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Passport Application (Form DS-11) | Apply for a New Passport

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Passport Application (Form DS-11) | Apply for a New Passport

Updated November 03, 2023

A passport application (form DS-11) is used to apply for a new U.S. passport for U.S. citizens who are applying for their first passport, replacing a lost or stolen passport, renewing an expired passport issued more than 15 years ago, or renewing an expired passport issued when the applicant was under the age of 16.

Who can apply?

  • First-time applicants – Individuals who have never been issued a U.S. Passport need to submit DS-11 to apply for their initial U.S. Passport.
  • Holders of expired passports – If your previous U.S. passport expired more than 15 years ago, you must complete DS-11 to apply for a new one.
  • Lost or stolen passports – If your U.S. passport was lost or stolen, you must use DS-11 to apply for a replacement.
  • Passport for minor/child – If you are applying for a passport for a child under 16, DS-11 must be used to apply. Both parents or legal guardians must consent to the child’s passport application.

How to Apply with Form DS-11

If you are filling the document out by hand, you must use blank ink only.

  1. Select Passport Type
  2. Applying as an Adult or Minor
  3. Filing Out Page 1
  4. Filing Out Page 2
  5. Fees & Costs
  6. Passport Photo
  7. Submit

1. Select Passport Type

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.

2. Applying as an Adult or Minor

If you are 18 years or older (adult), there is no need to further read this step. Please skip to Step 3. Additionally, there are two sets of rules for minors which are as follows:
  • Individuals aged 16 or 17 – Must obtain consent from at least one parent/legal guardian.
  • Individuals aged 15 or younger – Must obtain consent from both parents/legal guardians.

Instructions for Aged 16 or 17

It’s the decision of the passport authorizing officer to ascertain parental awareness via virtue any of the following:

  • Parent’s presence when the minor submits the application in person.
  • A signed note from the parent
  • Proof the parent is paying for the application fees.
  • Parent’s/legal guardian’s notarized statement of consent to issuance (Form DS-3053) – The passport authorizing officer retains the discretion to request this form; therefore, it’s best to have it completed to avoid a potential miscue.

3. Filling Out Page One

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)

4. Filling Out Page Two

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)

5. Fees & Costs

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).
Applying For? Application Fee Execution Fee
Adult Passport Book $130 $35
Adult Passport Card $30 $35
Adult Passport Book & Card $160 $35



Minor Passport Book $100 $35
Minor Passport Card $15 $35
Minor Passport Book & Card $115 $35

 

6. Passport Photo

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

7. Submit

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.