from FG
The US State Department’s policy clearly states that, “No person should be in possession of more than one valid, or potentially valid, U.S. passport at any time unless specifically authorized by the Department of State.” The key phrase here is “unless specifically authorized,” which is clarified further with this statement: “The issuance of a second valid passport should be considered an exception to the regulations, and is to be approved on an individual basis only where justified.” So, you can apply for a second passport. I did some research on how to secure the second passport and ran across Volume 7 of the Manual published by the US Department of Foreign Affairs which provided much more information than the actual US State Department website. Check out the Foreign Affairs second passport appendix. It’s actually an interesting read with insight as to which situations are deemed appropriate for the issuance of the second passport for US citizens and which are not. Two legitimate reasons for a second US passport include: When a foreign country will deny a visa or entry to the bearer of a passport containing markings for visas showing travel to certain other countries (examples are listed in the manual link above). When a passport needed for immediate travel is unavailable due to prolonged delays in processing a foreign visa application, or some other foreign governmental process for which the passport was required. So what do you have to do to apply for a second US passport? 1. Complete a passport application form DS-11 or DS-82. 2. Write a brief letter stating the reason you need a second passport and include the statement that you attest that the loss of either passport will be reported immediately to Passport Services or the nearest U.S. embassy, consulate or consular agency. 3. Include any confirmed itinerary for upcoming travel that would validate your need for a second passport (back to back international trips where visas are needed, visiting the middle east, etc). 4. Submit proof of U.S. citizenship by including your current passport. If you cannot include your passport, you will need to apply in person with other proof of citizenship and complete form DS-11. 5. Staple one passport photo to the application. 6. Include the appropriate fees and send to the address on the application by certified mail and enclose a pre-addressed postage paid return envelope. Second passports are only valid for two years and cannot be renewed, but additional pages can be requested while the passport is still valid.
Read more at: A Backup US Passport? It’s Possible. | Frugal Travel Guy
