The American government is constantly improving the security features of important documents including the U.S. passport. Like the e-passport before it, the Next Generation Passport (NGP) has security features that guard against identity theft and counterfeiting. It also has an RFID chip that makes it easier and faster to enter and exit countries.
The Next Generation Passport builds upon the success of the e-passport with new and improved features. This new version of the U.S. passport will help make your travels safer and faster.
The Next Generation Passport is a more advanced passport book than the previous e-passport. The NGP takes advantage of the latest technologies to deliver a safer and more useful travel document than those that came before it.
The latest features include a polycarbonate data page, laser-engraved personalization, and updated artwork.
The U.S. Department of State started issuing the Next Generation U.S. Passport book in 2021.
The Next Generation has the following new features:
The Next Generation Passport's most noticeable feature is its polycarbonate data page. It feels much more like a passport card or a credit card than the passport book. The plastic data page increases the passport's integrity and durability.
Your passport photo is now laser-engraved in black and white - a major difference compared to the colored photo image of the e-passport. An optically-variable feature is added to the image to make it harder for counterfeiters to make fake passports or alter real ones.
All passport agencies and processing centers have been issuing e-passports since August 2007. The Next Generation Passport has only been issued since 2021.
However, converting every passport office and agency to the latest standard takes time. Passport printers are still gradually getting updates across the U.S.
According to the U.S. State Department, the goal was to have all the passport agencies and centers updated with the latest NGP technology by August 2022. By now, most, if not all, of the passport office upgrades should be complete.
There is still a chance that a new passport or a passport renewal could still have the older, e-passport features. Ultimately, there is nothing you can do to guarantee your next passport is the NGP version.
The current e-passport continues to meet and exceed international security standards. You may continue to use your existing e-passport for overseas travel as long as it meets the entry requirements of your destination.
The Next Generation Passport and the previous generation e-passport are the standard passport books offered in the United States. By applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, you are automatically applying for the Next Generation Passport.
As long as the federal facility processing your application is equipped with the updated NGP printers, you will receive an NGP passport. Otherwise, you will receive the older, e-passport. Both are acceptable forms of travel documentation.
The Next Generation Passport is valid for 10 years. This is the same as previous versions of the U.S. passport.
Currently, the Department of State only issues Next Generation Passport books. There are plans to upgrade the passport card to include the NGP's features in the future.
Having an older version of the U.S. passport is not a reason to renew it. Unless your passport is lost or damaged, you can continue to use your current passport as long as it has enough validity remaining.
We have spent over 2 decades helping travelers navigate tasks like how to renew a passport and how to get a new passport. Our advice is to renew your passport no later than 9 months before it expires.
A growing number of countries that require at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport to pass through customs. Since passport renewals can take 3 months (or more) to process, it makes sense to get your renewal application submitted 9-12 months before the expiration date.
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In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service: Expedite My U.S.Passport Now!About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
