What do i need to get a passport?
First-time passport applicants must provide:
- Form DS-11 (completed but not signed)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of identity
- Passport photo
- Photocopies of documents
- Government fee payment
According to the U.S. Department of State, Form DS-11 is required for:
- First-time passport applicants
- Child passport applications
- Lost or stolen passports
- Passports issued over 15 years ago
Need help preparing your DS-11 correctly? My Passport Hub provides guided passport application support to help applicants prepare forms and reduce common documentation mistakes before submission.
Who needs form DS-11 to apply for a first time passport?
- Who has not previously had a passport
- Child applicants under 16
- Previous passport lost or stolen
- Previous passport issued before age 16
- Previous passport expired for more than 15 years
How to complete form DS-11 to obtain a U.S. Passport
Form DS-11 can be completed online or printed and completed by hand in black ink. You should fill out the entire form carefully before your passport appointment, except for the signature. This is done at your appointment.
Information required for new passport applications
To complete Form DS-11, you’ll need:
- Full legal name
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Parent information
- Mailing address
- Emergency contact
- Travel plans
What counts as proof of U.S. citizenship for a passport?
Accepted proof of U.S. citizenship includes certified birth certificates, certificates of naturalization, certificates of citizenship, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and previous full-validity U.S. passports.
Photocopies alone are not accepted. You need the originals or certified copies of your documents.
Accepted proof of citizenship documents
Birth certificate requirements for a passport
To be valid for a passport application, your birth certificate should include:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Parent names
- Registrar seal
- Filing date
Hospital birth certificates, or decorative, commemorative documents, are usually not accepted as proof of citizenship. You need a certified copy.
What if you don’t have a birth certificate?
If you don’t have a certified birth certificate, you usually need to provide alternative proof of U.S. citizenship. Depending on your situation, you could provide documents like:
- Delayed birth certificate: a birth certificate filed more than one year after birth
- Early public records: created close to the time of birth, such as baptismal records, hospital birth records, census records, or school records
- Secondary evidence of citizenship: additional documents used when primary citizenship evidence is unavailable or insufficient
Applications with secondary citizenship evidence may take longer to review because the Department of State needs more time to verify your U.S. citizenship.
What counts as proof of identity for a passport?
Accepted proof of identity documents
You need to provide your original documents, plus a photocopy of the front and back of your ID.
Additional identification may be required
Additional identification may be requested if your:
- ID is expired
- ID was issued in another state
- Appearance has significantly changed
- Documents contain different names
What are the U.S. passport photo requirements?
Can you smile in a passport photo?
A natural expression or slight smile is generally acceptable if both eyes remain open and your facial features are still clearly visible.
How much is a U.S. passport in 2026?
A first-time adult U.S. passport book costs $165 in 2026. This includes a $130 application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State and a $35 execution fee paid to the passport acceptance facility.
A first-time adult passport card costs $65 total, and a first-time adult passport book and card together cost $195 total. Optional services cost extra, including $60 for expedited processing and $22.05 for 1–3 day delivery of an issued passport book, where available.
Government passport fees are separate from any optional third-party service fees charged by My Passport Hub.
Passport fee types
Passport book vs passport card
Passport cards are valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and parts of the Caribbean. You can’t use a passport card to fly to these destinations, a valid passport book is required.
Where do you apply for a first time U.S. passport?
Most first-time passport applicants must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.
Places that accept passport applications
You can apply for a passport in person at authorized passport acceptance facilities, including:
- Post offices, such as participating USPS locations
- Local government offices, including county clerk offices
- Public libraries, at selected participating library locations
- Courts, including some courthouses
- Passport agencies, but usually only for limited urgent travel situations
Most locations require appointments. Call your nearest location in advance to find out the requirements.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Routine passport service currently takes around 4 to 6 weeks, not including mailing time. Where available, expedited services can shorten the processing period to 2 to 3 weeks.
The U.S. Department of State says mailing can add up to 2 additional weeks each way, so you should calculate total delivery time as processing time plus mailing time.
For urgent international travel, you can request an appointment at a passport agency or center. Urgent travel appointments are generally for people traveling internationally in less than 2 to 3 weeks, but appointments are limited and not guaranteed.
Processing times may increase during spring and summer travel seasons, as well as holiday periods.
Common mistakes that delay passport applications
- Signing Form DS-11 before your appointment: Do not sign Form DS-11 in advance. The acceptance agent must see you sign the form in person.
- Having different names across documents: If your ID, citizenship document, or application form show different names, you may need certified proof of name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Bringing photocopies instead of original citizenship documents: You must bring original or certified proof of U.S. citizenship. A regular photocopy is not accepted as primary citizenship evidence.
- Submitting an incorrect passport photo: Your photo must meet U.S. Department of State requirements for size, background, lighting, and facial expression.
- Forgetting required photocopies: You usually need photocopies of your citizenship document and photo ID in your application package.
- Using the wrong payment method: Passport application fees and execution fees may be paid separately, and accepted payment methods can vary by location. Check the payment rules before your appointment.
What happens after you submit your passport application?
After submission, the U.S. Department of State reviews your application and supporting documents. The application goes with the next stages:
- Application submitted by the acceptance facility: After your appointment, the acceptance facility sends your passport application package to the U.S. Department of State.
- Application received for processing: The Department of State receives your application and begins reviewing your form, citizenship evidence, identity documents, photo, and payment.
- Additional information requested, if needed: If something is missing or unclear, the Department of State may ask you to provide more information or documents.
- Passport printing: If the application is approved, your passport book, passport card, or both are produced.
- Passport mailed: Your passport is shipped to you. Supporting documents are usually returned separately.
Special passport application situations
Some passport applications require additional forms or supporting documents.
Applying after a name change
You may need to provide a marriage certificate, a divorce decree or a court order. Certified copies are usually required, rather than photocopied versions.
Applying with a lost or stolen passport
If your previous passport was lost or stolen, you usually need to submit form DS-64 and then apply for DS-11.
Applying for a child's passport
Child passport applications usually require parental consent, proof of parent relationship or both parents present.
Child passports have shorter validity periods than adult passports.
FAQs about how to get a U.S. Passport
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Can I apply for a passport online?
First-time passport applicants can’t complete the entire process online because Form DS-11 usually requires an in-person appointment. You can start the process by completing the application form online.
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How long does it take to get a passport?
Routine passport processing generally takes around 4 to 6 weeks plus mailing time. Expedited service, if available, can reduce processing times to 2 to 3 weeks.
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How much is a U.S. passport?
The standard price for a first-time U.S. passport book is $165. This can vary based on whether you opt in for additional services, like expedited processing, or if you use a third-party document preparation service.
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Can I use an expired passport as proof of citizenship?
Previous full-validity U.S. passports may qualify as proof of U.S. citizenship even if expired. Temporary or emergency passports don’t usually qualify.
