When filling out a U.S. passport application, you will arrive at a section requesting emergency contact information. This field often leads to confusion — many applicants wonder if it is required or optional and who's details they should provide. While providing an emergency contact is not mandatory, adding it can be highly beneficial. In this guide, we’ll explain the role of emergency contacts on passport applications and the advantages of including one.

1. Is an Emergency Contact Required on a Passport Application?

No, the U.S. Department of State does not require you to provide an emergency contact when applying for a passport. The emergency contact section is entirely optional. Whether you are applying for a new passport, renewal, or a replacement, you can choose to leave this field blank without impacting the processing of your application.

However, even though it is not required, providing an emergency contact is strongly recommended. In the event of an accident, natural disaster, or travel-related emergency, having a designated contact can help officials reach someone who can assist or provide vital information.

It is important to note two key points about the emergency contact you list:

Firstly - they should NOT be someone that is traveling with you. ‍

Secondly - you should make sure your emergency contact lives or resides in the USA.

2. Where Do You Add an Emergency Contact on the Passport Application?

The section for the emergency contact is located near the bottom of the DS-11 (Application for a New Passport) and DS-82 (Application for Renewal) forms. It includes fields for:

  • Full name of the emergency contact.
  • Relationship to the applicant (e.g., parent, spouse, sibling, friend).
  • Phone number (preferably a mobile or easily reachable number).
  • Address of the emergency contact.

3. Why You Should Add an Emergency Contact

While it’s not required, adding an emergency contact offers several important benefits. Here’s why you should consider including one on your passport application:

A) Assistance During Travel Emergencies

If you experience an accident, illness, or are involved in a travel-related incident, having an emergency contact listed can help U.S. consular officials notify your loved ones quickly. This is especially important in cases of:

  • Medical emergencies where consent or medical history may be required.
  • Natural disasters that displace or endanger travelers.
  • Criminal incidents or legal issues abroad.

B) Quicker Notification in Case of Lost or Stolen Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen while traveling abroad, the U.S. embassy or consulate may need to contact someone on your behalf. Having an emergency contact on file allows them to quickly notify a trusted person and potentially assist in verifying your identity or arranging for emergency funds.

C) Support During Repatriation or Crisis

In rare but serious cases, such as political unrest, terrorist attacks, or evacuations, the U.S. Department of State may use the emergency contact information to communicate with your loved ones. This helps ensure they are aware of your location and status.

D) Protecting Minors and Vulnerable Travelers

For minors or elderly travelers, listing a family member as an emergency contact is particularly important. It provides an additional layer of protection by ensuring that a trusted person can be reached in case of an emergency.

4. What Happens If You Don’t Include an Emergency Contact?

If you leave the emergency contact section blank:

  • Your passport application will still be processed without delay.
  • However, in the event of an emergency, U.S. consular officials may face difficulty locating or notifying your family members.
  • It could slow down assistance efforts during a crisis, medical emergency, or travel-related issue.

While it’s not required, the absence of an emergency contact can result in delays in communication during critical situations.

5. How to Update Your Emergency Contact Information

If you applied for a passport but did not include an emergency contact, you cannot retroactively add it to the passport itself. However, you can:

  • Register your emergency contact information with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service from the U.S. Department of State allows U.S. citizens traveling abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • Through STEP, you can add or update your emergency contact details at any time.

How to Enroll in STEP:

  1. Go to STEP.
  2. Click on “START”.
  3. Provide your travel details and emergency contact information.
  4. Receive travel alerts and allow the U.S. embassy to reach your contact in case of an emergency.

6. Tips for Choosing an Emergency Contact

When adding an emergency contact, consider the following:

  • Choose someone reliable: Pick a person who will be reachable and capable of making decisions on your behalf in case of an emergency.
  • Provide up-to-date information: Ensure that the phone number and address listed are current.
  • Inform your contact: Let your emergency contact know that you have listed them and ensure they have copies of your important travel documents (passport number, itinerary, etc.).
  • Do not use a travel companion: Add someone who will NOT be traveling with you.
  • Emergency contact location: Someone who lives / resides in the USA is highly preferred.

Final Thoughts

While adding an emergency contact to your passport application is optional, it is highly recommended. In case of an accident, natural disaster, or travel-related emergency, having a designated contact can make it easier for authorities to notify your loved ones and expedite assistance.