Passport Proof of Travel (U.S.)
Step‑by‑step guidance on proving U.S. citizenship for your passport application: what qualifies (birth certificates, CRBA, naturalization/citizenship certificates), what’s not accepted, photocopy and translation rules, using DS‑10 with early records, and when to request a file search.
Last Updated: October 30, 2025
Proof of Travel Requirements for U.S. Passports
When proof is required, what documents count, and how to present them at a Passport Agency or Center (Updated: November 5, 2025).
Quick checklist
- •Proof of travel is required only for in‑person appointments at a Passport Agency/Center (urgent travel in the next 14 days or a foreign visa needed in the next 28 days).
- •Routine and expedited by mail/acceptance facility do not require proof of travel.
- •For urgent travel appointments, bring printed proof of international travel (examples below). For life‑or‑death emergencies, bring both emergency documentation and proof of travel.
Only customers with urgent international travel (within 14 days) or a foreign visa need (within 28 days) should book agency/center appointments. Everyone else should apply routine or expedited by mail/at an acceptance facility.
Do I need proof of travel?
| Service | When used | Proof of travel needed? | What to bring for proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine | Travel ≥ 6 weeks from date you apply | No | — |
| Expedited (by mail or acceptance facility) | Travel < 6 weeks (processing 2–3 weeks + mailing time) | No | — |
| Urgent Travel — Agency/Center appointment | International travel within 14 days (or foreign visa needed within 28 days) | Yes | Printed itinerary/ticket; for land/sea to nearby regions, a hotel reservation, cruise or bus ticket, or international car insurance. |
| Life‑or‑Death Emergency — Agency/Center appointment | Travel within 14 days for a qualifying immediate‑family emergency | Yes | Emergency documentation and proof of travel (e.g., itinerary or airline ticket). |
Acceptable proof of travel (examples)
| Travel mode / scenario | Bring printed proof of travel (examples) |
|---|---|
| Flying internationally |
|
| Driving or taking a boat to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean |
|
| Life‑or‑death emergency appointment |
|
Bring a printed copy. If your proof is in an app or email, print it before your appointment.
Best‑practice tips
- •Print your proof. Agency pages specify printed proof of international travel (even if you have it on your phone).
- •If you need a foreign visa within 28 days, bring printed proof of international travel and any consular/visa appointment papers you have. (Agencies require printed proof of travel; bringing visa‑related documentation can help demonstrate timing.)
Frequently asked questions
Legal note
Requirements and processing policies can change. This guide reflects U.S. Department of State information available as of November 5, 2025. Always rely on the latest guidance on travel.state.gov and your specific agency page.
Disclaimer: Passport Rush LLC operates PassportVisaRush.com, a private document preparation service that assists clients with completing and organizing passport and visa application forms before submission to official U.S. Passport Agencies.
We are not a government entity and are not affiliated with any U.S. Department of State office or federal agency. We do not offer legal advice. Individuals requiring legal assistance should consult a licensed attorney.
Our online preparation system and customer support are optional paid services designed to simplify and expedite the document preparation process for U.S. citizens. All required forms are also available for free directly through the official U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov, but without the guided preparation, document review, and submission support provided by PassportVisaRush.com.
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