Updating Us Travel Docs: Change Your Passport Number Easily

Updating your passport number in US travel documents can be a tricky process. While some sources suggest that you can simply email a scanned copy of your new passport to the relevant authority, others advise that you will need to create and fill out a new DS-160 form, carrying both your old and new passports and DS-160 confirmation pages to your appointment. It is important to note that you should not waste your time trying to call customer support, as they may not be responsive.

Scanning and emailing a copy of your new passport

To update your passport number in US travel docs, you can scan your new passport and email it to [email protected] as instructed by the US Travel Docs call center. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to scan and email your new passport:

Scanning your new passport:

• Ensure your scanner has a clear glass surface.
• Adjust the settings on your scanner to a resolution of 600 dots per inch (DPI) or more and a square aspect ratio of 1:1 in width and height.
• Clean the glass surface of your scanner to avoid any white or blurry spots on the scanned image.
• Open your passport to the photo page and smooth it out, ensuring there are no shadows or reflections that might spoil the image.
• Place your passport on the scanner, with the photo page facing down, and scan your passport at the original size.

Emailing your scanned passport:

• Check the quality and colors of the scanned image and make sure they are acceptable.
• Save the scanned image to your device, preferably in JPEG file format, with a size between 54 kilobytes and 10 megabytes.
• Compose a new email and attach the scanned image of your new passport.
• Send the email to [email protected] with an explanation of your request to update your passport details.

It is important to note that the US Department of State advises against scanning printed photos or taking a photo of an existing picture. Additionally, always exercise caution when sending sensitive information via email and consider redacting any confidential details that are not required, such as your passport number.

Taking a copy of your old and new passports to your appointment

When updating your passport number in your US travel documents, it is important to take a copy of your old and new passports to your appointment. This is because you will need to provide evidence of your previous passport details, as well as your new passport information. By bringing copies of both passports, you can ensure that you have all the necessary information and reduce the risk of delays in updating your travel documents.

• Before your appointment, make photocopies of the relevant pages of your old and new passports. This includes the page with your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names (if applicable). Ensure that the copies are clear and legible.
• If possible, use black and white copies on standard 8.5" by 11" paper. Each page should be photocopied on a single side of the paper.
• Bring multiple copies of each passport in case you need to provide additional documentation or if the copies need to be retained for their records.
• Clearly label the copies, indicating which passport is the old one and which is the new one. This will help the officials process your documents more efficiently.
• Organise the copies in a way that makes it easy to locate the relevant information. For example, you could use paper clips or staples to group the pages together.
• In addition to the photocopies, bring your physical passports with you to the appointment. This will allow the officials to verify the information and make any necessary updates to your travel documents.
• If your old passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged, be sure to bring any relevant documentation or reports that you have regarding the incident. This will help support your case and facilitate the updating process.
• If you have renewed your passport due to upcoming travel plans, be sure to bring evidence of your travel, such as flight bookings or itineraries. This can help expedite the process, especially if you are requesting expedited services.
• Keep your copies organised and secure before and after your appointment. This will ensure that you have the necessary documentation readily available and reduce the risk of losing important information.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that you have the necessary documentation to update your passport number in your US travel documents. Taking copies of your old and new passports will help facilitate the process and reduce potential delays. It is always better to have more documentation than needed rather than realising you are missing something during your appointment.

Updating your DS-160 form with new passport details

Step 1: Log into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)

Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and log in to your account. You will need your application number to retrieve your previous application. If you don't remember your application number, you can retrieve it by answering the security questions.

Step 2: Retrieve and recreate your application

Once you have accessed your previous application, select the option to "Create a New Application." Your previous information and responses should automatically populate most of the new form. Make sure to edit and update any information as needed, including your new passport details.

Step 3: Submit and save your updated application

After making the necessary changes, submit your updated application. This will generate a new confirmation page. Be sure to save this new confirmation page as you will need to present it during your visa interview.

Step 4: Present both new and old passports at the visa interview

When attending your visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or consulate, bring both your new and old passports. The consular staff will be able to process your visa application using your new passport, but they may also make remarks regarding your new passport information on the DS-160 form.

It is important to note that while you can update your DS-160 form with new passport details, the passport number in the CEAC system cannot be changed. Additionally, if you have already booked a visa appointment using your original DS-160 form, you must present the confirmation pages for both the new and original DS-160 forms at your visa interview. Each submission generates a different barcode, which consular officers will use to identify and retrieve your application.

Contacting the US Travel Docs call centre

If you need to update your passport number in your US travel documents, you can contact the US Travel Docs call centre. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

• Call the US Travel Docs call centre: You can find the phone number for the call centre on the US Travel Docs website (www.ustraveldocs.com). The number may vary depending on your location. For example, the number for callers in India is +91 120 4844644 or +91 40 46258222, while the number for callers in the United States is 703 520 2239.
• Speak to an agent: Once you have called the number, you will need to speak to a customer service agent. Explain your situation and request to update your passport number.
• Provide your new passport information: The agent may ask you to provide information from your new passport. Have your new passport ready so you can give them the required details.
• Follow the agent's instructions: The agent will guide you through the process of updating your passport number. This may involve providing a scanned copy of your new passport or filling out a form. Follow their instructions carefully.
• Confirm the updates: After providing the necessary information, confirm with the agent that your passport number has been successfully updated. You may also want to log in to your profile on the US Travel Docs website to verify that the new passport number appears correctly.
• Note the case number: In some cases, you may receive a case number for your query. Make sure to keep this number for reference in case you need to follow up or check the status of your request.

Remember to have all the necessary information ready before calling, including your new passport details and any relevant documentation. The process may vary depending on your specific situation, so it is always best to follow the instructions provided by the customer service agent.

Applying for a new passport

To apply for a new passport in the US, you must meet certain requirements. If you are applying for your first US passport as an adult, you must apply in person. You must also apply in person if your most recent US passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it was lost, stolen, or issued more than 15 years ago.

The first step is to fill out your form online and print it. You must then gather evidence of US citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or a previous valid US passport. You will also need to provide a photo ID, such as a driver's license or a passport from another country. If your photo ID is from a different state than the one in which you are applying, you will need to bring a second photo ID.

You will need to provide a photocopy of your citizenship evidence and photo ID. Photocopies should be made on 8.5 inch by 11-inch paper, in black and white, and on a single side of the paper.

If you are applying for a child under 16, you will need to provide additional information and documents. You will also need to provide more information if your valid passport is lost or stolen, damaged, or if you are selecting a new gender marker.

You will need to pay an application fee to the US Department of State and an execution fee to the facility that takes your application. You can add $60 to your application fee for expedited service, and $21.36 for 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport.

Finally, you will need to find a location to apply. If you are travelling in more than three weeks, you can go to a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or local government office. If you are travelling in less than three weeks, you will need to make an appointment at a passport agency or centre.

Frequently asked questions