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Office of Global Engagement

Passport Awareness Month: Did you know a US Passport qualifies as a REAL ID?

September 5, 2018

Did you know that NC State has its own on-campus Passport Services to support the university’s students, faculty, staff, and local community?

September is Passport Awareness Month, and Passport Services at NC State wants to make sure that our campus and local communities are up to date on all of the latest passport and travel tips to get you to your travel destinations without hassle and with minimum expense.

Read below to check out some of the common questions we receive about international travel at our office, and schedule an appointment online to come in and apply for your own passport.

 

  • What’s the deal with Real ID?

Starting in October 2020 in North Carolina, you will not be allowed to get on an airplane with a regular North Carolina driver’s license, even to fly domestically. You will need an enhanced ID to board a plane, such as a passport, passport card, or a Real ID. You can apply for a Passport Card from Passport Services or a NC Real ID from the DMV.

  • Why should I check my passport expiration date?

Adult passports are valid for 10 years, so you might not have checked your expiration date in a while, but if you plan on traveling soon you might want to! Passports for minors (under 16 years old) only last five years, so your passport from childhood, or your child’s passport, might need to be renewed. Adult passports may be renewed by mail, but child passports and first-time adults must be done in person.

  • I just checked, and my passport is expired! How can I renew my passport by mail?

Check if you qualify for renewal by mail here. If you qualify, you can fill out and mail in Form DS-82 with your old passport, any name change documents, a passport photo, and passport fees through the U.S. Postal Service.

  • Does my passport expiration date have different validity depending on where I’m traveling?

Did you know that many countries require your passport to have six months of validity from return date to enter the country, regardless of the length of your stay? Renew your passport with plenty of time before traveling to avoid being denied entry. This applies to much of the world, although not for Canada or Mexico.

  • I’m going on a European adventure. What’s the Schengen area I keep hearing about?

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty creating the Schengen Zone, which encompasses 26 European countries to allow for ease of travel. Visa-free visitors (including U.S. citizens) are allowed to stay in the area for three months, provided that their passport does not expire for six months from the date of entry and they carry their passport at all times. Be sure to get a stamp when entering and exiting the zone and check individual country requirements ahead of time.

  • My child needs a passport. How do I apply for them?

Child passports are different than adult passports. They are only valid for five years, and must be renewed in person. Both parents must be present with an official photo ID. Check travel.state.gov for special circumstances, like absence of a parent or adoption. Fill out the form DS-11. The information must be the child’s – not the parent’s. Children also have a different fee than adult passports due to their five year validity.

  • What do I need to know if I am undergoing a gender designation change and am applying for a passport?

Passports are valid for different lengths of time depending on where you are in your gender transition. In addition to the regularly-required passport application documents, you must submit:

  • ID that resembles your current appearance
  • A passport photo that resembles your current appearance
  • A medical certification that indicates you are in the process of or have had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition
  • Proof of legal name change (if applicable)

More information, including a medical certification template, is available on the Department of State website.

Ready to apply for your passport?  Make an appointment and contact us with any questions. Once you have your appointment, or have checked our walk-in hours for photos or adult passport renewals, you’ll find us in Room 321 of Witherspoon Student Center, across from the Student Health Center.