The U.S. Department of State offers three (3) passport option types:

• Passport Book – $130
• Passport Card (not valid for international air travel) – $30
• Passport Book & Card – $160

Additionally, you can select between a Regular Book (standard) and a Large Book (non-standard). The Large Book is for individuals who travel frequently and need more pages in their passport. However, you might as well select the Large Book as there is no additional cost.

The first page of Form DS-11 captures your most basic personal information. Do not continue to fill out the form in the lower half, nor try to attach your passport photo below where it says “STOP! CONTINUE TO PAGE 2”.

The following personal information, in order, you will need to provide is as follows:

• Name (last, first, middle)
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Gender – Aside from selecting ‘Male’ or ‘Female,’ you now have the option to select ‘X’ (unspecified or another gender identity)
• Place of Birth
  • City and State (if born in the US)
  • City and Country (if born outside the US)
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Email
• Primary Phone Number
• Mailing Address
  • Line 2
  • City
  • State (abbreviated)
  • Zip Code
  • Country (if born outside US)
• Previous Names – Up to two previous names you have legally used in the past (Previous marriage, legal name change, etc)

The second page of Form DS-11 captures more personal information, such as your physical characteristics and details about your parents and spouses.

Enter the following information in order as you see it on the form:

• Name of Applicant (last, first, middle)
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Parental Information #1 & 2 (mother, father, or legal guardian)
  • Name at Birth (first, middle, last)
  • Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
  • Place of Birth
    • City an State (if born in US)
    • City and Country (if born outside US)
  • Gender
  • U.S. Citizen Status
• Marital Status (yes or no)
  • If yes, complete the following:
    • Spouse’s Full Name (last, first, middle)
    • Spouse’s Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
    • Spouse’s Place of Birth
    • Spouse’s U.S. Citizenship Status (yes/no)
    • Date of Marriage (mm/dd/yyyy)
    • Divorce/Widow Status (yes/no)
    • Widow/Divoce Date (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Additional Contact Phone Number
• Occupation (if age 16 or older )
• Employer/School (if applicable)
• Appearance
  • Height
  • Hair Color
  • Eye Color
• Travel Plans – Write ‘None’ in the following three fields if you intend not to travel internationally within 10-13 weeks
  • Departure Date (mm/dd/yyyy)
  • Return Date (mm/dd/yyyy)
  • Countries to be Visited
• Permanent Address (if different from your Mailing Address)
• Previous Passport Information
  • Name
  • Passport Number
  • Issue Date
  • Status
    • Submitting with application
    • Stolen
    • Lost
    • In my possession (if expired)

Calculating Fees and Costs vary depending on where you apply and the processing speed you choose. The best option when selecting a passport facility (where you apply in person) is to select a facility operated by the government, such as a U.S. Post Office.

• Application Fee – Payable to the U.S. Department of State (check or money order). Credit Cards and Debit Cards are not accepted.
• Execution/Acceptance Fee – Payable to the acceptance facility. The post office accepts debit cards, credit cards, checks, or money orders payable to “Postmaster”.
• Expedite Fee (optional) – $60 (payable to the U.S. Department of State).

A photo must be submitted with the application, not attached. The easiest and cheapest way to have your passport photo taken is at a U.S. Post Office. It’s not recommended to take the photo yourself, as your passport photo must meet specific dimensions and rules. If you are planning to apply at a U.S. Post office, you can have your passport photo taken when you arrive in person to submit your application.

Passport Photo Cost

• U.S. Post Office (recommended) – $15.00
• CVS – $16.99
• Walgreens – $16.99

Use an envelope or folder to hold all your documents.

1. Print your completed Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport. DO NOT SIGN the application just yet. Wait until you arrive at the passport facility, as your signature must be witnessed.
2. Photocopy, back and front, your valid government ID and U.S. Citizenship documents.
3. Have a passport photo taken unless you are waiting to be taken at a U.S. Post office when submitting.
4. Calculate all fees. Remember that the U.S. Department of State only accepts checks or money orders for the application fee, payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” If you plan to pay via check or money order for the execution fee, you must bring another check.
5. Schedule an appointment to submit your application in person.