deployment, having a valid military passport ensures that you can be quickly deployed to a new location without delays caused by passport issues. This is crucial for national security.

• Visa processing: Many countries require U.S. military personnel to obtain visas for entry, even for official duty travel. Delays in passport renewal can lead to delays in obtaining the necessary visas, potentially affecting mission readiness.

• Identification: The military passport serves as an official form of identification, both domestically and internationally. It verifies your status as a member of the U.S. military or can be used to access military installations and facilities.

• Security clearance: A current military passport is often required to maintain certain security clearances, especially if it gives access to classified information or sensitive military installations.

It is essential to stay aware of your passport's expiration date and initiate the renewal process well in advance to avoid disrupting your military responsibilities.

Eligibility for military passport renewal

Eligibility for renewing a military passport in the United States depends on several factors, primarily related to your status as a member of the U.S. armed forces or a Department of Defense employee. Here are the key eligibility criteria for military passport renewal:

1. Active-duty military personnel: Active-duty members of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, are eligible to renew their military passports. This includes both enlisted personnel and officers.

2. Expiration date: Your military passport must be within six months of its expiration date to be eligible for renewal.

3. Condition of existing passport: Your military passport should be in good condition. If it is damaged or significantly worn, you may be required to apply for a new one rather than a renewal.

Required documents for military passport renewal

When renewing a military passport in the United States, you must provide specific documents to support your renewal application.

The required documents may vary slightly depending on your individual circumstances, but here is a general list of the documents commonly required for military passport renewal:

• Completed passport renewal application form (DS-82): You can obtain this form online or at a U.S. passport agency, U.S. embassy or consulate, or military installation with a passport office.

• Current military passport: Submit your existing military passport. It should be in good condition and not significantly damaged or expired. This serves as proof of your identity and previous passport issuance.

• Passport photos: Include recent passport-sized photos with your application. These photos must meet the U.S. Department of State's passport photo requirements, which can be found on their website.

TIP: You can get affordable, government-compliant photos from the comfort of your own home with our handy digital photo service.

• Proof of name change (if applicable): If your legal name has changed since your last passport issuance, you must provide legal documentation of the name change. This could include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

• Travel itinerary or orders (if applicable): If you are renewing your military passport for official duty travel, you may need to provide copies of your travel orders or a letter from your commanding officer stating the need for the passport renewal.

Understanding the different renewal options for U.S. military personnel

U.S. military personnel have several renewal options for their passports, depending on their specific circumstances and travel needs. Let’s dive in.

Military passport renewal

Unfortunately, it’s not yet possible to renew military and DOD passports online. The renewal process for military passports usually involves submitting the renewal application and required documentation through the military chain of command or a designated military passport office.

While the same DS-82 form as for regular passports may be requested, additional documentation may be required. It's essential to follow the specific procedures and requirements established by your unit or command for renewing military passports.

Regular passport renewal for military personnel

Renewing a regular passport for military personnel is a straightforward process, and it follows the same general steps as passport renewal for civilians. The options are:

• Online and by mail via iVisa: Our online portal enables customers to avoid navigating government bureaucracy, traveling to a passport office, and answering complex questions. All you need to do is fill out our simplified application process and wait for a complete renewal kit to arrive at your delivery address.

All payments, form completion, and checks are done online, and you simply have to sign and send the set of documents off to the government with the included USPS priority envelope. It’s as easy as that!

• In-person by making an appointment at a nearby passport facility: If you cannot renew your passport by mail because it does not meet the criteria, renew it in person at a U.S. passport agency or a U.S. military installation with a passport office.

In-person renewals are often necessary for damaged passports or if your previous passport has been expired for more than five years. Check the government website for more info about renewing your passport in person.

• Online via the U.S. Government website: The United States government recently introduced a pilot program for military personnel and their families to have their regular official passports renewed online.

This new program allows active-duty, reserve, and retired service members, Defense Department civilians, contractors, and their families to renew passports online at any time without having to mail their applications and supporting documents.

At the time of writing, the pilot program is temporarily paused. However, it's advisable to regularly visit the online portal to check for updates regarding the availability of this service.

In the interim, we recommend using our convenient mail-in process for a fast and cost-effective renewal of your regular or tourist passport!

Renewing your U.S. passport while stationed overseas

Renewing your U.S. passport while stationed overseas is a necessary process to ensure you have a valid travel document for official duty travel and personal trips. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to renew your U.S. passport while stationed abroad:

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for renewing your U.S. passport while stationed overseas. This typically includes being a member of the U.S. military or a Department of Defense civilian employee on official assignment abroad.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

Collect the necessary documents and materials for your passport renewal application, as mentioned in the previous sections.

Step 3: Submit your application

You can submit your passport renewal application in person at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or through the designated military passport office at your overseas military installation. Passport processing times may vary, but you can inquire about the status of your application with the embassy or consulate if needed.

Once your passport renewal is approved and processed, you will receive your new passport by mail at your overseas address or as directed by the issuing authority.

Expedited passport renewal for deployments and short-notice orders

Expedited passport renewal is a critical service for military personnel who receive short notice orders or deployment assignments and need to travel urgently. The expedited process allows you to obtain a renewed U.S. passport quicker than usual, ensuring that you can meet your deployment or travel requirements.

If you are stationed overseas, you can often apply for expedited service at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Still, appointments may be required, so check with the embassy or consulate for availability.

How to expedite your regular passport renewal

To expedite the renewal of your regular passport, you must provide proof of your immediate travel plans along with all other supporting documents. This could include a copy of your deployment orders, a letter from your commanding officer detailing your short-notice orders, or any other official documentation demonstrating the