US Passports Shrink Options: One Size Fits Most Travelers
Published Date: 4/20/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting in 2028, the U.S. will switch to just one passport book size with 38 pages instead of the current 26- and 50-page options. Most travelers will get more visa pages, but frequent flyers and overseas citizens who used the 50-page book might need to renew passports more often. This change will save money, reduce waste, and make passport production smoother for everyone.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
One 38‑Page Passport for Most Users
Starting with the next redesign (anticipated rollout in 2028), the U.S. will issue only a single-sized passport book with 38 pages instead of the current 26- and 50-page options. Most current applicants, who on average request the 26-page book (about 92% of applicants), will get more visa pages than before.
Frequent Travelers May Renew Sooner
People who previously received the 50-page passport (about 8% of applicants), including some frequent international travelers, U.S. citizens living overseas, and special‑issuance passport holders, may need to renew their passports more often once the 50-page option is eliminated.
Emergency Passport Size Stays 12 Pages
The Emergency Passport will remain a 12-page book and is not changing to the single-sized 38-page book.
Production Savings, Less Waste
The Department reports a 38-page single-sized book was chosen because a 2024 feasibility study determined it would increase efficiencies, save money, and reduce waste in passport production at the Government Publishing Office and in issuance at the Department of State.
Online Renewal Enhancements for Overseas Applicants
The Department plans enhancements to its Online Passport Renewal (OPR) platform that will allow overseas applicants to renew passports online, which the Department expects may mitigate the burden of losing the 50-page option for overseas customers.
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