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New Passport Application (Form DS-11)
To apply for a new U.S. passport, you need to complete the DS-11 form. If it's your first time applying for a U.S. passport, or your passport was damaged, this is the essential first step.
My Passport Hub helps you complete your application form for a U.S. passport online with clear, step-by-step guidance. Use our platform to prepare your DS-11 application, check your details, and generate the completed form you need before submitting it in person.
Our secure online tool will help you fill out your DS-11 passport form in minutes.
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How to Apply for Your U.S. Passport
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Fill in the Form DS-11
Follow our step-by-step instructions to complete your Form DS-11 for a new U.S. passport application.
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Print and submit
Print your completed application form and submit it in person with your evidence of citizenship, photocopy of ID, and passport photo at a passport acceptance facility.
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Receive your passport
You’ll be sent your new passport by mail after your application is approved.
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Is Form DS-11 Right for You? When to Apply for a New Passport
Form DS-11 is used for a new U.S. passport application when you cannot renew by mail or need to apply in person. It’s the correct form for first-time applicants, children, and certain citizens replacing or restarting a passport application.
You can apply for a new passport using Form DS-11 in the following situations:
- It’s your first U.S. passport application.
- Your current U.S. passport has been damaged, lost, or stolen.
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued over 15 years ago.
- You are under the age of 16.
- Your last passport was issued when you were under the age of 16.
Don’t use Form DS-11 if you’re eligible to renew your adult passport by mail or online. If your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older, is undamaged, and meets the renewal rules, use the regular passport renewal process instead.
Real use cases: Who uses this form?
To help you understand if this is the right form for your situation, here are a few common examples of travelers using our DS-11 application service:
- First-time travelers: Sarah just turned 18 and is planning a trip to Europe. Because she has never had a passport before, she uses our tool to prepare her Form DS-11 for submission.
- Naturalized citizens: Mateo recently became a U.S. citizen and received his naturalization certificate. To travel internationally, he needs to complete his first US passport application.
- Damaged passport holders: John left his passport in his pocket, and it went through the wash. Since damaged passports cannot be renewed by mail, he must apply again using Form DS-11.
Form DS-11 Requirements:
If Form DS-11 is right for your situation, you must bring the required documents when you submit your application in person at a passport acceptance facility. For a new US passport application, the main requirements are:
- Completed Form DS-11: Your form must be completed but left unsigned until you are in front of the acceptance agent.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship: A certified birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or other accepted evidence.
- Proof of identity: A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
- Photocopies: Clear photocopies of your ID and citizenship evidence.
- Passport photo: One compliant 2x2 inch color photo.
- Government fees: Payment is required for passport application and execution fees.
Need a Different Passport Application Form?
Form DS-11 is mainly used for new passport applications, first-time applicants, children, and people who cannot renew their passport through the standard renewal process.
You need a different passport form or service if:
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You need to complete a U.S. passport renewal for an eligible adult passport.
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Your passport expired recently and you qualify for passport renewal by mail.
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You need to report a lost or stolen passport before applying again.
These documents are also available on our website. Click the button below to access our other passport application forms.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About First-Time Passports
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What is Form DS-11 used for?
The DS-11 form is the official U.S. passport application form used when you need to apply in person. It’s for first-time passport applicants, children under 16, people who don’t qualify for renewal, and certain cases involving damaged, lost, or stolen passports.
If you’re starting a new U.S. passport application and can’t renew by mail or online, Form DS-11 is usually the correct form.
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Can I complete the U.S. passport application online?
No. You can prepare your U.S. passport application online through My Passport Hub and generate your Form DS-11 for printing. However, a DS-11 application cannot be submitted fully online.
After preparing the form, you must print it and bring it in person to a passport acceptance facility with your supporting documents, photo, and government fees.
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What are the U.S. passport application requirements?
The main U.S. passport application requirements are a completed but unsigned Form DS-11, original proof of U.S. citizenship, valid government-issued photo ID, photocopies, one compliant 2x2 inch passport photo, and payment for the required government fees.
You must bring these items to the acceptance facility when submitting your application in person.
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Do I need an appointment for my first-time U.S. passport application?
In most cases, yes. If you’re applying for the first time, you should usually submit Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.
Many facilities require an appointment. Availability depends on the location, so it is best to check before you go. You should bring your completed but unsigned DS-11 application, citizenship evidence, ID, photocopies, photo, and fee payments to your appointment.
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How much is a new U.S. passport?
For an adult first-time passport book application, the current government application fee is $130, plus a $35 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility.
Fees can vary if you request a passport card, expedited service, or optional delivery services. You should confirm the latest government fee before submitting your application.
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How long does it take to get a passport?
Routine U.S. passport processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the government receives your application. Mailing time is not included, so the total time can be longer.
If you need your passport sooner, expedited processing may be available for an additional government fee, but you should still apply as early as possible before travel.
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Does my first passport expire?
Yes. A first U.S. passport issued when you are 16 or older is valid for 10 years. A passport issued to a child under 16 is valid for 5 years.
When it expires, the correct next step depends on your age when the passport was issued, its condition, and whether you meet the renewal requirements.
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Can I use Form DS-11 to renew my passport?
Not if you qualify for the standard adult renewal process. If your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, and meets the renewal rules, you should use the passport renewal process instead.
Form DS-11 is used when you are applying for the first time, applying for a child, or do not qualify to renew.