Most people don't think very much about passports until they need one.

Then suddenly there are forms, photographs, supporting documents, processing times, fees, and a flight that may be getting uncomfortably close.

The good news is that the process makes a lot more sense once you figure out exactly which passport service you need.

If you've never had a U.S. passport before, you'll generally be applying for a new adult passport. You'll need to establish your U.S. citizenship and identity, provide an acceptable passport photograph, complete the appropriate application, and apply according to the government's requirements.

Children have their own passport process. A child's passport isn't simply a smaller version of an adult application. Parental consent requirements come into play, and circumstances involving an unavailable parent can require additional documentation.

Then there are renewals.

If you already have a passport, you can renew rather than start from scratch. Eligibility depends on factors such as when the passport was issued, your age when it was issued, its condition, and whether your identifying information has changed.

Getting married doesn't automatically mean you need to change your passport immediately. The important issue is whether the name on your passport matches the name you'll be using for your international travel reservations, depending on when your passport was issued. The circumstances of the change, different procedures may apply.

Lost and stolen passports are another category entirely. So are damaged passports. A passport that's been through the washing machine, chewed by the dog, badly torn, water damaged, or otherwise compromised may no longer be acceptable for international travel.

There are also second passports. A second U.S. passport can be useful for certain frequent international travelers, particularly when one passport is tied up during a visa application while another international trip is approaching. There are specific eligibility requirements, so it isn't simply a matter of requesting an extra one for convenience.

Then we get to expedited passports.

If ordinary government processing doesn't fit your travel schedule, expedited passport service may be an option. That's especially useful when an unexpected business trip, family event, school program, vacation, or other international trip appears faster than expected.

The biggest mistake is waiting until the last minute to figure out which process applies.

Before doing anything, determine whether you're applying for a new passport, renewing, replacing a lost or damaged passport, changing information, getting a passport for a child, or requesting a second passport. Once you know that, the rest becomes much easier.

We help travelers navigate U.S. passport applications and expedited passport services, including situations where time is a major concern. Because international travel is complicated enough. Getting the correct little blue book shouldn't be the hardest part.