How to Apply for a Second Passport
During the summer, the IP Office works diligently to prepare students with all of the necessary materials they need to obtain before going abroad. This includes applying for student visas the summer before you go abroad. If you're planning to be outside of the United States during the time that you will be applying for your visa, you will need to obtain a second passport. This will allow you to send one of your passports to the consulate to process your visa, and retain your other passport so that you can travel to your amazing summer destination.
Do I Need a Second Passport?
Check out the chart below to find out if you need a second passport. Keep in mind that if you are a non-U.S. passport holder, you may not be able to obtain a second passport. If you're still not sure, feel free to contact us. You can also schedule an appointment to meet with our Visa Intern!
Please refer to the table below if you plan to travel 90 days prior to your departure date to determine if you need to apply for a second passport.
*Please contact the IP Office to discuss the dates of your travel plans, as this will determine if you need a second passport.
**Students in the London Internship summer program are required to obtain a visa in advance of departure, and therefore may require a second passport if traveling internationally in the 90 days prior to departure.
When Should I Apply?
Before you apply for your second passport, you need to ensure your first passport is good to go. Remember that your initial passport needs to be valid for at least six months past the return date for your program. Check out our blog post on How to Prep Your Passport for more details.
Once your first passport is up to date and submitted to IP, you should immediately start applying for your second passport. You must submit a copy of your second passport to IP by no later than April prior to your departure. Please check our Calendar page for exact deadlines. Remember that the process takes 12-18 weeks, so you should start applying for your second passport by no later than January prior to your departure.
How to Apply for a Second Passport
You're probably wondering, "I've never heard of a second passport. How do I even apply for that?" You can choose to apply for your second passport by mail or in person. We recommend applying for a second passport by mail, as it requires less fees and documentation. However, if your original passport was secured before you turned 16 and only possesses the 5-year validity, you must apply for your second passport in person. The mail in option is not available for this situation.
Please note that the instructions below only apply to U.S. passport holders. If you are a non-U.S. passport holder, please contact us for more details.
How to Apply for a Second Passport by Mail:
Detailed step-by-step instructions are available in our Second Passport Manual, but essentially you need to gather the required documents and your application fee, and mail your application materials to the National Passport Center (find the address in the manual linked above). One of the documents you will need is a letter from the IP Office that explains why you are in need of a second passport. To obtain this letter, please email international.programs@pepperdine.edu with your passport number and your full name exactly as it is listed on your first passport.
How to Apply for a Second Passport in Person:
Detailed step-by-step instructions are available in our Second Passport Manual, but you need to gather the required documents and your application fee, and bring everything to your local Passport Acceptance Facility. One of the documents you will need is a letter from the IP Office that explains why you are in need of a second passport. To obtain this letter, please email international.programs@pepperdine.edu and include your passport number and your full name exactly as it is listed on your first passport. You will probably need to schedule an appointment in advance. To find your nearest Passport Acceptance Facility and make an appointment, head to the U.S. Department of State Passport Facility Search Website.
Super important note to keep in mind if you are applying in person: Requesting a second passport is highly unusual and the acceptance facility representative may be unfamiliar with the process. You may ask the representative to contact their Regional Manager for guidance. If you are currently in the LA area, we recommend visiting the Point Dume Malibu USPS office located at 29160 Heathercliff Rd. Their staff is familiar with Pepperdine and the second passport process.
How to Submit Your Second Passport to IP
Congrats, you are now one of the few people in this world that have not one but TWO passports!! Now it's time to submit a copy of your second passport to International Programs. Remember that you need to submit a copy of your second passport to IP by no later than April prior to your departure.
Submit your passport copy using the IP Document Submission Form. You'll need to be logged in to your Pepperdine gmail account to access this form. Then you'll be asked to upload a photo or scan of your second passport so that we will have a record of your information.
Once you've completed the form, you will receive a copy of your responses in your email, and a verification email confirming that we received your second passport. We will contact you if there are any issues with your submission or documents.
That's it! Remember, applying for a second passport is a great way to ensure you can enjoy your summer travels and still study abroad next year. Be sure to start the process as early as possible to avoid any last minute stress. As always, if you have questions please feel free to connect with us.