Things You Will Need

  • Passport application Form DS-11

  • $135.00 (Application and Execution Fees)

  • Identification documents

  • Proof of citizenship

  • 1 Passport size photo

U.S. passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State and are available to U.S. citizens for the purpose of international travel. First time applicants must apply in person at a passport agency. Since these facilities are federally operated, an individual, regardless of their state of residence, fill out a passport application in any state, as long as they possess the proper forms of identification, supporting documents and can pay the passport fees.

Step 1

Identify the Passport Acceptance Facility. Through the State Department website you may search for a facility based on address. Often a Passport Acceptance Facility will be at the local Post Office or County Clerks Office.

Step 2

Obtain and complete the application for a passportcard or passport book, which is the form DS-11. This form is for first time applicants only and can be downloaded from the State Department website. Clearly complete each required section and sign the application.

Step 3

Organize the necessary U.S. citizenship and identification documents. Applicants must submit documentation such as a birth certificate or naturalization documents as evidence of citizenship. If a birth certificate is not available, secondary evidence can be accepted as well, such as a credit card or social security card. An applicant that presents identification issued by a state outside the state in which the passport services facility resides (i.e a New Hampshire driver's license at a facility in New York) must also submit an additional form of valid photo ID containing the applicants full name name, date of birth and a photograph. Applicants that have federal or military ID, regardless of their state of residence or driver's license, do not need to submit additional forms of identification.

Step 4

Obtain a passport photo. First time applicant are required to submit a 2 inch by 2 inch frontal photograph. Photographs must be recent and unobstructed (no hats, headgear or nonprescription sunglasses). Individuals who normally wear prescription glasses, hearing devices or wigs should wear them in the photo.

Step 5

Visit the Passport Acceptance Facility. Applicants must apply in person at the facility and submit the application, the required documentation and $135 in payment for the application fees. If approved, a passport will issued and mailed within 4-6 weeks. Any original documents submitted with the application will be returned with the new passport.

Tips

To renew a passport, individuals must submit form DS-82, so long as they are in possession of their old passport. Unlike first time applicants, renewal applicants do not need to submit their application and documentation in person as it can be completed by mail. Processing times can take weeks or months for passport renewal or issuance, but within this document you can opt for expedited service with the addition of a small execution fee that is only payable through check or money order via mail.

If you have any more questions visit travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1 (877) 487-2778 for more information on the application process, questions about your application status, issues with urgent travel, a death emergency and FAQs.

Tip

To renew a passport, individuals must submit form DS-82, so long as they are in possession of their old passport. Unlike first time applicants, renewal applicants do not need to submit their application and documentation in person as it can be completed by mail.