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While a passport can be used for domestic flights as a form of identification, it isn't required. You can just as easily use a driver's license or state identification card instead.

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International travel is made possible with a passport. However, it's important to note that simply having a passport doesn't guarantee you entry into another country; you might also need a visa.

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To avoid the risk of your passport expiring while you're traveling, normally passports must be valid for six months or more from the start of your travel date.

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If you plan to travel abroad, it's important and required for you to have a passport. When you're at the airport, it's common for you to be asked to present it several times.

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An official passport is issued to government employees, letting other countries' officials know they are on official business and, usually, there are no special privileges granted. A diplomatic passport, on the other hand, is granted to a diplomat who is traveling for official business, but in their case their passport can grant them certain privileges and immunities.

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The time it takes to receive your passport after a successful application can vary greatly. Passport processing times can typically be viewed online.

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When you renew a passport, it may be returned to you or be securely destroyed by the government. If the passport is returned to you, it is typically done so damaged to invalidate it.

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After the First World War, the idea of a worldwide passport was introduced and championed by the League of Nations, an intergovernmental organization tasked with maintaining peace.

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Centuries ago, according to Martin Llyod, author of 'The Passport: The History of Man's Most Traveled Document,' "The sauf conduit or safe conduct pass was designed to grant an enemy passage in and out of a kingdom for the purpose of his negotiations.”

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Now, in the United States of America, there is an online portal available where Americans can renew their passports. According to the U.S. Department of State website, processing times today are one-third the time they used to be in the summer of 2023.

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In the early 20th century, women who were married were only a footnote in their husbands' passports. This meant they weren't able to cross a border alone.

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According to the Passport Index, passports date back to biblical times when mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah (from approximately 450 BCE).

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According to Time magazine, passports are ranked on an index according to the number of destinations they can access without a visa.

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There are people in the world who don't belong to any nationality or country. In fact, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, at least 10 million people in the world are stateless and therefore denied passports and the freedom of movement.

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Depending on which country you're from, your passport may grant you a lot of freedom and privilege, or cause significant distress.

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Yes, there are many reasons why a passport application might be refused. For example, if you provide false information or have been convicted of a crime, then a passport might be denied.

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The validity of passports can vary amongst countries, but typically passports are valid for five or 10 years.

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It's said that the passport has been around since biblical times and evolved ever since. In its essence, though, the passport is a document that allows for international travel and identification. Recently, the United States made online passport renewals a reality, thereby simplifying the process for citizens and minimizing barriers.

In this gallery, you'll find more information on the history of the passport, as well as lots of modern-day factoids. Click through now for more.

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A passport is a document designated for travel that a country's government issues to its citizens. The passport verifies the holder's identity and nationality.

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To apply for a passport, you will need documents that support your identity and citizenship. Some examples might include an original birth certificate and a second proof of identity such as a driver's license.

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Though each country has its own entry requirements, typically passports must have two to four blank visa pages available for international travel.

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Yes, you can use a passport as a form of identification outside of the airport as well. However, if lost, it is typically challenging, time-consuming, and costly to replace your passport, so it's advised not to carry it around all the time.

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After the more formal introduction of a worldwide passport, the US passed the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and then the Immigration Act of 1924 to limit the flow of immigrants into the country.

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According to National Geographic, in the early days it seemed that no one liked "the idea of being labeled, packaged, and dehumanized within a passport’s pages, but no one could get around without one." This catch-22 of sorts was written about in 20th-century travel literature.

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Yes, upon receiving a new passport, you'll have a different number than before. If you applied for any other official documents with your first passport, be sure to update them.

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There isn't necessarily a limit to how many passports one person can have. However, some countries don't let their citizens hold multiple or dual passports.

Sources: (Passport Index) (National Geographic) (U.S. Department of State) (Time)

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According to the U.S. Department of State website: "As of December 18, 2023, passport applications will be processed within 6-8 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, which costs an additional $60."