How Many Americans Have a Passport in 2026?

An estimated 48% to 53% of Americans have a valid passport. The U.S. Department of State reports 183,170,240 valid U.S. passports in circulation, including passport books and cards.

Passport demand rebounded to a record high in 2025 after a slight dip in 2024. The U.S. Department of State issued 27,348,416 passports in fiscal year 2025, the most in any single year on record, including 22,804,394 passport books and 4,544,022 passport cards.

Here’s a closer look at how many Americans have passports, which states have the highest passport ownership and how issuance patterns have shifted over time.

Key Takeaways

• There are more than 183 million valid U.S. passports in circulation as of the most recent data.
• Roughly half of Americans have a passport. Between 48% and 53% of Americans currently hold a valid passport.
• The number of passports issued reached a record high in fiscal year 2025, the most in any single year on record.
• California leads the nation with the most passports issued in 2025 at 3,120,262.
• New Jersey ranks the highest in passports issued relative to its population over the past five years.

How Many Americans Have A Passport? 

As of the most recent passport data for the 2025 fiscal year, there are 183,170,240 valid U.S. passports. This number includes both passport books and cards, meaning one individual could hold two passports. Excluding passport cards, between 48% and 53% of all Americans have a passport.

U.S. Passport Applications Since 1989 

The number of U.S. passport applications each year has steadily increased, despite temporary setbacks like COVID-19. Interest in international travel by Americans is at its peak for the last three decades. Here’s a closer look at the trend:

The most significant drop occurred in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, post-pandemic recovery shows a sharp increase, showing the revival of travel for Americans. Global travel is here to stay. 

The large spike in U.S. passport applications in 2007 was mainly due to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Starting in January 2007, this policy required all air travelers, including U.S. citizens, to show a valid passport when flying between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Before this, travelers could use other IDs like driver’s licenses and birth certificates. As a result, passport applications jumped by over 50% from the previous year.

How Did COVID-19 Affect U.S. Passport Issuance? 

The issuance of U.S. passports saw dramatic fluctuations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of passports and passport cards issued from 2019 to 2024:

Which States Have the Most Passports? 

Certain states in the U.S. stand out for their high numbers of passport holders. States like Colorado, Washington, and New York are all in the top 20% of passports issued relative to their population sizes. Here is a look at the states with the most passports issued in 2025:

Passport Issuance vs. Population in 2025

States like California, New York, and Texas lead in passport issuance due to their large populations and status as major travel hubs. These states also have higher percentages of international travelers, contributing to the high demand for passports. Once the passport is sorted, the next step is choosing a program. Rustic Pathways student travel programs handle visa coordination and group flights.

Passport Issuance For Each State in 2025

» MORE:

Guide to U.S. Passport Validity: Important Rules Explained
International Travel and Blank Visa Page Requirements
Real ID vs. Passport: Essential Differences
Ensuring Your Passport’s Safety During Travel
Visa-Free Travel Options for U.S. Passport Holders