ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know in order to apply for a United States passport, whether you are an American citizen by birth or by naturalization.
Find out here how to quickly apply for a first-time passport, renew a US passport or obtain an expedite passport.
Also, learn how to get a passport for a child, how to check the status of your application, and how much it costs to get a passport.
1. REQUEST A NEW PASSPORT IN PERSON
This applies for any of the following cases:
- - It is your first passport
- - Your last passport was damaged or lost
- - Your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago
- - Your name has changed and you have no legal supporting documents
- - It is for a child under the age of 16
To obtain a new passport, you must go to a local passport acceptance center. Some passport acceptance facilities require appointments, and in many of them you can get passport photos for a fee. Find a nearby location at: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.
Passport acceptance facilities may be post offices, libraries, or county courts.
• You must provide the following documents:
- - Form DS-11
- - Proof of U.S. citizenship (for example, birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
- - Government-issued photo identification (for example, driver's license or military ID)
- - Color passport-sized photo
- - Fee payment (check or money order)
1.1 WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO PROCESS A CHILD'S PASSPORT?
• Proof of relationship with the child
Both the parents and the child must appear in person or present a consent form signed by an absent parent.
For more information, go to https://travel.state.gov/applyinperson.
For more information on passports for children under the age of 16, see https://travel.state.gov/passports/children.
2. RENEW A PASSPORT BY MAIL
You can renew your passport only if it is not damaged and all of the following conditions apply:
- - Your current passport was issued less than 15 years ago.
- - You were over 16 years old when you got it.
- - It is issued under your current name (or you can legally document the name change).
• What you will need to provide:
- - Form DS-82
- - Eligible passport book
- - Proof of name change if your name is different from that in your previous passport (marriage certificate or court order)
- - Color passport photo
- - Fee payment (check or money order)
For more information, go to https://travel.state.gov/renew.
3. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET OR RENEW A PASSPORT?
Processing times change seasonally. Always check https://travel.state.gov/processing-times for current estimates.
Typically these are the processing times for each service:
- - Routine service: 6 to 8 weeks (by mail or in person)
- - Expedited Service: 2-3 weeks (by mail or in person)
- - Expedited service at agency locations: 8 business days, depending on any of the following needs:
- - Immediate life or death emergency
- - Traveling in two weeks or less
3.1 Requirements for an expedited service at the passport agency locations
- - You must show proof of emergency or upcoming travel in person at one of the 26 regional passport agencies.
- - You must have an appointment. You can schedule one online at https://passportappointment.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
4. PASSPORT NOTEBOOK AND PASSPORT CARD
Depending on where you travel outside of the U.S., you'll need to determine whether you need a passport book or a passport card.
A passport book is required for all international air travel.
To enter the United States at land border crossings or seaports of entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, you can use a passport book or passport card.
A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but cannot be used for international air travel.
• How to apply for a passport book or a passport card
The application process is the same for the passport notebook or the card, even if you want to obtain both at the same time. It is required to go in person to submit your application.
• From within the United States
If you need to obtain a passport in three weeks or less, you will need an expedited process. To find out where you should go and what additional charges you will pay, follow the steps to obtain an expedited passport.
If you are traveling in more than three weeks, you can follow the regular application process and submit your application in person at a passport acceptance center.
• From outside the United States
Contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate for information and forms to apply for a passport outside of the U.S.
• What documents do I need to apply for a United States passport?
Application form: To complete the application for a passport notebook, passport card, or both together, first do one of the following:
- - Fill out the online application: Use the Passport Application Wizard to complete the application process. When you have completed the application, print it out to take to the passport acceptance facility. Passport applications cannot be submitted online.
- - Fill out the application by hand: Download the passport application form (DS-11)
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