How to Apply for a U.S. Passport: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a U.S. citizen and need a passport for international travel, the application process depends on your age, whether you are applying for the first time, and whether you already have a passport that qualifies for renewal.

For most first-time adult applicants, the process involves completing Form DS-11, providing proof of U.S. citizenship, showing acceptable photo identification, submitting a passport photo, paying the required fees, and appearing in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

What Is a U.S. Passport?

A U.S. passport is an official travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State to eligible U.S. citizens and nationals. It is primarily used for international travel and can also serve as evidence of identity and U.S. citizenship.

The two main passport documents available to eligible applicants are the passport book and the passport card. You can also apply for both.

Who Needs to Apply for a New Passport?

The first step is determining whether you need a new passport application or whether you qualify for renewal.

Adults who do not qualify for renewal must apply in person. The U.S. Department of State specifically lists first-time adult applicants and adults whose previous passport was lost, stolen, damaged, issued more than 15 years ago, or issued when they were under age 16 among those who must follow the in-person application process.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

Before applying, decide whether you need a passport book, passport card, or both.

How to Apply for a U.S. Passport Step by Step

Step 1: Determine Which Application Process You Need

If this is your first adult passport, start with Form DS-11. Do not assume that every passport application uses DS-11 because eligible adult renewals may use a different process.

The Department of State provides a passport form and fee guide that can help determine which form applies to your situation.

Step 2: Complete Form DS-11

For a first-time adult passport, complete Form DS-11 using the official U.S. Department of State Form Filler.

Print the completed form on single-sided 8.5 x 11 inch paper. The Department of State says double-sided forms are not accepted.

Step 3: Provide Proof of U.S. Citizenship

You must provide physical evidence of U.S. citizenship with your application. The Department of State lists several documents that may qualify.

Digital or electronic versions of citizenship evidence are not accepted in place of the required physical documents for this application process.

Step 4: Bring a Physical Photo ID

Applicants applying in person must provide an acceptable physical government-issued photo ID.

A valid driver's license is one of the most common forms of identification accepted. If your driver's license was issued by a different state from the state where you are applying, additional identification may be required.

Step 5: Make the Required Photocopies

Bring photocopies of your citizenship evidence and your photo ID as required.

The Department of State specifies that photocopies should be on standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper and printed on one side.

Step 6: Get a Passport Photo

You need one acceptable passport photo with your application.

The standard printed passport photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The photo should be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face directly toward the camera.

• Use a plain white or off-white background.
• Keep your face centered.
• Keep both eyes visible.
• Use a neutral expression.
• Do not use filters or AI editing.
• Do not submit a blurry or pixelated image.
• Do not submit a photocopy or digitally scanned photograph.
• Use photo-quality matte or glossy paper for a printed photo.

Passport photo problems are a common reason applications are delayed, so it is worth checking the official photo requirements before submitting your application.

Step 7: Find a Passport Acceptance Facility

First-time adult applicants generally submit their DS-11 application in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

Acceptance facilities can include locations such as post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and local government offices. The Department of State currently lists more than 7,500 acceptance facilities across the United States.

Some facilities require appointments, so check with the facility before visiting.

Step 8: Submit Your Application

Bring the completed but unsigned application, original citizenship evidence, physical photo ID, photocopies, passport photo and payment.

At the appointment, the acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, administer the required oath and tell you when to sign the application.

Step 9: Pay the Passport Fees

Passport costs depend on the applicant's age, the document requested and whether expedited service is selected.

U.S. Passport Fees in 2026

The following fees reflect the U.S. Department of State's October 2026 fee schedule.

The $35 acceptance fee is separate from the passport application fee and is paid to the facility where you submit the application.

Expedited Passport Fee

The current expedited processing fee is $60 per application. Expedited service is in addition to the regular passport application and applicable acceptance fees.

The Department of State's October 2026 fee schedule also lists an optional $26.87 fee for 1–3 day delivery of an issued passport book to a U.S. mailing address. This delivery option does not apply to passport cards.

How Long Does It Take to Get a U.S. Passport?

Current processing times listed by the U.S. Department of State are:

These processing estimates do not include mailing time. The Department of State notes that it can take time for an application to reach the processing center and additional time for the passport to be delivered after processing.

What If You Need a Passport in Less Than 3 Weeks?

If you have international travel coming up soon, your application options can change.

The Department of State says applicants traveling internationally in less than three weeks should generally make an appointment at a passport agency or center once they are within the agency's applicable urgent-travel window.

Passport agencies and centers require appointments and generally require proof of international travel.

These locations are different from ordinary passport acceptance facilities. Acceptance facilities handle routine new applications but generally do not provide the same urgent passport agency service.

How to Apply for a Child's U.S. Passport

Children have different passport requirements from adults. In particular, children under age 16 must apply in person each time and their passports cannot simply be renewed using the adult renewal process.

Passport Requirements for Children Under 16

• The child must appear in person.
• Both parents or guardians generally need to appear with the child.
• Evidence of the child's U.S. citizenship is required.
• Documents proving the parent-child relationship may be required.
• Parents or guardians must provide acceptable physical photo ID.
• Photocopies of required documents are needed.
• The child needs a passport photo.
• Form DS-11 is used.

If one parent or guardian cannot appear, additional documentation may be required, including a Statement of Consent or evidence of sole legal custody depending on the circumstances.

Passports issued to children under age 16 are valid for 5 years.

What About Applicants Who Are 16 or 17?

Applicants who are 16 or 17 apply in person using Form DS-11 for a first adult passport.

The Department of State says the applicant must show that at least one parent or legal guardian is aware of the application. Passports issued to applicants age 16 and older are generally valid for 10 years.

Common Mistakes That Can Delay a Passport Application

Even when an applicant is eligible for a passport, mistakes in the application package can cause delays.

1. Signing DS-11 before the appointment: Wait for the acceptance agent to tell you when to sign.
2. Using the wrong form: First-time applicants and renewal applicants may use different forms.
3. Submitting an unacceptable photo: Follow the official size, background and quality requirements.
4. Bringing only a digital ID: A physical photo ID is required for in-person application.
5. Forgetting photocopies: Make the required copies before your appointment.
6. Using double-sided forms or copies: Follow the Department of State's printing instructions.
7. Waiting until the last minute: Processing time does not include all mailing time.
8. Using unofficial passport websites: Start with Travel.State.gov for forms, fees and official instructions.

Can You Apply for a U.S. Passport Online?

It depends on what you mean by “apply.”

First-time adult passport applicants generally cannot complete the entire first-time application online. They must apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility.

However, eligible adults who are renewing an existing passport may be able to renew online or by mail. Online renewal has separate eligibility requirements and is intended for eligible routine-service applicants.

Can You Apply at a Post Office?

Yes, a participating post office may be an authorized passport acceptance facility. However, not every post office processes passport applications, and some locations require appointments.

You should use the official passport acceptance facility search before visiting.

Can You Use a Mobile Driver's License to Apply?

No. For an in-person U.S. passport application, the Department of State says applicants must provide a physical photo ID. Digital driver's licenses, mobile IDs and similar electronic credentials cannot replace the required physical ID.

What Happens After You Submit the Application?

After you submit a first-time application at an acceptance facility, the facility sends the application to the Department of State for processing.

You can receive email updates and check the status of your application online. Your supporting documents, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, are returned separately.

If you receive a passport book, it is mailed using a trackable delivery service. Supporting documents can arrive separately from the passport.

Passport Application Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a U.S. passport cost in 2026?

For an adult applying for a passport book with Form DS-11, the application fee is $130 and the acceptance facility fee is $35, for a standard total of $165. Additional fees may apply for expedited service or optional delivery.

How long does a first-time U.S. passport take?

The current routine processing estimate is 4–6 weeks. Expedited processing is currently listed as 2–3 weeks for an additional $60. Mailing time is not included.

Can I get a passport without a birth certificate?

A birth certificate is only one possible form of citizenship evidence. Depending on your circumstances, other documents such as a previous qualifying U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship may qualify.

Can I apply for a U.S. passport at a post office?

You may be able to apply at a participating post office that operates as an authorized passport acceptance facility. Check the official facility locator before visiting because services and appointment requirements vary by location.

Do children need to appear when applying for a passport?

Yes. Children under age 16 must apply in person with the required parent or guardian participation.

Can I use a digital driver's license as my passport application ID?

No. The Department of State requires a physical photo ID for an in-person passport application. A mobile driver's license or other digital ID cannot replace the required physical identification.

Can I apply for both a passport book and passport card?

Yes. Eligible applicants can request a passport book, passport card, or both on the application.

Official U.S. Passport Resources

• U.S. Department of State – Apply for a U.S. Passport
• Adult Passport Application – DS-11
• Child Passport Application – Under 16
• U.S. Passport Fees
• Where to Apply for a U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Photo Requirements

Conclusion

Applying for a U.S. passport is straightforward when you prepare the correct form, citizenship evidence, physical identification, passport photo, photocopies and payment before your appointment.

First-time adult applicants generally use Form DS-11 and apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Children under 16 also apply in person and have additional parental-consent requirements. Eligible adults who already have a passport may instead qualify for renewal by mail or online.

Because passport fees, processing times and application procedures can change, always check the latest information on the official U.S. Department of State website before submitting your application or booking international travel.