Applying for a U.S. Passport

“We aren’t going,” the text read. I stared at my phone in shock as my friend proceeded to explain that his Dominican Republic spring break trip was cancelled due to his travel companion’s expired passport.

How did he not think to double-check his passport validity?! I thought to myself. It’s more common than you think; especially for those who rarely travel internationally.

U.S. passports can be tricky and confusing. Read on to feel confident about applying for a new U.S. passport, renewing a U.S. passport, and fast facts.

Fast Facts

Basic Steps to Applying for a U.S. Passport

1. Determine what you are applying for. An adult/child passport book (+card).
2. Determine the cost of your chosen product and how you can pay for it.
3. Find your acceptance facility here and make an appointment, if needed.
4. Complete Form DS-11 either online using the form filler OR print the form and complete it in black ink.
5. Gather your required documents, photo and payment method(s).
6. Submit your application and materials at the acceptance facility.
7. Wait. You may receive your newly issue passport and citizenship documents in two separate mailings.
8. Receive your brand-new passport and explore the world!

Passport Type	Passport Validity	Cost
		Application Fee*	Acceptance Fee**
Child Passport Book < age 16	5 years	$100	$35
Adult Passport Book ≥ age 16	10 years	$130	$35

Passport Book vs. Card

Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel. They are only valid for entering the United States at land border crossings and seaports-of-entry from:

• Canada
• Mexico
• Caribbean countries
• Bermuda

Passport books can be used for international travel by air, sea, or land. They can also be used as an alternative to a state-issued Real ID.

You can apply for both a passport book and card on the same application. However, consider whether you’ll actually use the passport card and if it is worth the additional cost. Adding on the passport card is an extra $30 for adults and $15 for children.

*The application fee is only payable by personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s check or money order. Payable to ‘U.S. Department of State.’

**The acceptance fee is a separate charge made to the acceptance facility itself. Check with your acceptance facility in advance to determine their accepted methods of payment. Checks, money orders, exact cash, credit or debit cards may be accepted.

Routine vs. Expedited Processing

Current routine processing times are between 6 – 8 weeks. Processing time begins once your application has been received by a U.S. Department of State passport agency. Mailing time is not included in this estimate. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive.

Current expedited processing times are between 2 – 3 weeks and cost an additional $60.

Did You Know? Most countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months after the end date of your trip. For example: if you’re traveling from June 1^st – 10^th, your passport should be valid through December 10^th.

Applying for a NEW U.S. passport

Whether you’re applying for an adult or child’s passport, if it’s your first one – you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (commonly a U.S. Post Office).  

Required Documents to Apply

1. DS-11 Form
   • Complete it online using the form filler here or print the form and complete it in black ink. Do NOT sign the form until requested to do so at the passport acceptance facility.
2. Original or certified, physical copy proving your U.S. citizenship; acceptable items include:
   • U.S. birth certificate
   • Consular Report of Birth Abroad of Certification of Birth
   • Certificate of Naturalization
   • Certificate of Citizenship
3. Identification, acceptable forms include:
   • In-state, valid driver’s license
   • Certificate of Naturalization
   • Certificate of Citizenship
   • Government employee ID
   • U.S. military or military dependent ID
   • Valid foreign passport
   • Mexican Consular ID
   • U.S. Permanent Resident Card
   • Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
4. Photocopies of your proof of citizenship and ID; copies must be:
   • Legible
   • On white 8.5″ x 11″ paper
   • Black and white
   • Single sided
5. If applying for a Child’s passport (under the age of 16), you must submit documentation that lists the parent(s) or legal guardians of the child applying for a passport; acceptable forms include:
   • U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
   • Foreign birth certificate
   • Adoption decree
   • Divorce/custody decree
6. One 2″ x 2″ Photo
   • Most passport acceptance facilities can take your photo on-site for an additional fee. You may also obtain a photo from many Walgreens, CVS, or Wal-Mart stores. The photo must:
     • Be in color and taken within the last 6 months
     • Selfies and/or filters are not permitted.
     • Do not wear eyeglasses, a hat, or a head covering for the photo.
       • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, you must submit a signed statement that verifies the item in your photo is part of your religious attire and is worn continuously in daily life.
     • Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling with mouth closed is permitted.
     • Do not attach or staple your photo to the form.
7. Payment
   • Make checks or money orders payable to ‘U.S. Department of State.’ Print the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check or money order.

Renewing a U.S. passport

If your old passport expired more than 15 years ago, it was issued when you were younger than 16, or if it was lost or damaged, you must apply in person.

If you respond ‘Yes’ to all statements below, you are eligible to renew by mail.

• I can submit it with my application.
• It is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear).
• I have never reported it lost or stolen.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It was issued when I was age 16 or older.
• It was issued in my current name, or I can provide another document such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree that is evidence of my name change.
• It was not limited to less than the normal 10 year period of validity for an adult passport due to multiple passport thefts or losses, or due to issues with passport damage or mutilation. 

Required Documents to Apply

1. DS-82 Form
   • Complete it online using the form filler here or print the form and complete it in black ink. Form must be signed before mailing.
2. Most recent U.S. passport
   • Passport must meet all the requirements listed above
3. Include name change documents (if applicable)
   • Provide a certified copy of the legal name change; examples include:
     • Marriage certificate
     • Divorce decree
     • Court-ordered name change document
4. One 2″ x 2″ Photo
   • Obtain a photo from many Walgreens, CVS, or Wal-Mart stores. The photo must:
     • Be in color and taken within the last 6 months.
     • Selfies and/or filters are not permitted.
     • Do not wear eyeglasses, a hat, or a head covering for the photo.
       • If you do wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, you must submit a signed statement that verifies the item in your photo is part of your religious attire and is worn continuously in daily life.
     • Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling with mouth closed is permitted.
   • Staple the photo to the application. Use 4 staples vertically in the corners as close to the outer edges as possible.
5. Payment
   • Make checks or money orders payable to ‘U.S. Department of State.’ Print the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check or money order.

Mail your completed application and supporting documents to one of the addresses below. If you live in the United States, you must use the USPS to mail your renewal application and supporting documents.

I want routine service and live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York or Texas.	I want routine service and live in any other state.	I want expedited service.
National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 640155 Irving, TX 75064-0155	National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 90155 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155	Write ‘EXPEDITE’ on the outside of the envelope:   National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 90955 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of State website found here.

Beware of sites that claim they can promise you a U.S. passport in some crazy short time frame. These are scams and will completely rip you off. Your best bet is to plan in advance and apply for a passport well before your upcoming trip!

Leave a comment with any questions you have regarding the U.S. passport application process!