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Passport Home Travel Warnings | Travel Alerts | Country Specific Information Search Most Requested Immigrants to the U.S. Temporary Visitors to the U.S. Apply for a new passport Passport applications and forms Check the Status of Your Passport Online Visa information for temporary visitors Visa information for Immigrants Current Travel Warnings Travel document requirements New travel document requirements Foreign entry requirements Register your trip Consular Report of Birth AbroadFeedback | Contact UsWednesday April 23, 2008International Travel Home Passports Home Visas Home Children & Family Home Laws, Regulation & Public Policy About The Bureau of Consular Affairs News and Updates Congressionial Liaison Home Printer friendly version Email Passport Data Security Podcast (March 21, 2008) Patrick F. Kennedy, Under Secretary for Management, discusses the latest issues related to U.S. passport data security with Department Spokesman Sean McCormack. The 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. For more information see Passport Application Processing Times. New Application for a U.S. Passport To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 9,000 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 m...