Don’t be scammed by third-party passport websites!

Don’t be scammed by third-party passport websites!

Always go to the official source, travel.state.gov

Are you planning an international adventure and need to apply for or renew your passport? Your 1st step might be to search online for how to get or renew your passport. The top search results are usually websites offering a ‘fast track’ or a ‘simplified process’. These websites are private companies that charge fees for services that are actually free! They also collect personal information that could be sold to identity thieves.

Third-party companies often set up websites with names, flags, and seals to trick you into thinking they are affiliated with the government. There are also companies that you may be familiar with that offer passport services but will link you to a third-party website.

Courier companies or passport expeditors are private firms, some registered with the U.S. Department of State, that charge extra fees to submit applications and pick up passports for customers. But it’s important to know that they cannot get your passport processed any faster than you can on your own.

What you need to know

  • Official passport application forms are always free

    • You should never pay to access, complete, download, or print a U.S. passport application form. Passport applications are also available for free in the Lincoln County Health Department lobby.

  • Only use the official government website: travel.state.gov

    • You have the option to download a free pdf file of an official passport application or to use their form filler and download for free: passport forms. Beware of lookalike websites that pretend to be official government pages.

  • Watch out for pop-ups, links, and scam web pages

    • Even while visiting legitimate sites, scammers may use pop-ups and links to trick you. Always confirm that you are on a .gov website before entering personal information and paying any fees.

  • You will be charged a fee for your passport, but the forms used to apply or renew are free

    • You are being scammed if someone charges you a fee to pay for the application.

  • It’s free to set up an appointment if you need a passport for Emergency or Urgent travel

    • The U.S. Department of State’s passport agencies and centers do not charge for appointments and paying a third-party will not speed up the application process: Get your passport fast!

You might be getting scammed if:

  • You are charged a fee for a passport application form

  • A website promises faster processing or delivery of your application and completed passport

  • The web address does not end in .gov

  • The offer seems unusually convenient or too good to be true

Report scams and fraud:

If you think you have been scammed or provided personal information to a third-party company:

Sarah Valenza