# Passport Question (US) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 4, 2018, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-question-us/813585 "2018-05-04T15:31:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2018, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-question-us/813585/1 "2018-05-04T15:31:18Z")
I am planning to get a passport both as a backup form of ID (for those of you abroad - in the US your driver’s license is usually your primary ID) in case something happens to my license, and also because I might conceivably want to travel outside the US at some point, most likely Canada but maybe somewhere else. So, I got the passport applications and it is pretty straightforward except for one thing: it asks for my planned date of travel. Well, I’m NOT currently planning to travel with it, so what should I put there? Make something up? Leave it blank? What? The instructions do not seem to address this issue. Anyone can give me an answer on this? ---
**Author:** ![Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2018, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-question-us/813585/2 "2018-05-04T15:37:35Z")
Just leave that part blank. You must answer that question only if you are seeking to have your passport expedited. It doesn’t sound like you are. > **[Is Question #19 ("Travel Plans") a required field on Form DS-11?](https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/is-question-19-travel-plans-a-required-field-on-form-ds11.html)** > > Question: I want to renew my passport but the exact date of departure and my length of trip are uncertain at this point. I don't understand why a document ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2018, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-question-us/813585/3 "2018-05-05T04:45:47Z")
Thanks