What is a Second US passport?

A Second US passport is a fully valid passport issued to someone who already holds another valid passport. It is not a replacement for a lost, expired, or full passport, but rather an additional one issued under special circumstances.

A Second U.S. passport is typically granted for one of the following reasons:

1. Frequent travel – If you need to apply for visas in one passport while still needing another for travel.
2. Conflicting visas – If you travel between countries with diplomatic tensions (e.g., having an Israeli stamp could restrict travel to certain Middle Eastern countries).
3. Emergencies or special assignments – In cases involving urgent, government-related travel or business needs.

A second passport is usually valid for a shorter period (often 2–4 years) and comes with specific conditions. It’s not issued simply for convenience or to get around the need to renew a passport that’s full.