The news seems to have spread like wildfire across the globe: The U.S. will soon start issuing a new passport bearing the image of President Donald Trump. Read on for answers to several frequently asked questions about the new document—and see images of it compared to U.S. passports already in circulation.
What is the purpose of the new passport?
In late April, the U.S. Department of State announced it is preparing a limited number of commemorative U.S. passports to celebrate the United States’ 250th year of independence. The “limited edition” passport features a picture of President Donald Trump and a few other design changes. It will become available shortly before the nation’s birthday on July 4, 2026.
How does the Trump passport differ from U.S. general passports that are currently in circulation?
The special Trump passport is not a completely redesigned document. Read on to learn how it differs from the standard passports currently in circulation.
A sample of the commemorative U.S. passport celebrating America’s 250th birthday, photographed Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (Jon Elswick/AP)
The front and back covers:
The cover of the commemorative passport differs from the existing passport as follows:
- The front cover of the commemorative passport will feature the words “United States of America” in bold gold print at the top and “Passport” at the bottom. This is the reverse of how the phrases appear on the standard cover (shown below).
Front cover design of passports currently in circulation.
- The back cover of the special passport features a small gold laminate American flag, with the number 250 surrounded by stars, at the bottom.
The inside front cover spread of the commemorative passport features Trump’s picture over a gold imprimatur of his signature (on the left) and an image of the signers of America’s Declaration of independence (on the right).
This differs from the inside front covers of passports currently in circulation, shown below.
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Inside front cover spreads of passports in circulation
The rest of the document remains the same. That includes the visual design of the visa pages between the covers, and all of the security features.
Will everyone applying for a new or renewed passport receive the so-called Trump passport?
- Only citizens who apply for a new or renewed passport in the District of Columbia (D.C.) will automatically receive the new passport.
- Applicants who wish to receive a passport in the standard design rather than the commemorative version may apply online or in a district other than D.C.
A finite supply (25,000 to 30,000) of the limited edition Trump passports will be produced for issuance.
Sources/References:
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Government Publishing Office
National Public Radio
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