An estimated 45% to 50% of Americans have a valid passport. The U.S. Department of State reports 169,915,821 valid U.S. passports in circulation, including passport books and cards. After a record-breaking surge in 2023, passport applications dropped by 5.28% in 2024. This marks the largest year-over-year decline since 2020. The U.S. Department of State issued 24,515,786 passports in fiscal year 2024, including 20,778,558 passport books and 3,737,228 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 170 million valid U.S. passports in circulation as of the most recent data. Less than half of Americans have a passport. Between 45% and 50% of Americans currently hold a valid passport. The number of new passports issued dropped 5.28% in 2024 after a record-setting year in 2023. California leads the nation with the most passports issued in 2024 at 2,836,428. 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 2024 fiscal year, there are 169,915,821 valid U.S. passports. This number includes both passport books and cards, meaning one individual could hold two passports. Excluding passport cards, between 45% and 50% of all Americans have a passport. U.S. Passports Issued in 2024 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: Increased from previous year Decreased from previous year Special points 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. Learn more about what’s in and what’s out in travel trends in 2025. 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: Total Passports Passport Books Passport Cards 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 2024: Passport Issuance vs. Population in 2024 Bottom 20% 20% – 40% 40% – 60% 60% – 80% Top 20% 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. Passport Issuance For Each State in 2024 State Passports Issued California 2,836,428 Texas 1,843,673 New York 1,455,210 Florida 1,534,682 Illinois 753,679 New Jersey 768,344 Pennsylvania 709,627 Virginia 586,507 Georgia 604,760 Massachusetts 542,913 Washington 534,931 North Carolina 589,941 Ohio 538,854 Michigan 473,084 Maryland 439,651 Colorado 418,999 Arizona 405,869 Minnesota 370,637 Wisconsin 309,505 District of Columbia 247,623 Tennessee 322,865 Indiana 299,338 Missouri 280,253 Oregon 253,124 Connecticut 264,128 Utah 232,283 South Carolina 261,114 Nevada 195,854 Puerto Rico 171,995 Louisiana 171,303 Alabama 183,571 Oklahoma 160,666 Kentucky 166,021 Iowa 154,433 Kansas 142,810 Idaho 111,054 Arkansas 111,174 Nebraska 101,254 Hawaii 111,044 New Hampshire 96,132 New Mexico 91,543 Maine 81,725 Mississippi 85,811 Rhode Island 75,227 Montana 62,399 Delaware 61,452 Alaska 47,045 West Virginia 48,191 South Dakota 42,893 North Dakota 42,295 Vermont 40,059 Wyoming 28,510 Guam 15,353 Virgin Islands 8,328 Northern Marianas 3,444 American Samoa 1,738
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