I just recently started the process to get Ray and I our passports so we can do some international travels in the not-so-distant future, and I started out the process feeling a bit... intimidated. I don't often give the impression that I am unsure of what to do. But just like anyone else, I get a bit nervous when faced with a task I've never accomplished before. Especially when there are numerous steps involved, and each document has to be 'chef's kiss' perfect.
But honestly, once I got started, the process was much less intimidating than I thought. With the right preparation, it's actually a very straightforward process. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you have all the necessary information and documents for a smooth application for your US Passport.
**Disclaimer: The following information is correct as of the date of writing this blog, but requirements and fees can change at any time, so be sure to verify information directly from the website for the U.S. Department of State before submitting your application!**
Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin, ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a US passport:
- You are a citizen of the United States of America, and
- You have never had a United States passport revoked.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for your passport:
1. Complete Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
- You can find the form online on the official US Department of State website at travel.state.gov
- The preferred method of completing the form is with the form filler tool provided on the website and then print it on single-sided paper. The form filler tool asks you basic questions to complete the form for you prior to printing. If you have technical problems with the form filler tool, the same page provides a PDF file that can be printed and then completed by hand.
- Fill out the form completely and accurately.
- Do not sign the form until you are instructed to do so by an acceptance agent at your appointment to submit the application.
2. Gather The Required Documents
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Proof of U.S. Citizenship: This can be a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county or state of birth, a previous U.S. passport (may be expired but must be fully-valid), a Certificate of Citizenship, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth.
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Proof of Identity: This should be a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, military ID, Government employee identification, previous or current U.S. passport card or book, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
- Photocopies of Proof of U.S. Citizenship and Identity: You must submit a photocopy of the front and back of both the proof of citizenship and proof of identity. Be sure to use 8.5 inch by 11 inch white paper, print on only one side of the paper, photocopies must be in black and white (no color copies), and the image size must be 100% or more- do not decrease the image size of your documents.
- Proof of Name Change: While this is not explicitly listed on the website, if you have changed your name for any reason and the name on your proof of identity does not match your proof of citizenship, be prepared with the original and copy of this as well. For me, it was our marriage license. Just like with the other documents you're providing, make sure you include a certified original as well as a photocopy.
3. Obtain a Passport Photo
Your passport photo must meet the following requirements:
- In color
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size, with the head centered and sized between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm)
- Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background without shadows, textures, objects or lines
- Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera, with a neutral expression and eyes clearly visible
- Taken in good lighting, the image must be clear, reproduces your skin tone accurately, and does not have shadows
- The image must be sharp (not blurry), without any visible pixels or printer dots, and on glossy or matte quality photo paper (not printer paper)
- The image cannot be digitally altered to remove a background which alters the outline of the head, face and neck, nor can it retouch the shape/dimension of your outline or facial features, nor alter your skin tone
- Clothing, hats, medical masks or glasses that cover the head, face or neck may not be worn, and hair may not cover the face- your entire face must be visible. Headphones or other wireless hands-free devices are also prohibited in the photo. There is an exception to this for religious or medical reasons that requires a signed statement verifying religious attired is required to be worn continuously in public or a doctor's signed statement verifying the medical necessity.
- For young children and infants, no other person may be in the photo, and the child must be facing the camera with eyes open and nothing obstructing the view of the face (no pacifiers or teethers in the mouth, no hands in front of the face, etc)
- The photo cannot be damaged with holes, creases or smudges
While the U.S. Department of State website FAQ's mention having a friend or family member take the photo and print it on your own, or that you can go to any company which offers photo services, in order to make sure your photo meets all of the requirements and will not be refused, I highly recommend using a vendor/company that specifies passport photos in their services, or go to an Acceptance Facility that will take a photo when you apply for your passport. Many pharmacies and shipping companies or post offices (CVS, Walgreens, UPS Store, FedEx Store) offer passport photo services for a small fee.
We went to our local CVS store after Ray got off work one day (and we both cleaned up a bit). We politely waited as the employee assisted customers at the register, but our photos were taken and printed in less than 15 minutes total, and after tax we paid $38.50 for our photos. To ensure the photos meet the guidelines, I felt like it was well worth the time... and I understand the cost considering they use a computer program to ensure the photos meet the criteria, and it's 2025- everything seems expensive anymore.
4. Pay the Fees
Passport fees vary, depending on your age, if you want a passport book, card or both, if you need expedited service and/or shipping, and where you apply. Also, the fees are payable to two different entities, with the application fee payable to 'U.S. Department of State', and a facility acceptance fee that is payable to that specific facility. The Department of State accepts personal checks, certified checks, cashier's checks, traveler's checks, or money orders (be sure to write the applicant's name and date of birth in the memo line). Payments to an acceptance facility can vary by location, with some also accepting credit cards, but be sure to check with your chosen acceptance facility to learn what payment methods they accept prior to your appointment.
As of July 7, 2025 the fees for adults age 16 and up are:
- Passport Book: $130 application fee + $35 facility acceptance fee = $165
- Passport Card: $30 application fee + $35 facility acceptance fee = $65
- Passport Book and Card: $160 application fee + $35 facility acceptance fee + $195
For children under the age of 16 the fees are:
- Passport Book: $100 application fee + $35 facility acceptance fee = $135
- Passport Card: $15 application fee + $35 facility acceptance fee = $50
- Passport Book and Card: $115 application fee + $35 facility acceptance fee = $150
For expedited service, add $60 to your application fee. You can also opt for Priority Mail Express shipping to get your application sent in faster- this fee will vary based on your location in the country. And you can also opt for faster return shipping to you for an additional $22.05 payable to the U.S. Department of State.
5. Find an Acceptance Facility and Submit Your Application
You must submit your application, documents and fees in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Common acceptance facilities include:
- Post Offices
- Clerk of Court Offices
- Public Libraries
- Other local government offices
Find an acceptance facility near you using the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Tool using the link provided. Many facilities require appointment times to be made for your application process, but some allow walk-ins. Check with your chosen facility for their operating hours and to know if you need to schedule an appointment.
Bring all of your documents, including the completed DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, proof of identity, photocopies of both, passport photo and payment to the Passport Acceptance Facility. Be sure you do not sign the DS-11 form until the acceptance agent instructs you to do so. The acceptance agent will witness your signature, verify your documents, give you an oath and accept your fees before sending the documents to the State Department for processing.
Our experience with submitting the application was so fast and easy, I was honestly shocked. I set an appointment online for our local post office, and the web page informed me to arrive 10 minutes prior to the appointment time- advice I always take to heart in regards to ANY appointment. Our appointment time was 9:00 AM, and we arrived at 8:40 AM, expecting to have to wait. The lone attendant at the counter said she would get us started there since there wasn't a line behind us, so we approached the counter where she reviewed our applications, said we could sign the application after reading the paragraph above it, and had me write out two checks to the U.S. Department of State for the application fees. After she attached our photos to the application, we were then instructed to pay the facility acceptance fee, which I chose to pay by credit card just so Ray could do that as I was writing the checks into my checkbook register (yes, I'm that kind of old-school). She then thanked us and said we were done. We left the Post Office before the clock even hit 9:00 AM!
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
Double-Check Everything:
- Before submitting your application, carefully review all the information to ensure it is accurate and complete.
- Any errors or omissions can cause delays.
Apply Early:
- Passport processing times can vary, especially during peak travel seasons. Current processing times are 4-6 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, but those processing times can vary greatly due to numerous circumstances.
- Apply well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid any last-minute stress (or forfeiture of fees already paid for travel plans!).
- I recommend applying for your passport as soon as you can, once you decide you are ready to start traveling outside of the United States. This is due to the fact that fees could go up in the future, so now is the cheapest your passport will ever be, and they are valid for 10 years for adults (5 years for children).
- Applying early avoids the extra fees to expedite your application or rush the shipping.
Make copies:
- Keep copies of all your documents, including your applicaiton form. You should always keep at least one certified copy of birth certificates and other legally identifying docoments at home anyway, but keep a copy of all the documents you turned in with your application for your own records.
- This can be helpful if anything gets lost in the mail, either on the way to the Department of State or on its way back to you.
Track Your Application:
- Once your application is submitted, you can track its status online using the application locator number provided by the acceptance agent.
- Online tracking will give you an idea of when to expect your passport in the mail.
- The U.S. Department of State will send status updates to the email address procided on your application as well. You will know it has been received and is being processed when you get an email update of "In Process".
- If you don't receive application status updates, want to change the email address that is receiving status updates, or to learn more about each status update, you can do so on the page Checking Your Application Status.
What to Expect After Applying
After submitting your application, here's what you can expect:
- Processing Time: Passport processing times can vary depending on demand and other circumstances. Check the Department of State's website for current processing times.
- Receiving Your Passport: Your passport and supporting documents (such as your certified birth certificate) will be mailed to you separately. Passport books will be send via a trackable delivery service. Passport Cards will be sent via First Class Mail. Your citizenship evidence will be sent via First Class Mail but can arrive up to four weeks later.
- Review Your Passport: Once you receive your passport, review it carefully to ensure all of the information is correct. If you find any errors, contact the State Department immediately. This page provides the contact information for the State Department as well as a link to other FAQs regarding common questions.
Summary
Applying for your first U.S. passport doesn't have to be a headache. By following these steps, gathering the required documents and being prepared, you can navigate the process with ease, just like I did. Remember to double-check everything, apply early, and track your application to ensure a smooth experience. If you already have your passport, do you have any tips to add? How quickly did you receive your passport after submitting your application? Let's discuss it in the comments.
Safe travels!