Form DS-11 is the in-person application for a U.S. passport. Use it when you are applying for your first passport, applying for a child under 16, or do not meet the requirements to renew with Form DS-82.
Complete the form before your appointment, but do not sign it until an acceptance agent or passport employee tells you to sign.
When you must use Form DS-11
| Your situation | Why DS-11 applies |
|---|---|
| You are applying for your first U.S. passport | First-time applicants apply in person with Form DS-11. |
| The applicant is under age 16 | Passports issued to children under 16 cannot be renewed with Form DS-82. A new DS-11 application is required. |
| Your most recent passport was issued before you turned 16 | Even if you are now 16 or older, a passport issued before age 16 does not meet the DS-82 renewal rules. |
| Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago | DS-82 requires the passport being renewed to have been issued within the last 15 years. |
| Your valid passport was lost, stolen, or is unavailable to submit | DS-82 requires you to submit your most recent passport. A lost or stolen passport must be reported and replaced with an in-person application. |
| Your passport has significant damage | Water damage, mold, major tears, missing pages, unofficial markings, or similar damage can make the passport ineligible for renewal. Normal wear and tear does not. |
| You do not meet another DS-82 requirement | For example, your passport was not issued in your current name and you cannot document the name change. In ordinary renewal-ineligible cases, you apply in person with DS-11. |
DS-11 or DS-82? If you can submit your most recent passport, it was issued within the last 15 years when you were age 16 or older, it is not significantly damaged, and your current name is documented, review the Form DS-82 renewal rules before using DS-11.
Some recent name changes, corrections, and limited-validity passport replacements use a different form, such as DS-5504. Check the instructions for that situation rather than assuming DS-11 applies.
Where can I get Form DS-11?
You can open and print Form DS-11, or use the State Department’s Form Filler to enter your information before printing.
If you complete a blank PDF by hand, use black ink and write legibly. If you make a significant error, start a new form rather than using correction fluid or altering the form in a way that makes it difficult to read.
How to complete Form DS-11
If you fill out the blank form by hand
- Use black ink and write legibly.
- Complete the form as fully as possible.
- Do not sign or date the application until the acceptance agent instructs you to do so.
If you use the State Department Form Filler
- Print the completed DS-11 single-sided on 8.5 x 11-inch letter-size paper in portrait orientation.
- Make sure the application fills the entire page.
- Review the form for errors before printing.
- Do not add corrections or other information by hand after printing. Your original signature and date are the exceptions.
- Wait to sign until the acceptance agent instructs you.
Knowingly making false statements on a passport application can lead to penalties. Missing information or documents can also delay the application.
Where do I submit Form DS-11?
Submit Form DS-11 in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Common locations include participating post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and local government offices. Check the facility’s hours and appointment requirements before you go.
If you qualify for urgent service because of imminent international travel, you may instead apply at a regional passport agency or center. An appointment is required.
A private passport courier cannot replace the required DS-11 appearance before an acceptance agent or passport employee. After that step, a registered courier may provide document review and handle permitted submission logistics for eligible urgent applications.
How long does a DS-11 passport application take?
Routine processing is 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited processing is 2 to 3 weeks. These State Department processing estimates do not include mailing time.
If international travel is within 14 calendar days, or you need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days, use the urgent passport appointment process rather than relying on routine service.
If traveling to a regional agency is difficult, a private passport courier may help with document review and permitted submission logistics after the required in-person acceptance step. A courier cannot approve a passport application or guarantee issuance or turnaround.
New passport resources
Last reviewed: September 25, 2026.
Our role: U.S. Passport Service Guide is an independent passport information resource. We explain the official DS-11 application process first, then compare private courier options when they may help with urgent logistics.
