Although exciting, getting your first passport might seem daunting. In my experience, paperwork and dealing with government employees—at any age—may cause anxiety.
So, how to get a passport hassle-free and without unnecessary delays?
Whether you’ve just turned 16 or are a seasoned adult prepping for an international trip, this guide is for you.
I’ll explain every step of the process: What documents you need, where to apply, how much you’ll pay, and a bonus section describing how to get a passport quickly.
Related articles:
- Passport Book vs Card: Get the Right One For Your Needs
- When Should You Renew Your Passport?
- Replacing Damaged Passports
- How to Get a Cheap Passport Photo
Passport Eligibility: When Can You Apply?
Before we begin, check if you can apply for your first passport. Thus, you’re eligible if any of the following are true:
- You’re 16 or older and have never had a US passport.
- You had a passport when you were 16 or younger.
- You want to apply on behalf of your child who’s under 16.
- Your passport was damaged, lost, or stolen.
- Your last passport was issued over 15 years ago.
If you answered “Yes” to any of these, keep reading to learn how to apply.
💡 Did you know? In 2023, 160 million valid US passports were in circulation. That means less than half (46.5%) of the US population had a document allowing them to travel internationally.
How to Get a Passport: Step-by-Step
First, decide whether you want a passport card or a book. The process of getting both documents is the same, but they differ significantly (not only price-wise!). Read our guide on the differences between passport books and cards to make an informed decision.
Next, follow these six simple steps to apply for your passport:
- Collect the necessary documents.
- Fill out the DS–11 Form.
- Get a new passport photo.
- Pay the fees.
- Book an appointment.
- Wait for your passport.
Jump to the section you’re interested in or read in detail from the top.
👉 Related reading: Do you want more information on what the Type “P” passport is and what privileges it gives you? Read our overview.
1. Collect the Necessary Documents
What documents do I need to get a passport? Look at this checklist:
| # | Document | Details | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evidence of US citizenship (original) | One of the following documents: US birth certificateCertificate of naturalizationCertificate of citizenshipPreviously-issued, undamaged US passportCertification of birth or a Consular report (if you were born abroad) | See also how to get a passport without a birth certificate. |
| 2 | Evidence of US citizenship (photocopy) | The photocopy must be in black and white on a single-sided 8.5×11 inch paper. | You can also attach a second copy of the citizenship evidence. Note that this document won’t be returned. |
| 3 | Photo ID | Bring one valid ID with your photo. It can be: Passport card or book (undamaged)Certificate of citizenship or naturalization Driver’s license or enhanced driver’s licenseGovernment or military employee IDMexican consular IDGreen cardTrusted traveler cardEnhanced tribal card | If your primary ID wasn’t issued in the state where you’re applying, you need a second photo ID (from the list to the left). |
| 4 | Photo ID (photocopy) | The photocopy must be in black and white on a single-sided 8.5×11 inch paper. | – |
| 5 | Parent’s consent (for children aged 16 or 17) | Proof that at least one of your parents or legal guardians knows about your passport application. That can be: One parent’s signature on the Form DS–11A signed note from a parentMoney order or check with your parent’s nameNotarized statement (Form DS–3053) | Also, submit a photocopy of one of your parents’ or legal guardians’ valid ID. |
* Unless mentioned otherwise, all documents will be returned to you via mail. This may take up to eight weeks after you receive your passport.
If you’re applying on behalf of your child
How to get a passport for a baby or a child under the age of 15? In addition to the documents listed in the table above, you must submit:
- Document with the names of both parents or legal guardians: This can be a US-issued or foreign birth certificate, adoption decree, divorce or custody degree, or another relevant court order.
Suppose your current name doesn’t match the name on any of these documents (e.g., you remarried). In that case, you must also provide an official document about your name change.
- Statement of consent: If one (or both) of the parents or legal guardians can’t apply in person with the child, you’ll need additional forms. The list of cases and necessary forms is lengthy, so it’s best to consult the section “5. Show More Documents (if both parents or guardians cannot apply)” on this page.
- Valid photo ID and a photocopy: Both parents/legal guardians must bring a valid photo ID (and a black-and-white photocopy) for viewing. The “Collect the Necessary Documents” table lists the accepted forms of ID.
Important: Passports for minors (15 or younger) are issued for five years. If your child has had a passport and needs a new one, you must apply for a first passport again—renewing with a Form DS-82 isn’t possible.
Additional special cases
Under special circumstances, you might be asked to provide additional documents with the application. Consult with the list of exceptional cases below.
| # | Case | Document needed | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damaged passport | Attach the damaged document and a signed statement explaining the damage. | Damage must be significant, e.g., stains, hole punches, missing pages, or damage to the data page (the plastic page with your photo). |
| 2 | Lost or stolen passport | Form DS-64 and a police report (if available). | – |
| 3 | Felony conviction or past charges | Court documents proving you’re no longer on parole or probation. | We cover this and other matters in the “Can a Felon Get a Passport?” article. |
| 4 | New gender marker | Submit a new photo showing your current appearance. If you’ve legally changed your name, provide a court document. | You don’t need to provide medical documentation. If you identify with a gender other than male or female, mark “X” in the gender field on the form. |
| 5 | Sex offenses under the International Megan’s Law | Add a written statement, signed with your name and the date, stating you’re a sex offender under the International Megan’s Law. | Return any valid US passport cards and passport books without a unique identifier. |
2. Fill out the DS–11 Form
Both adult and minor applicants must submit a completed Form DS–11. You can either use an online form filler or download a PDF file and fill it out by hand.
For a printed form, follow these instructions:
- Use black or blue ink. Pencils aren’t allowed.
- Print the document on single-sided paper.
- Don’t sign the form until you’re at an acceptance facility/passport agency.
3. Get a New Passport Photo
You must submit one color picture with your application. The photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) and meet all official US passport photo requirements.
Don’t staple or write on the photo. Take it with you; a government employee will attach it to the application.
Here’s what a compliant passport photo should look like. For more examples of passport photos (good and bad), study our visual guide.
How to get a passport photo:
- Get it taken at a passport acceptance facility when submitting your application (not all locations offer photo-taking services).
- Find a professional photographer in your area.
- Visit a local pharmacy, retail store, or shipping center (e.g., CVS, UPS, Walmart, and more).
- Take your passport photo at home with our step-by-step guide.
If you’re curious about the service details of these options, we compared them in this article on where to take passport photos in the US (7+ ideas).
Or you can jump right in and get a government-compliant passport photo in a few minutes! Here’s how you can do it with the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android.
You can also complete the task in your browser. Upload a self-portrait and let our photo experts turn it into a 2×2 photo.
4. Pay the Fees
To get your first US passport, you must cover the application fee (paid to the US Department of State) and an execution fee (paid to an acceptance facility).
How much does it cost to get a passport in 2024? This table summarizes it all:
| Document | Application Fee | Execution Fee | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults over 16 | Passport card | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| Passport book | $130 | $35 | $165 | |
| Minors under 16 | Passport card | $15 | $35 | $50 |
| Passport book | $100 | $35 | $135 |
You might also be wondering:
- Do I need to pay the execution fee? Yes. You must apply for a first passport in person at an acceptance facility. Thus, an execution fee is unavoidable.
- Are passport fees refundable? All passport fees are non-refundable except the expedited service fee (read more about it in the “How to get a passport fast” section).
- Can someone pay on my behalf? Yes. When paying at an acceptance facility with someone else’s credit or debit card, it’s best to have them with you (using a card without your name on it might raise questions). You can also ask someone to fill out a money order for your passport on your behalf.
- Can I pay in cash? Cash is accepted at passport agencies (full amount) and passport acceptance facilities (only the acceptance fee). Ensure that you have an exact amount in cash.
5. Book an Appointment
As of this writing, you can’t apply for a passport online; you must submit your application package in person at one of the available locations.
Note that you can apply at any location in the US, not only at your place of residence.
Where to apply for a passport
Here’s where you can apply for a passport, depending on your circumstances:
- Passport acceptance facility (post office, library, and other designated locations)—if you don’t need a passport in the next three weeks.
- Passport agency or center (26 locations across the country, excluding Alaska)—if you need to travel urgently in less than three weeks.
- US embassy or consulate—when you’re abroad.
All applicants, including children under 16, must attend an in-person meeting. Both parents or legal guardians must accompany minors.
6. Wait for Your passport
After an agent collects your application, you must wait for the document to be processed, issued, and returned to your address. How long does it take to get a passport?
Under normal circumstances (standard application), you should get a passport within 10–12 weeks. This timeframe includes processing times and shipping times. Enroll in the Online Passport Status System to stay updated on your application status.
Important: What to do if your passport doesn’t arrive in time? Processing times are only an estimate. In practice, the waiting time for a passport depends on many factors, some of which you can’t control (and some which you can; we’ll discuss that later).
Now—
You can also speed up the process if you can’t wait up to three months for your travel document.
How to get a passport fast
Under exceptional circumstances, you can get your passport faster than within the standard timeframe. Here are your options, ranked from the easiest to the hardest:
- Priority mail: Pay extra for Priority Mail Express to instantly ship your application package.
- Expedited passport: Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to request an expedited service for an additional $60.
- 1–2 day delivery option (available only for passport books): Request faster delivery during the application. This service costs $21.36.
- Emergency passport: You can get a passport quickly in case of a life-or-death emergency (e.g., a close family member is seriously ill, or you have to attend a funeral abroad).
Important: You can request a refund for the expedited passport fee if your application isn’t processed within 15 days.
Passport Application: Common Mistakes
Whether you pay for expedited service or not, there’s only one way your passport application will be processed in time—you must ensure you send a complete and correct application package.
Here are some common mistakes applicants make that will likely cause delays:
- Typos: Double-check if you didn’t misspell anything on the application form, especially the printed version.
- Incorrect personal information: Ensure that your contact details (email, phone number, address) and social security number are correct.
- Wrong birth certificate: Remember to attach a certified copy or an original of your birth certificate. It must be a long-form certificate, including your parents’ names.
- Payment issues: Whether you bank-wire the fees or pay with a check or money order, ensure you transfer the correct amount (to a cent).
- Paper form issues: Always fill out the paper form in black or blue ink. The writing, including your signature, must be legible.
- Non-compliant passport photos: Your passport photo must meet all US Department of State requirements. Failure to comply with even the tiniest rule will result in rejection.
Any mistake on your application will likely lead to delays. The passport agent will need to contact you for additional information or a new photo. Instead of waiting 10–12 weeks for your travel document, it could take much longer.
How to Get a US Passport: Key Points Summarized
Skim through this list with the key takeaways you should remember:
- Eligibility criteria: Applicants must meet specific criteria for a first US passport.
- Types of passports: Applicants can choose between a passport card or a passport book.
- Application Form DS-11: Both adults and minors must fill out Form DS-11 and submit it at a passport acceptance facility.
- Passport photo requirements: Photos must meet strict size, background, and composition requirements (among other things).
- Submission locations: Applications must be submitted in person at passport acceptance facilities or agencies, depending on urgency. It’s not possible to apply online or via mail.
- Processing time: Standard processing takes 10–12 weeks, with options to expedite the process in case of emergencies.
- Common mistakes: Errors like incorrect information, typos, or non-compliant photos can cause significant processing delays.
Now you know how to get a passport without issues. Follow the steps outlined in the guide, avoid the mistakes, and start planning your international journeys!
FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a passport?
Can you apply for a passport online?
Note that both parents must attend the appointment if you want to apply for your child’s (15 or younger) passport.
How much does it cost to get a passport?
– $165 (adults)
– $135 (minors)
How long does it take to get a US passport?
How long does it take to get a passport expedited?
The expedited service costs $60 and is refundable if your passport application isn’t processed after 15 days.
Sources:
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/804627/us-passports-in-circulation
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/emergencies.html
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
