The rules for getting a U.S. passport depend entirely on your timeline. Every year, millions of travelers miss trips because they misunderstand the processing times or arrive with the wrong documents. This guide helps you cut through the confusion to find the exact forms, fees, and instructions you need.
Need a Passport in Less Than 2 Weeks?
If government appointments are unavailable, we recommend using a registered courier service to expedite your application.
Select Your Service
Renew a Passport
- Routine Renewal Guide Step-by-step instructions for standard mail-in renewals.
- Expedited Renewal How to speed up your renewal application by mail.
- Urgent Renewal Solutions for travel in less than 14 days.
Get a First-Time Passport
- New Adult Passport Complete checklist for applicants age 16 and older.
- Child Passport Special requirements and consent forms for minors under 16.
- Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport What to do if your passport is missing or damaged.
Urgent & Expedited
- Our vetted list of Top Rated Courier Services Trusted private companies that save you a trip to an agency.
- Regional Passport Agencies How to book an appointment at a federal passport agency.
- Life-or-Death Emergency Qualifications for immediate travel exceptions.
Requirements & Locations
What You Need
- Application Forms Download up-to-date forms DS-11, DS-82, DS-5504, and more.
- Evidence of U.S. Citizenship Acceptable documents to prove you are a U.S. citizen.
- Proof of Identity Valid IDs you can use for your application.
- Passport Photo Requirements Strict rules for size, lighting, and what to wear.
Where to Apply
- Passport Offices by State Find a Post Office, Library, or Clerk near you.
- Walk-In Locations Facilities that do not require an appointment.
- Applying at a Post Office Tips for a successful visit to the USPS.
Costs & Fees
- Fee Calculator Current prices for books, cards, and execution fees.
- Hidden Costs of Expediting Price breakdown of government fees vs. private courier fees.
- Passport Card Fees Cost and limitations of the wallet-sized travel ID.
Other Services & Information
In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service: Expedite My U.S. Passport Now!
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
