US Government Passport Requirements For Travel To The Bahamas

The US Government Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

As of January 1, 2007, all persons must have their own passports, including infants

Summary of Passport Requirements

For All Minors Under Age 14 (infants to <14 years old):

• Each minor child shall appear in person.
• All applications for children under 14 require both parents' or legal guardians' consent.

For All Minors Ages 14 to 17 (14 to <18 years old):

• Each minor child shall appear in person.
• For security reasons, parental consent may be requested.
• If your child does not have identification of his/her own, you need to accompany your child and present identification
• In addition to the above, apply for a new passport the same as for "All Adults".

For All Adults (18+ years old):

• You must apply in person if you have never had a passport before
• If you have a current (unexpired) passport, you can apply in person or by mail
• If you have an expired passport, you can also apply by mail under the following conditions:
  1. if you already have a passport that is not damaged; and
  2. if you have received it within the past 15 years; and
  3. if you were at least age 16 when it was issued; and
  4. if you still have the same name as in passport (or you can legally document your name change)

Details Of Passport Requirements

New Application for a U.S. Passport

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of  7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.

You’ll need to apply in person:

• if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time,
• if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession,
• if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago,
• if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16, or
• if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

Renewal of a U.S. Passport

You can renew by mail if:

• your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged,
• you received the passport within the past 15 years,
• you were over age 16 when it was issued, or
• you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading it from the US Government site (applications also available in many post offices)

If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail -- you must apply in person.

US Government Passport Links

For Adults (18+ years old) Wanting To Renew A Current or Expired Passport:

For Special Requirements for Children Under Age 14 (Minor Children Including Babies) -- New Passport:

For Children 14-17 (less than 18 years) Getting A New Passport:

For Adults (18+ years old) Getting A New Passport:

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