US Unveils Limited-Edition Passports for 250th Anniversary

US unveils limited-edition America250 passports featuring Trump's portrait as America prepares to mark 250 years of independence.

The United States has unveiled a special limited-edition passport to celebrate 250 years of independence.

The commemorative travel document, tagged America250, was announced by the Trump administration as part of activities leading to July 2026, when America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. 

According to the US State Department, only a limited number of the specially designed passports will be released to commemorate the historic occasion. Reports from the Associated Press indicate the initial rollout will be around 25,000 to 30,000 copies. 

What makes this passport different is its design.

The new cover shows “United States of America” in large gold lettering. Inside, it features an image of President Donald Trump at the Resolute Desk with the Declaration of Independence in the background and his signature printed below in gold. 

The opposite page carries artwork depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The back cover will feature the American flag with the number 250 encircled by stars. 

This is the first time a sitting US president will appear on an American passport, making President Trump the first living president to feature on the document. 

The White House described it as a “Patriot Passport” when it shared the design on social media.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the passports will come with customised artwork and enhanced imagery, while maintaining the same security features that make the US passport the most secure document in the world. 

But not everyone will get it.

Officials say the special edition cannot be obtained online or by mail. It will only be available to applicants who apply in person at the Washington Passport Agency starting from July 6, while supplies last. Those who apply outside Washington, D.C. will still receive the standard version. 

The State Department has also confirmed that the commemorative passports will not cost extra. 

President Trump shared the rendering on his Truth Social page, writing: "The U.S.A.'s New Passport, which says, ‘Welcome, but be good!'"

The passport launch is part of a wider programme for America’s 250th anniversary celebration, which includes national park passes and commemorative coins also bearing Trump’s image.

Distribution is expected to begin this summer and continue while supplies last.