Applying for a US passport is a relatively simple process.
You will find detailed information and a step-by-step description of the whole process in the following guide.
What is a Passport?
A passport is a document which proves your identity and lets you travel across international borders. If you are a citizen of a country, you are eligible for a passport. The relevant government department will issue your passport if you meet all the eligibility requirements. In the US, applying for a passport is a relatively straightforward process. This guide will describe all the steps required and provide you with information as to where to apply, how to apply, and all eligibility criteria.
In the US a passport can be obtained in either a booklet form, called a Passport Book or a card, called Passport Card.
You can apply for either or both depending on your travel requirements.
Passport Book:
Standard passport which allows you to travel to any country by air, sea or land
Passport Card:
Allows you to enter the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Not valid for international travel by air.
Where Can You Get a Passport?
You can submit a US passport application via mail or in person. To apply for a new passport in person you can visit any of the 28 Regional Passport Agencies or any Passport Application Acceptance Facility. The complete list of agencies and their location is available on PostLocations.com.
How Can You Get a Passport?
You can follow these simple steps in order to apply for a passport:
- Fill out the DS-11 form
- Submit the DS-11 in person
- Provide proof of your citizenship
- Present a valid form of ID
- Submit a photocopy of the ID you presented
- Pay the required fee
- Provide a valid photograph for your passport (do not attach it to the form)
Who Can Get a Passport?
All US citizens (born or naturalized) are eligible for a US passport. People in extraordinary circumstances such as asylum seekers, refugees etc. also qualify under some conditions but that discussion is out of scope here.
Documents Needed to Apply for Passport
When you apply, the Acceptance Agent will ask you to present:
1. Documentary evidence of your US citizenship, in the form of:
2. Photo identification and a photocopy of the same, any of the following are valid:
Rules regarding the photocopy:
3. Passport Photograph, must meet the following criteria:
4. Filled out and unsigned copy of DS-11 form
5. Applicable Passport Fee (check the next section for cost details)
How Much Does a Passport Cost?
The cost depends on what kind of passport you apply for (Card or Book) and the processing time. Here are the basic costs applicable to first-time applicants:
| Passport Type | Cost |
| Passport Book (Adults) | $135 |
| Passport Card (Adults) | $55 |
| Passport Book and Card (Adults) | $165 |
| Passport Book (Children) | $135 |
| Passport Book (Card) | $55 |
| Passport Book and Card (Children) | $165 |
The special Expedited by Agency option adds in $60 to your base cost. Overnight delivery of Passport Books is possible to addresses within the US and cost an additional $20.66. Check the official US government Passport Fee Chart for more details. You can pay the fee using a credit card, check, money order, or cash.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?
According to the US Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs, your passport application will be processed in 6 weeks. However an expedited option is also available which only takes 3 weeks.
Passport Processing Time
Urgent/Emergency Cases
In case of emergencies the waiting period can be as short as 8 days, called Expedited by Agency. This process is a little different in terms of application procedure, you have to: