Originally Posted by
GUWonder
Ordinarily, State has wanted the primary passport presented and retained (by State) while processing an application for an initial, secondary US passport (with some validity period overlapping with the primary passport); and State has wanted such application submitted in person.
Thanks for the replies. The processing center called me back and said I could apply by mail by sending in my original passport, or I could apply at a processing center with a birth certificate. Since I already mailed my form, I will be mailing in my passport and paying to expedite since I need to get a visa next month.