Passports | What you need to know now

• Find out how to apply or renew, download forms and get answers to frequently asked questions from the U.S. State Department: travel.state.gov/passport

• Details of the rule change for Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean: travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

• Check your passport application status and print out a State Department receipt: travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html

• Requirements on rules of entry for other countries: travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html

To apply for a passport

A person applying for a passport needs the following items:

• Show proof of citizenship such as a previous U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship.

• Show proof of identity such as a previous U.S. passport, driver's license and government or military IDs.

• Have two recent identical 2-x-2-inch photographs.