Passports in Arkansas
Completing a passport application in Arkansas and anywhere in the U.S. is the first step in getting your passport. The information that will go on your passport card or book comes from details on the application as well as other items required to fulfill travel document requests.
Your passport is what will allow you to travel to different parts of the world. The state also provides expedited passports services you want to get your documentation as quickly as possible.
In Arkansas, you have the ability to get and renew a passport as well as replace your lost passport in person. All that you need to do is pay any applicable fees and have the required items with you at any passport facility. Get all the information you need to know when it comes to replacing, getting or renewing your U.S. passport in the state of Arkansas.
Where to Get a Passport in Arkansas
Arkansas has over 60 locations throughout the state that accept passport applications, and the majority of sites are post offices, courthouses and other government facilities. Not all US passport locations accept appointments, but if they do, then it is important to make one. Without one, you may end up spending hours at your local facility.
Arkansas only has one regional passport office, which is located in Hot Springs. If you need to travel urgently and do not own a passport, then this is where you will need to go.
To get your passport at a regional office, you need to provide proof that you will be traveling internationally in less than two weeks. You will also need to make an appointment, as they do not accept walk-ins.
Arkansas Passport Books vs. Cards
When getting a new passport, you have the option of choosing between a passport card and book. What is a passport book and how does it differ from a passport card? Both have different restrictions, which is why it is important to understand their purpose.
With the passport card, you can travel by land and sea. You will not be able to use the card to fly to any location outside of the U.S. There are also restrictions in terms of where you can travel to.
You can only to visit the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and Bermuda. However, you will have fewer restrictions with the book. You can travel by land, sea or plane and travel to a total of 166 countries outside the U.S.
The passport card cost is a lot cheaper than the book due to the limitations that the card has. If you plan on traveling by air internationally, then you need to get the book. However, if you do not plan on traveling on a plane outside of the U.S., then you can get the card to save money.
How to Get a Passport in Arkansas
To get a passport in Arkansas, there are specific requirements for adults and minors. All sites require the same items. If you do not bring them with you the day you are at a passport facility, then you will not be able to get your credentials.
The following are the items you will need in order to get your documentation:
- Your completed passport application form in black ink (do not sign)
- A photo that meets passport requirements
- The original or certified copy of your birth certificate
- Your state-issued ID card or driver’s license
- A money order or check for US passport fees
How to Get a Passport in Arkansas for Minors
You have to take the items that are listed above with you to a local passport location if you are 16 or 17 years of age. In addition, you will need to have a parent present with you at any US passport location. This will show that you have a guardian that is giving you consent to receive a passport.
However, if no guardian can be present when you are getting your documentation, then they must fill out, sign and have the parental awareness form notarized. They will also need to attach a photocopy of the front and back of their photo identification.
Minors younger than 16 years of age must get parental consent from both legal guardians. The easiest way to do this is by having both parents at the passport location. If one parent is able to attend, then he or she must fill out, sign and have the parental awareness form notarized.
In addition to the parental consent, minors will also need to have all the items listed above. Guardians that are also present must provide photo identification in order for a minor to obtain travel credentials.
Applicants that do not bring required items and minor without parental consent are not eligible to obtain travel credentials. In addition, people that fall into one of these following categories are also not eligible:
- Unpaid national loans
- Felony convictions
- Unpaid child support
U.S. Passport Renewals in Arkansas
Passport renewals are different than getting a passport for the first time. One reason includes having the option of doing the passport renewal process by mail if you meet certain requirements. You cannot renew a passport online.
The requirements to renew by mail include:
- You receiving your passport in the last 15 years.
- You obtaining your travel documents when you were 16 years of age or older.
- Your most recent passport not being missing or damaged.
If you do not meet the criteria listed above, then you will not be able to renew your travel documents by mail. However, you can renew your passport in person at any passport facility. You will need to take the following items with you:
- A renewal passport application form that is completed in black ink
- Your current U.S. passport
- A colored photo that meets the requirements
- A check or money order for S. passport fees
When it comes to how much does it cost to renew your passport, you will need to consider if you are expediting the services, as this will make the fee more expensive.
How to Replace a Lost Passport in Arkansas
If you lost your passport, then you need to report that it is missing. This will help prevent identity theft. To report a lost or stolen passport, you need to call the U.S. Department of State or print and mail the passport replacement form to the U.S. Department of State.
If you find your travel credentials after reporting that is was no longer in your possession, then you will not be able to use it. The passport is no longer valid and you will only be able to travel when you get a new passport.
Getting a new passport is the next step to take. You have to go to a local U.S. passport location to obtain your new passport.
You will need to provide the facility with your lost passport form and all the other necessary items that you needed when you first received your documents. You will also need to replace a damaged passport in person by bringing in the ripped, altered or otherwise invalid travel credential.
How to Complete a Passport Update in Arkansas
If you are looking to get a passport update because of an error on your travel credentials, then a passport acceptance location can fix the information. You have the option of updating your passport by mail or in person. In order to fix an error on your documentation, you will need to provide the following items:
- A completed passport form
- Evidence of the error is on the document
- A photo that meets requirements
- Your current passport
If you want to perform a passport update because you changed your name, then you will need to provide these items:
- Your current U.S. passport
- Your original or certified name change documentation
- A color passport photo
Note: If you are requesting a passport change less than one year after the date of your passport’s issuance, then the passport update is free. However, if you are going to update your documentation a year after its issuance, then you will have to pay for a passport renewal fee.
Arkansas Expedited Passport Service
If you decide to purchase an expedited passport, then it will allow you to receive your passport a lot quicker. On average, a routine passport takes four-to-six weeks for you to receive. However, an expedited passport takes two-to-three weeks.
First-time applicants, passport holders who need to renew or who lost their passport are able to expedite their passport. All they will need to do is pay an additional fee.