How to Apply for a Passport

Learn how, where to get, and how much it costs to apply for a US Passport.

How to Apply for a Passport
Applying for a US passport is a relatively simple process.
You will find detailed information and a step-by-step description of the whole process in the following guide.

What is a Passport?

A passport is a document which proves your identity and lets you travel across international borders. If you are a citizen of a country, you are eligible for a passport. The relevant government department will issue your passport if you meet all the eligibility requirements. In the US, applying for a passport is a relatively straightforward process. This guide will describe all the steps required and provide you with information as to where to apply, how to apply, and all eligibility criteria.

In the US a passport can be obtained in either a booklet form, called a Passport Book or a card, called Passport Card.

You can apply for either or both depending on your travel requirements.

Passport Book:

Standard passport which allows you to travel to any country by air, sea or land

Passport Card:

Allows you to enter the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Not valid for international travel by air.

Where Can You Get a Passport?

You can submit a US passport application via mail or in person. To apply for a new passport in person you can visit any of the 28 Regional Passport Agencies or any Passport Application Acceptance Facility. The complete list of agencies and their location is available on PostLocations.com.

How Can You Get a Passport?

You can follow these simple steps in order to apply for a passport:

  1. Fill out the DS-11 form
  2. This is your main application form, you can either print out the pdf version of the DS-11 form and fill it out manually or use the online version and then print it.
    Only fill out the signature portion in front of the Acceptance Agent.
  3. Submit the DS-11 in person
  4. You have to submit the filled out DS-11 in person at either a Passport Agency or any Passport Application Acceptance Facility
  5. Provide proof of your citizenship
  6. Present a valid form of ID
  7. Submit a photocopy of the ID you presented
  8. Pay the required fee
  9. Provide a valid photograph for your passport (do not attach it to the form)

Who Can Get a Passport?

All US citizens (born or naturalized) are eligible for a US passport. People in extraordinary circumstances such as asylum seekers, refugees etc. also qualify under some conditions but that discussion is out of scope here.

Documents Needed to Apply for Passport

When you apply, the Acceptance Agent will ask you to present:

1. Documentary evidence of your US citizenship, in the form of:

  • A certified US Birth Certificate
  • Previously held US Passport (if any)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization
  • 2. Photo identification and a photocopy of the same, any of the following are valid:

  • A valid Driver's License (bring a second form of ID if you are applying in a state other than the one where the license was issued)
  • An undamaged original US Passport (must have been issued less than 15 years ago)
  • A military ID
  • A valid city, state or federal ID
  • Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization
  • Rules regarding the photocopy:

  • Size-8 1/2 x 11"
  • Printed on plain white paper
  • Must show both front and back sides of the original ID
  • Free from any other markings or writing
  • 3. Passport Photograph, must meet the following criteria:

  • Colored
  • Size: 2x2 inches
  • Printed on photo-quality paper
  • Taken within the past 6 months
  • Front-facing
  • White or off-white background
  • Clothing-Normal street attire (No uniforms, religious attire is only acceptable if you regularly wear it)
  • 4. Filled out and unsigned copy of DS-11 form

    5. Applicable Passport Fee (check the next section for cost details)

    How Much Does a Passport Cost?

    The cost depends on what kind of passport you apply for (Card or Book) and the processing time. Here are the basic costs applicable to first-time applicants:

    Passport Type Cost
    Passport Book (Adults) $135
    Passport Card (Adults) $55
    Passport Book and Card (Adults) $165
    Passport Book (Children) $135
    Passport Book (Card) $55
    Passport Book and Card (Children) $165

    The special Expedited by Agency option adds in $60 to your base cost. Overnight delivery of Passport Books is possible to addresses within the US and cost an additional $20.66. Check the official US government Passport Fee Chart for more details. You can pay the fee using a credit card, check, money order, or cash.

    How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?

    According to the US Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs, your passport application will be processed in 6 weeks. However an expedited option is also available which only takes 3 weeks.

    Passport Processing Time

  • Routine-6 Weeks
  • Expedite-3 weeks
  • Urgent/Emergency Cases

    In case of emergencies the waiting period can be as short as 8 days, called Expedited by Agency. This process is a little different in terms of application procedure, you have to:

  • Provide documented proof of why you need to travel immediately
  • Provide proof of appointments you have made in the country you want to travel to
  • Visit one of the 28 Regional Passport Agencies in person
  • Agency-specific rules are also applicable, refer to the guidelines of specific agency for more information Schedule an appointment at an agency by contacting the 24/7 helpline of the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.