I’m a U.S. citizen and I’ve never had a passport before, but I’m planning to travel internationally in the next few months. How do I apply for a passport for the first time? What documents do I need to bring? Do I have to apply in person or can I do it online? Where do I go to submit my application – is it the post office or somewhere else? How long does the whole process usually take, and how much does it cost? Also, do I need to bring passport photos with me or will they take them there? Are there any specific requirements for first-time applicants that are different from renewal applications?

How to Apply for a First-Time Passport

Required Documents

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original or certified copy):

• U.S. birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Naturalization certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship

Proof of Identity (original):

• Valid driver’s license
• Government employee ID
• U.S. military ID
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Current valid passport

One Passport Photo:

• 2×2 inches in size
• Color photo
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Plain white or off-white background
• Front view, full face
• No glasses (in most cases)
• No headphones or wireless devices
• Religious headwear permitted if worn daily and doesn’t obscure face

Application Form

Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport

• Available online at travel.state.gov
• Can be filled out online and printed, or printed blank and filled out by hand in black ink
• Do not sign the form until instructed to do so by the acceptance agent

Application Process

Step 1: Complete Form DS-11

• Do not sign until you are in front of an acceptance agent

Step 2: Gather required documents

• Original proof of citizenship
• Valid photo ID
• Photocopy of front (and back, if there is printed information) of ID
• One passport photo

Step 3: Calculate fees

• Passport book (adults 16+): $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee = $165 total
• Passport card (adults 16+): $30 application fee + $35 acceptance fee = $65 total
• Both book and card (adults 16+): $160 application fee + $35 acceptance fee = $195 total
• Passport book (under 16): $100 application fee + $35 acceptance fee = $135 total
• Passport card (under 16): $15 application fee + $35 acceptance fee = $50 total
• Both book and card (under 16): $115 application fee + $35 acceptance fee = $150 total

Step 4: Find an acceptance facility

• Post offices
• Public libraries
• County clerk’s offices
• Some municipal offices
• Search for locations at iafdb.travel.state.gov

Step 5: Appointment requirements

• Some facilities accept walk-ins
• Many require appointments
• Call ahead or check online

Step 6: Submit application in person

• Bring all documents and photos
• Bring payment (check acceptance facility’s accepted payment methods)
• Sign the application in front of the acceptance agent
• Acceptance agent will review documents and administer oath

Step 7: Payment methods

• Application fee: check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State"
• Acceptance fee: separate payment to the acceptance facility (cash, check, or credit/debit card depending on facility)

Processing Times

Routine Service:

• 6-8 weeks from the date of application
• No additional fee

Expedited Service:

• 2-3 weeks from the date of application
• Additional $60 fee
• Mark "EXPEDITE" on outside of envelope if mailing

Expedited at Agency (for urgent travel):

• By appointment only
• For travel within 14 days or for urgent visa requirements
• Must call National Passport Information Center: 1-877-487-2778

Tracking Your Application

• Check status online at https://passportstatus.state.gov
• Need last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of Social Security number
• Available approximately 7-10 business days after applying

Receiving Your Passport

• Passport arrives by mail to the address provided on application
• Original citizenship documents returned separately
• Expedited return shipping available for additional $18.32 fee

Special Circumstances

For minors under 16:

• Both parents or guardians must appear with child, or
• One parent with notarized consent (Form DS-3053) from non-appearing parent, or
• One parent with sole custody documentation
• Parental relationship must be established

Name change from birth certificate:

• Must provide legal documentation of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)

If no photo ID available:

• Bring someone who has known you for at least 2 years
• That person must have valid ID
• Both complete Form DS-71: Affidavit of Identifying Witness

Contact Information

National Passport Information Center:

• Phone: 1-877-487-2778
• TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM ET (excluding federal holidays)

Website:

• travel.state.gov