A redesigned US passport is expected to arrive in 2028, and an early government preview has prompted questions about whether President Donald Trump’s image will appear inside it.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled the coming passport during a Sept. 29 presentation introducing America.gov, a new government website. The passport, called “Flight of the Eagle,” is intended to replace the current standard passport, according to the US Department of State.
The design shown during Rubio’s presentation appeared to feature Trump’s likeness on the inside cover. However, according to Forbes, the State Department has stopped short of confirming that the president’s image will be included when the final version begins circulating.
Here is what travelers should know about the proposed design, the commemorative Trump passport already available and what remains uncertain.
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Is Trump’s image coming to US passports in 2028?
The preview suggests Trump's image could be added to passports, but the final design has not been confirmed.
Forbes reported that the standard passport displayed during Rubio’s presentation featured artwork containing Trump’s image. When asked about the forthcoming design, however, a State Department spokesperson declined to confirm that Trump’s image would appear in the finished passport.
Forbes said the “Flight of the Eagle” passport is expected to contain 38 pages featuring artwork depicting 250 years of American history, from the American Revolution through milestones in space exploration. The redesigned cover will include a larger gold-colored seal, while flipping through the interior pages will create the appearance of a bald eagle in flight.
Passports issued with earlier designs will remain valid until they expire, provided they are not damaged, according to the State Department.
This April 2026 file photo shows a rendering of a U.S. "patriot" passport featuring an image and signature of President Donald Trump that was released by the State Department, which has come short of confirming that the president's likeness will be on all new passports beginning in 2028.
Can you get a US passport with Trump’s image now?
Yes, but it is not the same passport as the standard redesign planned for 2028.
The State Department currently offers a limited-edition commemorative passport known as the “Patriot Passport.” Created to mark America’s 250th anniversary, it includes a portrait of Trump alongside the text of the Declaration of Independence, a Freedom 250 gold flag and an image of the Founding Fathers signing the declaration.
Applicants seeking the commemorative passport must schedule an in-person appointment at the Washington Passport Agency or an eligible commemorative-passport event. People who apply online, by mail or through a regular acceptance facility will not receive it. Regular fees and processing times generally apply.
The commemorative passport contains the same security features as a standard US passport and can be used for international travel.
Can you avoid getting Trump’s image on your passport?
Travelers can currently avoid the Trump artwork by not applying for the optional commemorative passport.
What happens in 2028 is less certain.
If Trump’s image remains in the final “Flight of the Eagle” design, the State Department has not publicly explained whether travelers will be able to request an alternative standard passport. It also has not confirmed exactly when production would shift from the current design or how remaining inventory would be handled.
For now, applicants who use the agency’s ordinary online, mail or acceptance-facility processes will not receive the commemorative “Patriot Passport.” Whether a similar choice will exist once the standard passport changes remains an open question.
