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The U.S. State Department has announced plans to release a limited number of specially designed passports this summer to mark America's 250th anniversary. The commemorative booklets will feature a portrait of President Donald Trump alongside his gold signature and text from the Declaration of Independence. They'll be available to any American who applies — but only at one specific agency in Washington, D.C. Here's what we know.
The State Department shared a first look at the redesigned passport booklets on Tuesday, and one change stands out right away. Inside the cover, there’s now a photo of President Trump, framed by text from the Declaration of Independence and an American flag, with his signature printed in gold. Another page features the well-known painting of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration.
Image source: Screenshot from @WhiteHouse on X
The outside has been refreshed too. “United States of America” is now larger and sits above the crest on the front, while the back shows an American flag with “250” centered among the original 13 stars from the 1777 design. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the updated version keeps “the same security features that make the U.S. passport one of the most secure documents in the world.”
Up to now, standard U.S. passports have focused on historical scenes like the Moon landing or the Statue of Liberty. This is the first time a sitting president’s image would appear inside the booklet.
The commemorative passports will be available to any U.S. citizen applying once the rollout begins, and they’ll be issued while supplies last. There’s no extra fee, but there is a bit of a catch: they’ll only be available through the Washington Passport Agency, so you’d need to apply in person in D.C. to get one.
The State Department hasn’t said how many will be produced, and it’s still unclear whether applicants will be able to choose a standard passport instead. The launch is expected to line up with July 4 celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday.
The passport rollout is just one small part of a much bigger push tied to the America250 celebrations. This summer, the National Mall is set to turn into something like a giant state fair from June 25 to July 10, with all 50 states and territories represented, plus rodeo-style events and even a 110-foot Ferris wheel. There’s also a Freedom250 Grand Prix race planned for August, and a UFC fight scheduled on the White House South Lawn in June.
The White House is leaning into that same celebratory tone, describing the new passport design as “another great way to join in the celebrations” for America’s 250th birthday.
If you've ever flipped through your passport and studied the Moon landing or the Statue of Liberty stamped across its pages, this summer's limited edition will look noticeably different. Whether you consider it a collector's item or an eyebrow-raiser probably depends on your politics — but either way, supply is limited, and Washington, D.C. is the only place to get one.
The inside cover features a portrait of President Trump surrounded by the text of the Declaration of Independence and the American flag, with his signature printed in gold. The exterior has been updated with enlarged text and a redesigned back cover featuring a 1777-style flag with “250” at the center.
The rollout is expected to coincide with July 4th celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary in summer 2026.
There’s no additional cost compared to a standard passport application.
Only at the Washington Passport Agency in Washington, D.C. They won’t be available through standard application channels.
The State Department hasn’t confirmed an exact number. They’ll be issued for as long as supply lasts.
It’s currently unclear whether applicants will be able to opt out of the special edition.
Yes. The State Department has confirmed the commemorative version includes the same security features as standard U.S. passports.
The National Mall will host the Great American State Fair from June 25 to July 10, a Freedom250 Grand Prix race is planned for August, and a UFC fight is scheduled on the White House South Lawn in June.
Any U.S. citizen applying for a passport during the rollout period can receive the limited-edition version, as long as supplies are still available.
Yes. It functions exactly the same as a standard U.S. passport and can be used for all international travel.