How Do I Apply for a Us Passport?

Many people love to travel, and for U.S. citizens traveling abroad, you need a passport. How do you apply for a U.S. passport? You can get information and assistance from the United States Department of State here, and you can follow the steps below to apply for a passport.

What to Expect When Applying for a Passport

Whether you are getting your first passport or you are renewing your passport, there are some things to consider. Some things to expect include:

1. Routine processing can take eight to 11 weeks from the time you submitted your application to the time you get your passport.
2. Expedited processing can take five to seven weeks and includes an additional charge of $60.
3. Mail times can vary from state to state, so plan ahead and give yourself enough time to get your passport before you international travel.
4. Your passport photo should meet the following criteria:
   • Your photo was taken within the six months prior to your application.
   • Your photo is a color photo, not black and white.
   • Take a clear photo of your face, and do not use any filters on your camera.
   • Take your photo in front of a plain white background.
   • Remove your glasses for your photo.
   • Ask someone else to take your picture (do not submit a selfie). You can get a passport photo at many pharmacies or major retailers.
   • Photo should be 2"x2" in size.

How to Apply

Applying for a passport depends on if you are an adult applying for your first passport or renewing your already existing passport, you're applying for a passport for a child under 16, or you're applying for a child 16 or 17 years old.

Note: the same form you use for a first time passport is the one you will use for a child under 16. This form is designated with the number DS-11 (meaning Department of State form number 11).

1. Open the Department of State Travel website on your computer.
2. Click on "U.S. Passports."
3. Select "Passport Forms."
4. Click on the PDF link for the form you will use to apply for a passport.
5. Print and fill out the form you will submit for your passport application.
6. Attach your photo to the application.
7. Take the form along with proof of citizenship to your local acceptance facility or mail your application with your payment. Proof of citizenship can include:
   • For passport renewal, you can use your old passport as proof of citizenship.
   • U.S. birth certificate that has the following information:
     • Issued by city, state, and county of birth.
     • Has applicant's full name, date of birth and place of birth on it.
     • Include's parents' full names.
     • Signature of registrar for the city, county, or state.
     • Date the birth certificate was filed with the registrar.
     • Seal of the city, county or state registrar showing it is a certified birth certificate.
8. Passport fees depend on the type of passport you are applying for. You can find a list of fees at the Travel website.

When traveling internationally, you want to make sure your passport is in order. For more information, contact the Department of State here.