We all know that international travel requires a valid passport.
But—
Did you know that not all passports are created equal?
In fact, there are several types of US passports, each serving a unique purpose. However, one type that often raises questions is the Type “P” passport.
So, what exactly is it?
In this article, we’ll explore what a Type “P” passport is, whether you should consider getting one, and more.
Want to learn more about US passports? Check these:
- Passport Place of Issue: What Is It and Where to Find It
- Can You Book an International Flight Without a Passport?
- US Passport Book vs Card
- How Long Does It Take To Get a Passport?
Types of US Passports: What Are They?
When you think about passports, you probably picture the classic blue book.
But there’s more than meets the eye.
American passports fall into two categories: fee passports and special issuance passports. In total, there are five types of travel documents for US citizens, but not everyone qualifies for each type.
Let’s explore them:
- Diplomatic passport (Type “D”): Provided to top-ranking government officials, their families, and the President of the United States.
- Official passport (Type “S”): Issued to government employees traveling on official business.
- Service passport: Granted to third-party contractors traveling to support the US government.
- No-fee regular passport (Type “F”): Given to certain government employees or their dependents traveling abroad for work.
Fee passport (Type “P”): The Type “P” passport, also known as the regular, tourist, or ordinary passport, is the standard passport book issued to US citizens.
Type “P” passport: interesting facts
- The “P” in Type “P” passport stands for personal, as these passports are issued for personal use, such as travel.
- The cover of a “P” passport is blue, just like a Type “F” passport.
- The passport type code is a 12-digit number found in the information page’s top right corner.
- In 2023, the US Department of State issued 24,021,257 passports, the highest number since 1996.
- In 2023, nearly half of Americans (48%) had a valid passport.
Should You Get a Type “P” Passport?
If you plan to travel internationally, the answer is likely yes.
All US citizens need a passport to enter and exit most countries. However, there are other benefits for “P” type passport holders.
They are as follows:
- Visa-free travel: A US passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world, allowing you to travel without a visa to 116 countries.
- Visa applications: A passport is essential for all visa applications.
- Biometric security: The Type “P” passport is a high-security biometric passport, meaning it’s nearly impossible to forge.
- Long-lasting ID document: Passports are reliable forms of identification for various purposes. They are valid for 10 years (five for minors).
Real ID alternative: Starting May 7, 2025, all citizens will need a Real ID to fly, even domestically. Fortunately, a passport is a perfect alternative to an enhanced driver’s license or ID card.
How to Apply for a Type “P” Passport?
Applying for a Type “P” passport involves several steps:
- Complete the application form: Fill out Form DS-11 if you’re a first-time applicant or DS-82 if you’re renewing your passport.
- Submit proof of citizenship: Provide an original birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or an expired passport.
- Provide proof of identity: Provide a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license.
- Take a photo: Submit a passport photo that meets the US Department of State’s passport photo specifications.
- Pay the fee: The application fee for a Type “P” passport is approximately $130 for adults and $100 for minors under 16. The total passport cost also includes an acceptance fee of $35.00.
Your passport will be sent to you once the acceptance facility processes the application.
The processing time usually takes between eight and 11 weeks.
Remember, providing a passport photo that doesn’t meet all official requirements can lead to rejection. Luckily, you can get a compliant photo without leaving home with the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android.
You might also be interested in:
- How Much Does a Passport Cost?
- Passport Renewal at the Post Office: Can You Apply at the USPS?
- How to Take a Passport Photo at Home [4 Quick Steps]
- Passport Application for Minors in the U.S.
FAQ
What does the P mean on a passport?
In the context of US passports, the “P” stands for “Personal.” It indicates that the document is a regular passport book intended for general international travel by ordinary citizens.
How much does the Type “P” passport cost?
The “P” type passport application fee is about $145 for adults and around $115 for minors under 16. Additional fees may apply for expedited service or passport cards.
What are the three types of passports?
There are actually five main types of US biometric passports:
– Diplomatic passports
– Official passports
– Service passports
– No-fee regular passports
– Regular fee passport (Type “P” passport book)
What’s the difference between a no-fee passport and a tourist passport?
A no-fee passport (Type F) is issued without the standard application fee, typically for government employees or their dependents for work-related purposes. A tourist passport (Type “P”) is issued to ordinary citizens for general international travel and requires an application fee.
Sources:
- https://py.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/274/2017/05/CAHeader-TYPES-OF-PASSPORTS-Nov-22-2016.pdf
- https://www.passportindex.org/passport/united-states-of-america/
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/about-us/reports-and-statistics.html
- https://www.state.gov/return-to-pre-pandemic-passport-processing-times
- https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and a knack for storytelling. For the past two years, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
