New Passport Application

Follow these steps to complete your first-time passport application.

Check if this guide is for you

This guide is for you if any of these apply:

This is a first-time application for an adult or a minor
This is an application for a minor who turned 16 (sixteen)
This is a new passport application for those who don't qualify for a renewal

Receive your application package

Check your email for the PDF attachment

You will receive an email with your complete application package (PDF)
The package includes your pre-filled DS-11 form and customized submission instructions
Download and save the PDF to your computer

Print your form and instructions (do not sign yet)

Print single-sided on standard white paper

Print the DS-11 form single-sided on matte white paper
Print the instructions for your reference
Read the instructions carefully
Check your completed DS-11 form for any mistakes. If you find errors, contact customer service to receive an amended form
Do not fold, staple, or damage the pages

STOP: Do not sign yet

You must sign in front of the acceptance agent at your appointment. Signing now will void the form, and you'll need to start over with a new application.

Gather your required documents and passport photo

Original documents plus photocopies

Citizenship

Original + 1 copy

Front & back copy

Photo

2×2 inch, white background, full face, no filters, taken in the last 6 months

Note

Birth certificates, naturalization documents, and driver's licenses are common forms of citizenship and ID proof. You must bring physical documents to your appointment — digital versions are not accepted.

Calculate your passport fees and prepare payment

Prepare a check or money order for government fees

You'll make 2 payments:

Government fees to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order
Execution fee to the acceptance facility separately at your appointment (payment methods vary)

Government Fees

Payable by check or money order, bring this to your appointment

Passport book

$130 ($100 for minors)

Passport card

$30 ($15 for minors)

Book & card (both)

$160 ($115 for minors)

1-2 day delivery for passport books only (optional)

From the Department of State to your mailing address

$22.05

Other Fees

Usually payable by cash or card, complete at your appointment

Execution Fee - Paid at your acceptance facility

$35

Government Fees	Payable by check or money order, bring this to your appointment
Passport book	$130 ($100 for minors)
Passport card	$30 ($15 for minors)
Book & card (both)	$160 ($115 for minors)
1-2 day delivery for passport books only (optional) From the Department of State to your mailing address $22.05
Other Fees	Usually payable by cash or card, complete at your appointment
Execution Fee - Paid at your acceptance facility	$35

Payment instructions

Prepare a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" for your selected passport type
If you want 1-2 day delivery, add the amount ($22.05) to your check for your passport book
The execution fee ($35) is paid separately at the acceptance facility (card or cash accepted)

Schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility

Find a facility and book your appointment

Locate a passport acceptance facility near you (post offices, libraries, and clerks of court offices usually offer this service)
Call ahead to schedule an appointment (many facilities require appointments)
Confirm their hours of operation, accepted payment methods for the execution fee, and any other specific requirements

Find Acceptance Facility

Bring everything to your appointment and submit your application

Complete your application at the facility

What to Bring

Your completed DS-11 form (unsigned)
Original citizenship documents plus photocopies
Original ID plus front and back photocopies
Passport photo (2×2 inch)
Payment (check or money order for passport fees, card or cash for execution fee)

At Your Appointment

The acceptance agent will review your documents and form
Sign your DS-11 form only when the agent instructs you
Submit your application, documents, and fees
The agent will seal and send your package to the U.S. Department of State

Processing Time

Routine: 4–6 weeks once the passport agency receives your application. Processing time does not include mailing to or from the passport agency (each leg can take up to 2 weeks with standard mail).