Form DS-11: New U.S. Passport Application

Form DS-11 is the application that should be submitted by U.S. citizens to obtain the following:

• A first-time passport
• Replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged passport
• renewal of a passport that has been expired for more than 5 years
• renewal of passport issued to a minor age 15 or younger

If you are completing Form DS-11, the completed, but unsigned application must be presented to an agent at a passport acceptance facility or regional agency along with required supporting documents.

The video above will walk you through how to complete Form DS-11 using the U.S. Department of State's form filler. Alternatively, you can print a copy and complete it by hand.

The answers to the frequently asked questions below will help you understand where to get the form and how to complete it properly.

Not the form you need? Check out our complete guide to passport applications and forms. There you will find the proper documents for the type of passport application process that applies to your specific situation.

Where can I get application form DS-11?

We have made the application form available on our website in PDF format. You can click here to open Form DS-11. The application will open in a new window. You can complete the form and then print it.

If you prefer, you can download the new passport application to your computer and open it later. To download the document, follow the instructions provided below.

1. Right click on the link.
2. Select "Save Target As..."
3. Choose the folder where you want to save the form.
4. Click on "Save"

Download New Passport Application, Form DS-11.

Finally, you can complete Form DS-11 online and then print it. Some applicants have reported problems with the online form. If you find that the online application will not accept some of the data you input, download the PDF version and use that.

How do I fill out the US passport application?

Instructions are included with each application. You must follow the directions very carefully. If you are filling out a paper copy of the form offline, you should use black ink and write as legibly as possible. Illegible writing can lead to printing errors which would require you to apply for corrections.

If you are using the form filler and printing your completed DS-11 form, be sure that the printout is one-sided, clear, and free of errors or empty boxes. You cannot make corrections to a printed DS-11 form by hand.

No matter which option you choose, you should fill out the form as completely as possible without making any false statements. The first page of the instructions makes it clear that false statements that are made knowingly and willingly on the application are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. Incomplete forms can lead to delays and/or denial of your passport.

There is nothing complicated about completing an application for a United States passport. It just takes a little time and attention to detail. The form states that you can expect to spend up to 90 minutes to complete the application. However, most people can fill it out in a lot less time.

Where can I submit the completed Form DS-11?

Form DS-11 must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as a participating post office, clerk of court, public library, or other authorized local government office. There are more than 7,500 acceptance facilities in the United States. Most Srequire an appointment. The majority also have limited hours for walk-ins.

You may also submit Form DS-11 at a passport agency or center if you have urgent international travel and qualify for an appointment. For routine service, use an acceptance facility. For urgent travel, schedule an appointment at an agency or, no appointment is availabe, get a registered courier to submit the application on your behalf.

How long does it take to process the new passport application?

The short answer is: it depends.

Currently, standard processing service is taking between 4 to 6 weeks. Add to that the fact that these estimates do not include transit time. Shipping times will vary depending on where you live and any USPS delays.

Expedited passport service is currently taking 2 to 3 weeks. Similarly, this estimate doesn't include mailing times to and from the U.S. Passport processing facility. Requesting 1-2-day mail service is highly recommended.

Note: The Department of State's processing times begin when they receive your application. The clock doesn't start when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility.

Need a new passport faster? If you cannot get a regional agency appointment or do not have time to manage the process yourself, a registered passport courier may be able to help with expedited service. Compare trusted passport courier options before you apply.

Those who need to get a new passport fast should first try to schedule a visit to a regional U.S. passport agency. If that is not possible, a passport courier service may be able to help you review your documents and submit your sealed application for expedited processing.