Passport

How to Become a Merchant Mariner

Getting Your U.S. Passport

A passport is one of the most useful documents you can have, in general, and a very helpful document to have as a U.S. merchant mariner, specifically.

Before you can sail, you’ll also need:

Your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

This page explains how to get a first-time passport as an adult. The process will be slightly different if you’re renewing your passport or previously had one as a minor. In any case, getting your passport can take some time, so make sure to start the process a few months before you want to be at sea.

What is a U.S. passport?

A passport is a document that shows your proof of U.S. citizenship. It allows holders to:

Enter foreign countries
Return to the United States after traveling abroad
Access U.S. consular services while abroad

The passport is also one of the most significant proofs of identity and can help you obtain a number of other documents.

Why do I need a U.S. passport?

As a merchant mariner, you may need a passport for several reasons. They’re generally required if you work on any vessel that may go to foreign ports. And some unions also require you to hold a valid passport.

Having a passport can also make it easier to apply for your TWIC.

How to get a U.S. passport

Getting a passport is relatively simple. The process is overseen by the United States Department of State.

To start, you’ll need to make an appointment at your nearest passport acceptance facility. At your appointment, you’ll need to bring:1

An Application for a U.S. Passport (Form DS-11)
You’ll need to print this out and bring it to your appointment
Do NOT sign the form until asked to at your appointment
You can also use the State Department’s form filler tool to fill out this form
Proof of citizenship. This must be original or an official copy, with the official seal or stamp of the office that issued it. Acceptable documents include:

  • U.S. birth certificate
  • An expired U.S. passport
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • If you do not have any of these, see the State Department’s full list of acceptable documents

A physical photo ID, which can include a(n):

  • Valid driver’s license (will need a second photo ID if not from in-state)
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
  • U.S. military or military dependent ID
  • Current, valid foreign passport
  • Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID)
  • U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
  • Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs

A photocopy of your photo ID, which must:

  • Be printed in black and white
  • Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper
  • Use a single side of the paper

An acceptable photo of yourself. Photos are usually taken at your appointment, but you can also:

  • Go to a business offering passport photo services (many CVS and Walgreens locations do)
  • Take the photo yourself, just make sure to follow all the State Department’s requirements

The appropriate fee, which currently includes:

  • $165 for a passport book
  • $65 for a passport card
  • $195 for a passport book and card
  • An additional $60 if you want your passport expedited

The U.S. State Department takes several types of payment. You may want to call ahead to make sure the way you plan to pay is acceptable.

The officer may ask you a few questions during your appointment. You’ll then hand over your proof of citizenship document, the photocopy of your photo ID, the passport application form, and the fee. That’s it!

You’ll receive your passport, and your returned proof of citizenship, in the mail. If it’s been four weeks or longer, and you still haven’t received these documents, you can call 1-877-487-2778.
Special cases
In some cases, you may need to fill out additional paperwork, including if you:1

  • Owe over $2500 in child support
  • Are a sex offender covered under International Megan’s Law

Frequently Asking Questions

It can take up to four to six weeks to receive your U.S. passport in the mail. Expedited services can reduce this time, but additional fees apply. In some cases, it may take longer depending on demand, and if there are available in-person appointment slots at the passport acceptance facility.

A U.S. passport for adults (16 years and older) is typically valid for 10 years. For minors under 16, the passport is valid for 5 years.

The standard application fee for an adult passport is $130. For minors, it costs $100. Expedited services and additional fees apply for special requests, such as faster processing or passport cards.

U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals are eligible for a passport. This includes individuals born in the U.S. or its territories, as well as individuals who have become naturalized citizens or are U.S. nationals.

No, there is no exam required to obtain a U.S. passport. The process involves submitting an application, providing the necessary documents, and paying the applicable fees.

Yes, you can apply for a U.S. passport at any time, even after you start a sailing job. In fact, having a passport is often required for maritime work, especially for international travel.

Yes, your passport application can be denied if you have outstanding legal issues, such as a criminal conviction, or if the information you provide is incomplete or incorrect. Other reasons for denial can include failure to provide required documentation or not meeting U.S. citizenship requirements.

Yes, if you lose your passport, you can apply for a replacement. You will need to report your lost passport and submit the required documentation for a new one. There may be additional forms or fees for lost or stolen passports.

It depends on the type of voyage. If you're traveling internationally or on a vessel that docks in foreign ports, a valid passport is generally required. However, for domestic voyages or U.S. waters, you may not need a passport, but other identification and certifications may still be required, like a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

Resources

  1. Apply for your First Adult Passport. (n.d.) U.S. Department of State. Accessed November 2024.
  2. Passport Information for Law Enforcement. (n.d.) U.S. Department of State. Accessed November 2024.

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