Passports

Applying for a Second U.S. Passport

Current regulations reflect the long-standing policy of the Department of State 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 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. The second valid passport may not be limited geographically, i.e., for travel in only a few countries. It will be limited in time, valid for a period of two years.  Thereafter, a new passport must be applied for; second valid passports are no longer extendable.

To apply for a second valid passport, the applicant will need to submit the following documents in person:

• Completed passport application form DS-82
  
• Bearer's currently valid U.S. passport
  
• A written request from applicant's company or organization explaining why a second valid passport is needed
  
• A signed statement from the bearer attesting that the second valid passport will be surrendered to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate when the need for it has ended
  
• Two Photographs. Passport photograph requirements are strictly enforced.
  
• Passport fee: $75.00 or CHF 82.50. The fee can be paid in cash in either currency. No personal checks are accepted. At the Embassy in Bern, traveler's checks in US dollars and major credit cards are accepted with a valid passport for identification.
  

I already have a second valid passport. How do I renew it?

Submit the following documents to the Embassy by mail or in person to the U.S. Consular Agencies in Geneva or Zurich, or the Embassy:

• Completed application form DS-82
  
• Two new passport photographs
  
• Your current second valid passport
  
• A written request from your company or organization explaining why a second valid passport is still needed
  
• A signed statement from the bearer attesting that the second valid passport will be surrendered to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate when the need for it has ended
  
• Pay the fee of CHF 82.50 at the post office.  If the application is filed in person, the fee can be paid directly to one of the consular representations.
  

Please allow at least 20 working days for processing.