If you are planning to travel internationally for winter break and need to get your passport, be aware that proper fees apply, aside from what’s being said in a series of misleading videos circulating on social media.
The videos, recently posted on TikTok and Instagram, suggest that you can get your passport free of charge by submitting Form I-912. However, this is completely false. Form I-912 is used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and has nothing to do with Passport Services. It is not recognized or honored by the Department of State.
“As misinformation spreads readily across social media and various platforms, it is imperative that our residents, of all ages, remain well-informed about recent scams to safeguard themselves from potential harm,” says Middlesex County Clerk Nancy J. Pinkin. “The spread of scams, specifically aimed at our aging communities and veterans, is a growing concern that demands our attention.”
The proper form is DS-11. You pay an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee, which vary depending on your age and if you are applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport. Passport renewal takes 10-13 weeks, or 7-9 weeks if you pay an additional $60 fee to expedite it. There are absolutely no exemptions or waivers for passport fees, as per guidelines by the U.S. Department of State.
You also have to be careful of identity theft. Since passport processing can take months, scammers will promise you they can expedite the process, all while stealing personal info like your Social Security number or birth certificate – not to mention your money, as they charge higher-than-normal fees.
To protect yourself and your family, do not pay to book an appoinment at a passport agency or center; never pay to fill out passport forms (that’s different than the payment to the government for processing); never click on a third-party site to complete your application; don’t pay passport fees using Bitcoin or wire transfers (personal check or credit card are best); never provide your financial or banking information; and don’t use a courier or expeditor service. In addition, ignore any unsolicited calls, emails or texts that claim to come from a government agency; all communication is done by regular mail.
The safest way to apply for your passport is through the U.S. Department of State or by visiting an official Acceptance Facility. Your local town may also have a passport fair scheduled; check with the clerk’s office. You’ll need proof of citizenship, a photo ID, a passport-approved photo and payment.
You can report U.S. passport, visa or immigration fraud to the U.S. Department of State.
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