How to Obtain a US Passport

Need to obtain a US passport? Before initiating the application steps, we recommend you check the criteria listed below to verify if new passport service is what you need. If so, you will find a complete list of requirements and step-by-step instructions to assist you in the process of obtaining a new U.S. passport.

Completing and sending in the wrong form can lead to delays. Take a few second to see who should use Form DS-11 in order to obtain a U.S. Passport.

Use Form DS-11 if any of the following apply:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport or
• You are under age 16 or
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16 or
• Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged or
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago or
• Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change.

Applying for a New U.S. Passport

• List of passport application acceptance facilities
• Tips on applying for a passport at a post office
• How to expedite a passport in 24 to 48 hours

The application form to obtain a US passport can be completed a couple of different ways. One way is to complete Form DS-11 online. A second method is to print the application for a new U.S. passport and then fill it in offline . Applicants should use black ink to fill the form and write as legibly as possible. If the form is difficult to read, it can lead to printing erros on your passport

The document which you will download has 6 pages but the application itself is only 2 pages. The first 4 pages provide instructions and tips for correctly filling out the form. At the head of the application is a space for you to check whether you want to obtain a US passport book, a passport card or both. U.S. citizens can possess both a book and a card at the same time. Be aware that the card can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Then, you will check to receive either a standard, 28-page passport book or a non-standard 52-page one.

The rest of the applications requests personal information such as full name, address, telephone number, email address, and the like. You are also asked about travel plans. You are not required to have travel plans in order to obtain a passport. Note, you should not sign the application until asked to do so by an acceptance agent.

Obtaining a passport through the submission of Form DS-11 requires the greatest number of supporting documents compared to other services. There are specific requirements for each document which should be followed carefully if you want to avoid delays in the process.

• Submit proof of citizenship.
• Provide proof of identity.
• Submit a photocopy of the identification document presented
• Provide one (1) passport photo.

The document that you submit as evidence of United States citizenship has to be an original or a certified copy. The document will be returned to you although it may arrive on a different day from your new passport. Using a protective package and a traceable delivery method will help ensure your documents arrive safely.

Once you have completed the form and gather up all the supporting documents, you need to visit an application acceptance facility. Many post offices serve as acceptance facilities. A lot of them require an appointment so you should call be you visit.

At this location, an Acceptance Agent will look over the completed Form DS-11 and supporting documents. You till take an oath and sign the application. The execution fee will be paid to the Acceptance Agent. Make payment for new passport application fee to the U.S. Department of State. It should be included in the envelope with the application and documents.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain a US Passport

You can choose between routine and expedited processing when applying at a passport office. Routine processing currently takes 4-6 weeks. It can take longer, especially during peak travel periods. Expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks. There is an additional fee for this service.

Can't wait two weeks or more to get your passport? Obtaining a United States passport in a hurry can be accomplished in one of the following ways. One, you can apply at a regional passport agency. There are currently 20 agencies located in major cities of the United States. While applicants are usually required to make an appointment, walk-ins who have urgent travel needs are welcome. The same documents listed above are required.

A second method to obtain a US passport quickly is to employ the assistance of a qualified passport expediting service. Through an expediter you can have your new passport delivered to you in 24-48 hours. Travel document expediting services can do this because they have a special relationship with the regional agencies that gives them priority status.

Another advantage of applying for a passport through a professional expediter is the fact that you can apply for a passport and a travel visa at the same time. Since the State Department does not issue travel visas to foreign countries, you would be required to apply for a passport and wait for its delivery before submitting the application for the travel visa your require.

Click here to obtain a US passport in 24-48 hours.

Download and print the New Passport Checklist [PDF doc, .5 MB]