New US Passport in limited edition

Ha, I read about that yesterday on Facebook. A friend of mine was freaking out because they have to renew their passport and didn't want to have that photo on it. Several people pointed out that if you renew online, it's not an issue, and it's also not mandatory even if you get your passport at the Washington, DC office. I find it interesting that the office is now all about promoting a brand.

Frank, why is there a superscript (7) at the beginning of your title? Does that mean something, or is it a typo? Just curious.

Without comment on who it is, the use of the likeness of a still living politician is in bad taste.

100%. Maybe the framers of the Declaration of Independence or George Washington.

Thank God if you renew online you can get one without He Who Shall Not Be Named’s picture on it. I actually thought it was a joke when I first read about this, I really did. Stupidest of times we live in right now.

I, for one, will be very interested to know exactly how many of the 25,000-30,000 commemorative passports will be issued.

This is good. I prefer my traditional passport image. I do have to renew my PP toward the end of the year and I was worried from the more limited information previously indicated on a previous RS post. I prefer good karma traveling with me. ;)
Thanks for the more specific info, Frank.

I saw this yesterday. Told my husband I am very glad I renewed my passport a couple months ago.

It doesn't end there. Fortunately we are old enough for a lifetime senior national park pass, sans picture, for the same cost if we want one. https://www.recreation.gov/pass

Well I still checked after reading this as I couldn't believe it!
GOSH - I do learn so much from these Travel Forum posts!

"Given the constraints of where and how available, out of 100 who can get it, what percentage will likely ask for it? 50.1%? Is that too high of a guess?"

That is likely too high of a guess for a general crowd. While 50.1%
might be plausible for a specific rally or event, several factors
would likely pull that percentage down for the general public visiting
the D.C. office:

Political Polarization: Given the polarizing nature of the figure, a
significant portion of applicants would likely prefer the standard
"neutral" passport to avoid potential scrutiny or "political
statements" while traveling internationally.

The "Travel Hassle" Factor: Many travelers view their passport purely
as a utility. If there’s any concern that a non-standard design might
cause delays at foreign borders (even if it's official), they'll stick
to the classic version.

Historical Precedent: Commemorative items usually appeal to a subset
of "super-fans" or collectors. Most people tend to default to the
"standard" look for documents they have to keep for 10 years.

A more realistic estimate might be closer to 20% to 30%. This covers
the "enthusiast" crowd and those who want a unique souvenir, while the
majority would likely opt for the traditional blue book.

I would think the above analysis is flawed. Of the people who travel overseas and get passports, they tend to be overrepresented by college educated folks. Also can you imagine trying to travel to say Denmark or Canada (countries whose territorial integrity has been threatened), the potential of a hassle factor would be so risky that those who would don certain hats would be more reluctant to risk the travel delays. Finally, given the spiking gas prices and cratering poll numbers, a 30% guess seems impossibly high.

Prior to WW II, in Germany passports did not have pictures of their leader on them. And 1938 Germany their leader was far more popular there.

But I suppose it would be a kind of souvenir that would be memorable-- like, oh, I dunno, a face tattoo. (Personally, I would pick a face tattoo of Daffy Duck over this passport but to each their own!!)

Happy travels!

Along the same line (and also travel related) is the current NPS resident America The Beautiful annual pass, and current NPS Military annual pass.

https://www.recreation.gov/pass

Additionally:
https://www.npr.org/2026/01/09/nx-s1-5672341/national-park-updates-guidelines-stop-visitors-defacing-trump-picture-pass

So don't be doin' that, doggone it, or no park for YOU.

We bought our lifetime Senior Pass 9 years ago so will never need an 'updated' version, should those be 'updated' too. Oy.

My neighbours to the south keep coming up with new ways to amuse me. Does the big beautiful passport come with a free t-shirt you can wear through immigration?

Definitely a free tube of bronzer for your 3-1-1 bag

At you, the tax-payers expense, I read yesterday.
This will identify certain people as they travel…..🤦🏻‍♀️

I imagine it will most popular among those seeking an appointed office/employment with the Federal govt.

Another addition to the "You can't make this stuff up" category.

Original post and replies are informative and entertaining—great way to discuss this.

When I first heard about the new passport, I actually came straight to this board to verify the story, because I honestly thought it was just an internet joke. That I had to go elsewhere because no one had brought it up speaks volumes about the commitment to keeping things civil here.

Edited to add this PS: I wish I knew where to find you on other Internet forums; I would love to chat about Forbidden Topics.