Your US passport number is printed in the upper right corner of the photo page inside your passport book. It is a 9-character code starting with a letter followed by 8 digits (example: A12345678). You need it for international flight bookings, visa applications, ESTA applications, and customs forms — but not for domestic flights.
Where to Find Your Passport Number
In a Passport Book (most common)
Open your passport to the data page (the stiff page with your photo). Look at the upper right corner — the 9-character code above your photo is your passport number.
It also appears in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) — the two lines of text at the bottom of the data page that look like:
P<USASMITH<<JOHN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
A123456788USA8001012M260101<<<<<<06
The string A12345678 at the beginning of the second line is your passport number (check digit follows).
In a Passport Card
The passport card number is on the front of the card, below your photo, starting with C followed by 8 digits (example: C12345678).
What a US Passport Number Looks Like
| Document Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Passport book (post-2007) | 1 letter + 8 digits | A12345678 |
| Passport book (pre-2007) | 9 digits (no letter) | 123456789 |
| Passport card | C + 8 digits | C12345678 |
When you renew your passport, you receive a completely new passport number. Your old number becomes invalid and should no longer be used for travel documents.
When You Need Your Passport Number
| Situation | Passport Number Needed? |
|---|---|
| International flight booking | Yes — required by law for API |
| Customs form (returning to US) | Yes — CBP Form 6059B |
| US domestic flight | No |
| ESTA application (visa waiver countries) | Yes |
| Visa application (non-VWP countries) | Yes |
| Global Entry enrollment | Yes |
| Hotel check-in (international) | Often yes |
| Domestic hotel check-in | No |
What to Do if Your Passport is Lost or Stolen
- Report immediately — visit travel.state.gov and complete Form DS-64 to report a lost or stolen passport
- Alert the State Department — reported passports are invalidated in the global database within hours; no one else can use your reported passport number
- Apply for a replacement — use Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility; expedited processing is available
- Get an emergency passport if traveling immediately — US embassies and consulates abroad can issue limited-validity emergency passports
Passport replacement cost: $130 for a new adult passport + $35 execution fee = $165 total. Expedited service adds $60.
Safely Storing Your Passport Number
For travel planning, it is useful to have your passport number accessible without carrying the physical passport everywhere:
- Photo in secure cloud storage (iCloud, Google Photos) — photo of the data page
- Password manager (1Password, Bitwarden) — store passport number as a secure note
- Encrypted note app — do not store in plain-text notes apps
- Email to yourself — not recommended (email is not encrypted at rest)
Never post your passport number on social media or share it in unencrypted messages.
Internal Links
- How to Renew TSA PreCheck — related travel document renewal
- Phoenix Airport Guide — international departures from PHX
- Best Credit Cards for International Travel — travel cards that require passport for rewards
- Airport Lounge Access — international departure lounges
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy