How To Apply

travel.state.gov

1. Fill Out Form DS-11

DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport

Please note:

  • The Form Filler will select the correct form for you based on the information you input. It may generate a different form from what you expect.
  • Do not sign the application until instructed to do so by the acceptance agent.
    • If you do not have a Social Security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct:  I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
    • For more information, please see Frequently Asked Questions.
  • You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages, at no additional cost, by checking the '52 page' box at the top of the DS-11.

 

2. Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

  • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
  • U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
    • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
    • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
    • Lists your parent(s)' full names
    • Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
    • Has the registrar's signature
    • Has the seal of the issuing authority
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship

If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please see Citizenship Evidence.

3. Bring a Photocopy of U.S. Citizenship Evidence

Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re providing to us.

Photocopies must be:

  • Legible
  • On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
  • Black and white
  • Single sided

If you don't want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which we will keep. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.

4. Present ID

You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.

  • Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
  • In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
  • U.S. military or military dependent ID
  • Current (valid) foreign passport
  • Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
  • U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - commonly used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
  • Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
  • Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
  • Other documents: In-state, fully valid learner's permit with photo, In-state, fully valid non-driver ID with photo, and temporary driver's license with photo. Note: you may be asked to present an additional ID when presenting one of these 3 documents.

If you cannot present one of the IDs above, or for more information, please see Identification.

Please note:

  • Some states now issue digital ID documents (also known as mobile driver's licenses or mobile IDs). We cannot accept these digital IDs when you apply for your U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical, photo ID and a photocopy of the ID.
  • If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID.
  • If you are changing the sex marker in your U.S. passport, please see these additional requirements.

5. Bring a Photocopy of ID

Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of each ID that you present when you apply.

Photocopies must be:

  • Legible
  • On white 8.5”x11” standard paper
  • Black and white
  • Single sided

6. Determine any Special Circumstances

If any of the below categories apply to you, you may have additional requirements for your passport application. Please see the relevant page for more information.

7. Provide a Photo

You must provide one photograph with your application. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all photo requirements.

Please note: Some passport acceptance facilities provide photo services for an additional fee.

8. Calculate Fees

Adult Applicants (Age 16 and older):

Product Form Application Fee  Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book DS-11 $130 $35
Passport Card DS-11 $30 $35
Passport Book and Card DS-11 $160 $35

Child Applicants (Age 15 and younger):

Product Form Application Fee  Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book DS-11 $100 $35
Passport Card DS-11 $15 $35
Passport Book and Card DS-11 $115 $35

9. Submit your Completed Application

Inside the United States:

  • You must submit your completed application, including citizenship evidence, photocopy of ID, photo, and fees, in person at a passport acceptance facility.
  • You may be eligible to apply in person at a passport agency if you are traveling soon. Please see Get a Passport in a Hurry for more information.


Outside the United States:
Please contact your U.S. Embassy and Consulate for how to submit your documents, since processes vary.

10. Track your Application Status

You can track your application status online or by calling us. You can begin tracking your application 7-10 business days after you applied.

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