Posted: July 16, 2021

Reminder: State Department amends rules for expedited passports for U.S. mariners


The bulletin below was released May 3 by the U.S. Department of State. Members and applicants of American Maritime Officers who will need a new or renewed U.S. Passport (if their current U.S. Passport will expire within the next 13 months) can contact AMO Member Services by email to obtain a letter from American Maritime Officers, which will be needed as part of the U.S. Passport application under the new State Department procedure. Please note: email is not a secure form of communication and Social Security Numbers and other personal identifying information should NOT be transmitted by email to Member Services. AMO Members and applicants will be provided with the means to transmit this information in a secure manner after contacting Member Services. .

NOTICE TO MARINERS WITH INTERNATIONAL VOYAGES

Updated May 3, 2021

Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, Passport Services continues to have limited operations at our passport agencies and centers. We will assist mariners who urgently need a passport for international voyages, and whose current valid passport expires in 13 months or less.

Instructions for Urgent Assistance with Applying for a Passport:

  1. Contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and identify yourself as a mariner who urgently needs to apply for (or renew) your U.S. passport.
  2. The Duty Officer will take your information and schedule an appointment at the nearest passport agency.
  3. Application Packages must submit the following:
    • a. A completed DS 11 or DS 82 passport form, visit our webpage for form instructions;
    • b. Passport Photograph;
    • c. Current Passport or evidence of citizenship such as an original or certified birth certificate or an original naturalization certificate;
    • d. Letter from your supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner's union; and
    • e. A clear copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
  4. The Employer's/U.S. Mariners Union Letter should include the following details:
    • Your full name;
    • Printed name and title of your supervisor or mariners' union representative;
    • Signature of your supervisor or mariners' union representative; and
    • Date the letter was issued.
  5. Bring your completed application, required documents, and the passport fee that includes the $60 expedited fee with you to your appointment.

Instructions for Urgent Assistance if You Have Already Applied for a Passport

If you have already applied for your passport but have not received it, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and identify yourself as a mariner who has already applied and urgently needs your passport. The Duty Officer will provide further instructions and the passport agency will contact you to coordinate the delivery or pickup of the completed passport.

Applying for a Passport for Personal (Non-Life or Death Emergency) Travel

If you are applying for a passport for personal (non-life or death emergency) travel, please see our website travel.state.gov for instructions and the most up-to-date processing times.

We regret any inconvenience and look forward to serving you.