How to Obtain a US Passport

Need to obtain a new passport? Not sure? To help you decide, check out the requirements necessary to apply for a new passport. You'll also find step-by-step instructions along with tips to help you obtain a U.S. passport quickly.

Who can obtain a US Passport?

You can obtain a us passport 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 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

Obtain a US Passport in 10 Days or Less!

Requirements to obtain a US passport

•  Complete passport application Form DS-11
•  Show proof of citizenship.
•  Provide proof of identity.
•  PSubmit a photocopy of the identification document presented
•  Provide two (2) passport photos.
•  Make payment for fees.
•  Take all documents and payment to an application acceptance office.

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

How to obtain a US passport

There are two ways for you to obtain a US passport.

One, you can apply directly with the U.S. Department of State Passport Service. In order to do this, you need to take the completed, unsigned form DS-11 and supporting documents to a local passport application acceptance facility so an authorized agent can witness your signature.

To obtain a passport through the State Department it is important that you begin early. While efforts have been made to cut the process time down to 3 weeks, requests made during peak travel seasons can take much longer. However, there is no guarantee.

If you want to obtain a US passport in a hurry, you can either apply at a regional passport agency or through a passport expediting service. Through an expediter you can have your new passport processed and returned to you in as little as 24 hours. Travel document expediting services can do this because they have a special relationship with the State Department that gives them priority status.

Another advantage of an expediting service is that you can obtain a US passport and a travel visa at the same place. The State Department does not issue travel visas which means you would also have to apply personally to the appropriate foreign consulate.

Obtain a US Passport in 10 Days or Less!

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