GETTING A U.S. PASSPORT

How to Apply for a U.S. Passport

If you need a U.S. passport, follow these steps. Check the official resources (links below) for the most up-to-date rules and downloadable forms.

Step 1: Determine What Type of Application You Need

• Form DS-11 – for first-time applicants, minors under 16, or if your previous passport was issued before age 16 / over 15 years ago / lost or damaged. eForms+3Travel State Government+3Travel State Government+3
  
  

• Form DS-82 – to renew an adult passport by mail if you meet eligibility criteria (passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, undamaged, and in your current name or able to supply legal name change documents). eForms+2Travel State Government+2

You can use the U.S. State Department’s Form Finder / Passport Wizard to find exactly which form applies to you. Travel State Government+1

Step 2: Get the Necessary Forms

• DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport (PDF) eForms+1

• DS-82 U.S. Passport Renewal Application (PDF) eForms+2eForms+2
  
  

Step 3: Gather Required Documents & Evidence

You’ll need:

1. Proof of U.S. citizenship – examples include a certified U.S. birth certificate, previous full-valid U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate. Travel State Government+1

2. Proof of identity – a valid, government issued photo ID (driver’s license, government‐issued ID, etc.). Bring the original and a photocopy. Travel State Government+1

3. Passport photo – must meet requirements (2x2 inches, full face, white background, recent photo). The acceptance facility or photo service can help. Travel State Government+1

4. Any name change documents (if your name has changed since your previous passport) – marriage certificate, court order, etc. eForms+1
   
   

If renewing (DS-82), you must have your most recent passport to submit with your application. Travel State Government+1

Step 4: Fill Out the Form

• Use the Form Filler / Wizard on Travel.State.Gov if available, or download the PDF and complete by hand. Travel State Government+2eForms+2

• Print on single-sided 8.5” x 11” paper. Do not sign the form until instructed (especially for DS-11, where the signing must happen in front of an acceptance agent). Travel State Government+1
  
  

Step 5: Pay the Fees

There are two types of fees for DS-11:

• 1. The passport application fee (varies by book/card, etc.)

  2. The acceptance facility fee (charged by the location that accepts your application) Travel State Government

  3. For DS-82 (renewal by mail), you pay only the application fee; there is no facility fee. Travel State Government

  4. If you want expedited processing or faster shipping, there are additional charges. Travel State Government+1
     
     

Step 6: Submit Your Application

• For first-time applicants or those using DS-11: Submit in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility (e.g. certain post offices, libraries, courthouses) or a passport agency. You’ll need to bring all your documents, ID, photo, and payment. Travel State Government+2eForms+2

• For renewals using DS-82: Mail your application, recent passport, photo, name-change documents (if needed), and payment to the address given on the form. Travel State Government
  
  

Step 7: Track Your Application & Receive Your Passport

• You can track your application status online via the U.S. State Department’s website. Travel State Government+1

• standard processing is usually 4-6 weeks; expedited is often 2-3 weeks (plus extra fees). Travel State Government+1
  
  

Helpful Links & Resources

• Travel.State.Gov – Passport Forms – official forms page. Travel State Government

• Travel.State.Gov – Renew by Mail – details on renewing your passport via mail. Travel State Government

• Travel.State.Gov – Apply in Person (Adults) – for first-time adult applicants and others who must apply in person. Travel State Government