The official document to be filled out is Form DS-11. Do not sign the application; wait until you arrive in person at the facility to be instructed. It’s best to fill out the application online, print it out, and bring it with you to your facility of choice.

Personal information you must provide:

• Name (Last, First, Middle) – Your name has to be consistent with the name shown on your currently valid identification. Now is not the time to try and change your name. If you have had other names in the past (maiden name, name changes, and previous married names), you must include them when prompted.
• Date of Birth – Entered in the format of (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Place of Birth – If born in the US, enter the City and State; else, enter the City and Country.
• Social Security Number (SSN) – A social security number must be provided if you have been issued one. If not, you must enter zeros in the format of (000-00-0000) and attach the SSN Affidavit form that must be signed and dated.
• Email + Phone Number
• Mailing Address – Enter your legal address (P.O. Box addresses are accepted). If you do not live at the mailing address or the application is for a minor child, you must include the name of the guardian/person who lives at the address and mark it “In Care Of (name of guardian/person).”

You need to prove that you are a US citizen or national. The easiest way to prove U.S. citizenship is with an original or certified Birth Certificate. If you have lost your birth certificate, you can request a certified copy from your local records office or consulate.

Other forms of acceptance:

• An undamaged US Passport (valid or expired)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship

If you are certain that you are a U.S. citizen but unable to present evidence of U.S. citizenship, you can request a file search by attaching a written request for a file search to your application and paying $150 for the file search fee (paid to the U.S. Department of State).

The acceptance agent must be shown one of the following identification documents (IDs) and a photocopy of the ID:

• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card
• In-state, fully valid driver’s license with photo – If out-of-state, you will need to bring an additional form of ID
• 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) – Used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) – Used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs

It’s recommended to have your passport photo completed using a professional service that guarantees all mandatory government parameters are met, such as Walgreens, CVS, or the US Postal Service. Most passport acceptance facilities offer passport photo services.

You are required to provide one photo that meets the requirements, which are as follows:

• It must be a recent photo of you taken within the last six months.
• The background must be plain white with no shadows.
• Eyeglasses, head coverings, and uniforms are not allowed to be worn in the photo.
• If you take a selfie, ensure the camera is on a tripod.
• No filters or image altering allowed, commonly used on Social Media.
• The photo should include your head and show just below your shoulders.

In-Person or By Mail Sizing

• Photo: 2”x 2” (51 x 51 mm)
• Head: Centered and sized between 1” and 1.4” (25 and 35 mm)

Digital Sizing

• Format: JPEG
• Dimensions: Minimum 600 x 600 pixels, Maximum 1200 x 1200 pixels

If you are applying for the first time, two separate forms of payment are required. The first form of payment must be paid by check or money order to the “Department of State” for the application fee. The second payment, by check or money order, is paid to the acceptance facility for the execution/acceptance fee.

The best option for payment is to bring two blank checks. If you do not have the ability to pay by check, determine the final amount and obtain two money orders from your nearest bank.

Adult Applicants (16 years and Older)

Minor Applicants (15 years and Younger)

Optional Fees to Consider (paid to the U.S. Department of State)

• Expedite Fee ($60) – For faster processing times.
• 1-2 Day Delivery ($19.53) – The Department of State, having completed your passport, will send it back within 1 to 2 days.

If you are applying for a passport (book only) as an adult and want it as quickly as possible, it will cost you a total of $244.53.

Visit Check Passport Application Status. You will need the following personal information to check your status:

• Last Name
• Date of Birth
• Last Four Digits of your Social Security Number (xxx–xx–xxxx)

Tracking your passport’s status is only available after your application has arrived in the mail and the U.S. Department of State has processed your payment. There is typically a delay of two weeks (unless expedited) from the day you apply before you can see the status of your passport, which will then show “In Process” as its status.