Military Passport Information [2026]

U.S. service members, dependents, and certain civilian employees often travel internationally for duty, training, or relocation. Understanding military passport requirements, privileges, and special procedures can help ensure hassle-free global travel.

Answer

A military passport is a regular U.S. passport issued to service members, dependents, and authorized government travelers with military orders. While the passport itself is the same as a civilian one, military travelers have access to special consular support and expedited services.

What Is a Military Passport?

A military passport is not a separate or different passport type—it is a regular U.S. passport issued under the same authority as all U.S. passports:

• Issued by the U.S. Department of State
• Processed through the **Bureau of Consular Affairs

The term military passport refers to passports held by members of the Armed Forces, their dependents, and certain civilian personnel designated for international travel on orders.

Who Qualifies for a Military Passport?

You may qualify for a military passport if you are:

• A U.S. active duty or reserve service member
• A dependent (spouse or child) traveling under orders
• A U.S. civilian employee traveling on official government orders
• A contractor with authorization for official travel

In most cases, official military orders or deployment orders are required to access certain consular services, expedited processing, and in-the-aterminal support.

How to Apply for a Military Passport

Step 1: Complete the Correct Form

First-time applicants and those replacing an expired passport typically use Form DS-11.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or previous passport)
• Valid government-issued photo ID
• One passport photo
• Military orders or travel authorization
• Fees (although fee waivers may apply in some official travel cases)

Step 3: Submit In Person

Military personnel and dependents must apply at a passport acceptance facility or a military passport office on base.

Step 4: Express or Expedited Service

Due to mission requirements, service members can request expedited processing, sometimes at no extra cost.

Special Military Passport Services

Expedited and Emergency Processing

Service members and dependents may have access to faster passport turnaround times due to deployment needs or urgent travel orders.

In-Country Assistance

When abroad, U.S. embassies and consulates provide extra support for military passport holders through:

• Emergency passport issuance
• Assistance with lost or stolen passports
• Help with travel disruptions

Military ID vs. Passport

A military ID (Common Access Card or dependent ID) is used for identification and base access—not for international travel. A passport is still required to enter and leave foreign countries.

However, combining your passport with military ID often streamlines airport security and official travel paperwork.

Renewing or Replacing a Military Passport

Renewal

• Adult passports (including those held by service members) are valid for 10 years
• Child passports are valid for 5 years

Renewals typically use Form DS-82, but first-time adult applicants use DS-11.

Lost or Stolen Passports

• Report to your local command
• Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate when abroad
• Apply for a replacement immediately

Travel With Dependents

Dependents (spouses and children) usually need their own passports when traveling outside the U.S. under military orders. Children under 16 often require parental or guardian consent for passport issuance.