U.S. Passport Application Process: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the U.S. passport application process is easy when you are prepared and follow the guidelines. Below, you’ll find a simple step-by-step guide to understand the steps and documents needed.

Table of Contents

1. Essential Documents for Your U.S. Passport Application
2. Completing the U.S. Passport Application Form (DS-11)
3. Applying for Your First Adult Passport
4. Applying for a Passport for a Child Under 16
5. Applying as a 16 or 17-Year-Old
6. What Can Be Used as Citizenship Evidence?
7. Can I Apply for a Passport Online?
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Documents for Your U.S. Passport Application

How Many Documents Do I Need to Get a U.S. Passport?

The documents you need vary depending on your specific circumstances. All applicants need proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, a passport photo, and payment for the applicable fees. Here’s a simple breakdown by each type of applicant:

How to Fill Out a Passport Application Form (DS-11)?

The DS-11 form should be filled out in advance using either the online form tool or by hand in black ink. Use all capital letters to improve legibility. It is important to ensure the complete accuracy of all information to avoid extra delays in the application process.

Do not sign in advance. Sign with an agent at a passport acceptance facility.

Applying for Your First Adult Passport

Step #1: Gather Your Documents

Collect your proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license), and a recent passport photo that meets the State Department’s guidelines. Bring photocopies of both proof of citizenship and photo ID.

Step #2: Apply in Person

First-time applicants must submit their materials in person at one of over 7,000 passport acceptance facilities across the country. The passport acceptance fasciitis can be a post office, library, or county clerk office. Use the State Department’s acceptance facility search tool to find the nearest location.

Step #3: Pay the Fees

The total cost for a new adult passport book is $165, which includes a $130 application fee and a $35 execution fee. These fees are payable via check or money order to the U.S. Department of State for the application fee and to the execution facility for the execution fee.

Learn more about all fee options: How Much Does a U.S. Passport Cost? Fees Explained

Applying for a Passport for a Child Under 16

Step #1: Document Preparation

You will need to provide your child’s proof of U.S. citizenship (+ photocopy), evidence of parental relationship (like a birth certificate that includes parent(s) name), and copies of both parents’ IDs, along with a passport photo of the child.

Step #2: Both Parents Must Appear

Both parents or guardians must appear with the child to apply and give consent in person. If one parent cannot appear, they must provide a notarized statement of consent.

Step #3: Fees

For children under 16, the fees include a $100 application fee and a $35 execution fee, totaling $135 for a passport book. 

Applying as a 16 or 17-Year-Old

Step #1: Document Collection

Like adult applicants, 16 or 17-year-olds need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid photo ID, and a passport photo. They must also show that at least one parent is aware of their passport application. Bring photocopies of citizenship proof and all photo IDs.

Step #2: Apply in Person

Applicants aged 16 or 17 must apply in person with at least one parent or guardian or bring a signed note of consent from a parent/guardian with a photocopy of their ID if applying alone.

Step #3: Application and Execution Fees

The fee structure is the same as for adult passports: $130 application fee plus a $35 execution fee.

If you fill out the applications accurately and have all of the correct documents prepared, the process will be simple and smooth. The standard time to process your application is 6 to 8 weeks. In the event that your travel is sooner than 8 weeks, learn more about How to Get a U.S. Passport in Two Weeks or Less.

What Can Be Used as Citizenship Evidence?

When applying for a U.S. passport, you must provide evidence of U.S. citizenship. This can be primary or secondary evidence, depending on what is available to you.

Primary Citizenship Evidence

For those born in the United States:

• U.S. Birth Certificate: Must be issued by the city, county, or state where you were born, lists your full name, date and place of birth, and parent(s)’ full names. It should have the registrar’s signature and the issuing authority’s seal.
• Previously Issued, Undamaged U.S. Passport: Valid if issued for 10 years (adults) when you were age 16 or older.

Secondary Citizenship Evidence

If primary evidence is unavailable:

• Delayed Birth Certificate: Must include the document list used for creation and the signature of the birth attendant or a parental affidavit.
• Letter of No Record from the state, listing the years searched and stating no birth certificate exists, accompanied by early public or private records like baptism certificates or school records.
  • Form DS-10: Birth Affidavit may be required, filled out by someone who has direct knowledge of your birth.
• Early public or private records/documents: these are documents from the first five years of your life and can include things like Baptism certificate, hospital birth certificate, U.S. Census record, or Early school records

Request a File Search

If you have had a U.S. passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad but can’t present it, you can request a file search for $150, which will verify your previous records.

Can I Apply for a Passport Online?

No, you cannot currently submit new passport applications or renewals online. While the internet can be used for certain preparatory steps, the submission of the applications themselves must be done either in person or by mail under specific conditions.

Here’s what you can do online:

• Form Preparation: Use online form fillers provided by the U.S. Department of State to help complete necessary forms, such as Form DS-11. However, these forms must be printed and submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility.
• Renewals by Mail: If you are renewing your passport and meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., your previous passport was issued when you were age 16 or older, is undamaged, and was issued within the last 15 years), you can prepare the renewal form DS-82 online. This form should be printed and mailed along with your previous passport, a new photo, and the applicable fee.

There was a limited release of online renewals in 2023, however, this was paused. There has been no update on when it will be released nationwide. It was quite popular with over 500,000 customers during the limited release period. It is possible to expect eventually, but as of April 2024, there is no way to renew or apply for a passport online in any circumstance. See also: Prepare Your U.S. Passport for Upcoming Travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Fold My Passport Application?

No. Do not fold your passport application. Keep the passport application form flat and uncreased to avoid any processing delays.

Do I Staple the Check to My Passport Application?

Do not staple the check to your passport application form. Attachments can cause damage. If needed, use a paperclip to attach checks or documents.

How to Write Height on Passport Application

List your height in feet and inches.

Do You Fill Out the Passport Application in All Caps?

You may fill out the application in all caps or upper and lower case. It just has to be legible.

» MORE:

Destinations Requiring No Passport
Restricted Destinations for Americans