Get a New Passport (US, First-Time)

First-time applicants must apply in person. Plan 6-8 weeks for routine, or 2-3 weeks expedited.

Before You Apply

• Confirm you're a first-time applicant (or replacing a lost/stolen/damaged passport, or under age 16) — those need DS-11, in-person
• Decide passport book (required for international air travel), card (land/sea to Mexico, Canada, Caribbean only), or both
• Check current fees on travel.state.gov — application fee + execution fee are separate
• Decide on routine (~6-8 weeks), expedited (~2-3 weeks, +$60), or appointment at regional agency for life-or-death travel

Form DS-11

• Download Form DS-11 from travel.state.gov—do not sign it yet
• Complete in black ink or print directly from the online form filler
• Print single-sided; sign only when the acceptance agent witnesses it

Photo

• Get one 2x2 inch passport photo (Walgreens, CVS, FedEx, USPS, AAA — about $15)
• White background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months

Citizenship Proof (bring ORIGINAL + photocopy)

• Certified US birth certificate with raised seal—OR—
• Naturalization certificate or Certificate of Citizenship—OR—
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad—OR—
• Previous undamaged US passport (if you had one as a minor)

Identity Proof (bring ORIGINAL + photocopy of front and back)

• Valid driver's license, government employee ID, or military ID
• If your ID is from a different state than where you're applying, bring a second ID

Find an Acceptance Facility

• Search iafdb.travel.state.gov for nearby Post Offices, courthouses, or libraries
• Many require appointments—book before you go; walk-ins often turn people away

Payment

• Two separate payments: application fee to 'US Department of State' (check or money order)
• Execution fee to the acceptance facility (often pays cash, card, or check — check ahead)
• Add expedite fee + 1-2 day return shipping if needed

At Your Appointment

• Bring all originals, all photocopies, photo, completed unsigned DS-11, and payment
• Sign Form DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent
• Watch them seal everything in the official envelope; ask for your receipt

After Submitting

• Save the receipt and tracking info — you'll need the application ID to check status
• Track status weekly at travel.state.gov/passportstatus
• Originals are returned separately from the new passport—expect 2 envelopes

When It Arrives

• Sign the passport in black ink immediately
• Photograph the data page; store one copy offline, one in cloud
• Apply for Global Entry / TSA PreCheck if you'll travel often