How To Apply For Passport

Find out how to obtain a new US passport. You do not need one if you are in the United States and traveling from state to state. However, if you are planning to travel outside the country and you do not have one, then you will need to apply for a passport in person at your local passport office. If you already have one and it has expired, then you can renew your passport through the mail. To view these steps, see how to renew your passport.

You also will need one if a visa is required when traveling to a foreign country. Passports are only available to US citizens. If you are a green card holder or someone who is just visiting the US on an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, you will need a passport from your home country to allow you to leave and re-enter the United States and be allowed to get a visa to put in your passport so you can remain in the US on a temporary basis.

Applying for a new passport in person

If you are applying for a new passport, then you are required to do so in person using Form DS-11 if at least one of the following is true:

You are applying for your first US passport
You are under age 16
Your previous US passport was issued when you were under age 16
Your previous US passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
Your previous US passport was issued more than 15 years ago

If you do not meet any of the requirements above, then you may be eligible to renew your passport using Form DS-82. Please note, if you live in another country (including Canada) and you are submitting Form DS-11, you must apply in person at a US embassy or consulate. For more information, see how to applying for a US passport outside the US.

Provide proof of US Citizenship

You must provide evidence of your US citizenship. The document must be an original or certified copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority. Submit one of the following:

Fully-valid, undamaged US passport (may be expired)
US birth certificate that was issued by the city, county, or state of birth, lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth and lists your parent(s) full names. It also needs to have the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth), has the registrar's signature and has the seal of the issuing authority
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship

If for some reason you are unable to provide any of the documents listed above, then please view the citizenship evidence page.

Photocopy of US Citizenship Evidence

You will need to provide a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the US citizenship evidence you will be providing to them. Photocopies must be:

Legible
On white 8.5"x11" standard paper
Black and white
Single sided

If you don't want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which they will keep. If you don't submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.

Present photo Identification

When applying for a passport, you will need to present one of the following IDs at the office you are applying at. The ID must readily ID who you are:

In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
In-state, fully valid learner's permit
In-state, fully valid non-driver ID
Temporary driver's license
Valid or expired, undamaged US passport book or passport card
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
US military or military dependent ID
Current (valid) foreign passport
Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID). Commonly used by a parent of a US citizen child applicant
US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Commonly used by a parent of a US citizen child applicant
Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)

If you are unable to present any of the IDs listed above, or to get more information, please view the photo ID page. If you provide an out of state ID, you will be required to present an additional ID.

Present a photocopy of your ID

You will need to provide a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of each ID that you present when you apply. Photocopies must be:

Legible
On white 8.5"x11" standard paper
Black and white
Single sided

Provide photo for passport

You must provide one photograph with your application. To avoid processing delays, be sure it meets all passport photo requirements. Please note, some passport acceptance facilities provide photo services for an additional fee.

Passport service fees

Below is a list of fees associated with applying for a passport. Please note, the application fee and the execution fee are paid separately. For information on forms of payment and a full list of fees and services, please see passport fees.

Passports for adults

List of fees for adults age 16 and older.

Product	Form	Application Fee	Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book	DS-11	$110	$35
Passport Card	DS-11	$30	$35
Passport Book & Card	DS-11	$140	$35

Passports for children

List of fees for children age 15 and younger.

Product	Form	Application Fee	Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book	DS-11	$80	$35
Passport Card	DS-11	$15	$35
Passport Book & Card	DS-11	$95	$35

Submit passport application

For applicants inside the US:

You must submit your completed application, including citizenship evidence, photocopy of ID, photo, and fees, in person at a passport acceptance facility
You may be eligible to apply in person at a passport agency if you are traveling soon

For applicants outside the US please contact your US Embassy and Consulate for how to submit your documents, since processes vary.

For any Special Circumstances

If any of the below categories apply to you, you may have additional requirements for your US passport application. Please click a link below that is relevant to you.