May 1, 2026
News that an image of President Donald Trump would appear on U.S. passports starting this summer certainly sparked a reaction across the U.S., with his proponents celebrating a new way to show their allegiance and critics saying (1) it's the latest example of his ego run amok.
Regardless of where you fall on the political scale, getting a Trump-embossed passport isn't a certainty. Here's what to do if you want to get – or avoid – one.
Why is Trump's face appearing on the U.S. passport?
The State Department says (2) the unusual move is being made as part of the 250th anniversary (3) of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Trump's image on the inside front cover will include his signature in gold-colored ink. Since 2021, an image of Francis Scott Key (4) has been the featured illustration on the inside cover.
The Trump Administration has been rolling out the president's image and name (5) on all manner of objects, from a national parks pass to banners (6) on the Department of Justice to buildings around Washington, D.C., and planned U.S. coins. Trump's signature is also set to be featured on U.S. paper currency starting this summer.
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Who can get a passport featuring Trump?
Any American citizen who wants one will be eligible for the Trump passport, but at the moment, only around 25,000 to 30,000 (7) are expected to be printed, and the Washington, D.C., office is the only one that will make them available. So if you don't live in or near the area, it could be a challenge.
I don't want Trump on my passport. How can I avoid it?
It seems pretty easy to avoid this fate, as reports say that, so far at least, you can get the limited-edition Trump passports only at the Washington, D.C., office. Online renewals will also not make any changes (9) to the passports offered.
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I want a Trump passport. How do I get one?
At the Washington Passport Agency, located just a couple of blocks from the White House, the Trump passport will be the default passport (10) given to applicants. If you're dead set on getting one of these, you can apply here.
When will these become available?
The new passports are expected to become available before July 4, but an exact date has not yet been announced.
What's changing on the U.S. passport?
Beyond Trump's image, a small gold laminate American flag (11), with the number 250 encircled by stars, will be at the bottom of the back cover. The front cover will reverse the current one, putting "United States of America" at the top and "Passport" at the bottom. Both will be in gold print.
Trump will be the first living president to stamp his visage on the travel document.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
The Hill (1); Fox News (2); The White House (3); Yahoo News (4); CGTN (5); PBS (6); NPR (7),(11); NBC Philadelphia (8); The Washington Post (9),(10)
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Chris Morris is a veteran journalist with more than 35 years of experience at many of the internet's biggest news outlets. In addition to his activities as a writer, reporter and editor, Chris is also a frequent panel moderator and speaker at major conferences, including CES and South by Southwest.
