These 10 U.S. States Have the Most Passport Holders—Is Yours on the List?
According to a new study, folks in these states are ready for takeoff
A new study by student travel company Rustic Pathways looked at U.S. passport ownership by state, and let’s just say, the coasts are leading the charge. Using data from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the study calculated how many passports were issued in each state between 2015 and 2024 and compared that to the population. The result? A clear picture of which states have the most internationally ready residents.
While more than 98 million Americans traveled outside the U.S. in 2023, not everyone has a passport tucked in their drawer. In fact, according to Pew Research, about 23% of Americans have never left the country. But in these 10 states, traveling abroad seems to be the norm—not the exception.
Here’s a look at the 10 states with the highest percentage of residents holding valid U.S. passports.
10. New Hampshire
Passport ownership: 55.7%
New Hampshire kicks off the list with over half the state’s residents holding a passport. With easy access to Canada and a proximity to international airports in Boston and New York, it’s not hard to see why Granite Staters are frequent flyers.
9. Colorado
Passport ownership: 56.3%
Colorado residents are no strangers to adventure, so it makes sense that many take that wanderlust international. More than 3.3 million passports have been issued here since 2015, giving it a solid spot in the top 10.
8. Alaska
Passport ownership: 56.9%
This one might surprise some people. Despite being one of the most remote states, Alaska ranks high in passport ownership, possibly thanks to its proximity to Canada and cruise ports, or the fact that many rural residents travel regularly for medical care or work.
7. Maryland
Passport ownership: 57.1%
Maryland residents clearly like to get out and explore. The state has issued more than 3.5 million passports in the past decade, and its location near Washington, D.C., likely helps drive those international travel numbers.
6. Hawaii
Passport ownership: 57.1%
Hawaii already feels like an international escape for many Americans, but locals here are just as eager to explore the world. With high rates of travel to Japan, Australia, and other Pacific destinations, Hawaii earns its place in the top 10.
5. Connecticut
Passport ownership: 59.6%
Connecticut rounds out the top five with nearly 60% of its population holding a valid passport. Its proximity to New York and Boston makes international travel easy, and clearly, residents are taking advantage of that.
4. California
Passport ownership: 62.7%
With its major international airports and diverse population, it’s no surprise that California made the top five. Over 24 million passports have been issued here since 2015.
3. Massachusetts
Passport ownership: 64.3%
Massachusetts residents are seasoned travelers. More than 4.5 million passports have been issued here in the last 10 years, and in 2024 alone, over 7% of the population received a new one. It’s safe to say that Bostonians and beyond are ready for their next trip abroad.
2. New York
Passport ownership: 64.6%
With major hubs like JFK and a rich mix of international communities, New York is a global travel powerhouse. Nearly 13 million passports have been issued here in the past decade—giving the Empire State a strong second-place finish.
1. New Jersey
Passport ownership: 68.1%
Topping the list is New Jersey, where nearly 7 in 10 residents have a passport. That’s the highest percentage in the country. With Newark and quick access to New York airports, a diverse population, and a strong culture of international travel, Jersey takes the crown.
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