How do I apply for and get a passport for the first time?

Applying for a first-time U.S. passport requires an in-person application at an authorized acceptance facility (like a local Post Office, clerk of court, or public library).

Here is the step-by-step process to get it done smoothly:

1. Fill out Form DS-11
   Complete the U.S. Department of State Form DS-11 . You can fill it out online using their form filler and print it, or print a blank PDF and fill it out by hand in black ink. Do not sign it yet —you must sign it in front of a passport acceptance agent. Make sure to print single-sided on standard letter-sized paper.
2. Gather your citizenship evidence
   You must provide an original or certified copy of your U.S. citizenship document (such as a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate). Photocopy the front and back of this document on standard 8.5x11-inch paper. The original document will be mailed back to you along with your new passport.
3. Bring proof of identity
   Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a valid driver’s license or state ID) along with a clear photocopy of the front and back of that ID on 8.5x11-inch paper.
4. Get a passport photo
   Provide one color photo taken within the last 6 months, measuring 2 × 2 inches, with a white or off-white background. Many acceptance facilities (including many Post Offices) will take your photo for an additional fee.
5. Schedule an appointment
   First-time adult applicants must apply in person. You can book an appointment at a post office using the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or search for other locations via the U.S. Department of State Acceptance Facility Search.
6. Pay the fees
   First-time applications require two separate payments:
   • The application processing fee (paid to the U.S. Department of State via check or money order).
   • The acceptance fee (paid to the facility executing the appointment, which can often be paid via card, cash, or check depending on the location). Check the exact current costs using the U.S. Department of State Passport Fee Calculator.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you applying for an adult or a minor (under 16)?
• When is your expected travel date?

I can help you check if you need to expedite the application or gather unique documents.

If you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time, the process is generally:

1. Complete the application form

• Fill out Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport).
• You can complete it online and print it, or print the PDF and fill it out by hand.
• Do not sign the form until you are at the passport acceptance facility and instructed to do so.

2. Gather your documents

Bring:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy), such as:

• U.S. birth certificate

• Certificate of Naturalization

• Certificate of Citizenship

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad

• Photo ID, such as:

• Valid driver’s license

• Government-issued ID

• Military ID

• Other accepted identification

• Photocopies:

• Copy of your citizenship document

• Copy of the front and back of your ID

• One passport photo (2 x 2 inches, meeting U.S. passport photo requirements)

3. Choose a passport type

You can apply for:

• Passport book — needed for international air travel and accepted for all international travel.
• Passport card — smaller card for limited land and sea travel to certain places.
• Both.

4. Apply in person

First-time applicants must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility, such as some post offices, libraries, or government offices.

You can find a nearby acceptance facility through the U.S. Department of State’s passport site:

5. Pay the fees

For a first-time adult applicant (age 16+), common fees are:

• Passport book: $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee
• Passport card: $30 application fee + $35 acceptance fee
• Book + card: $160 application fee + $35 acceptance fee

(Expedited service costs extra.)

6. Wait for processing and receive your passport

Processing times vary. Apply well before any international trip. You can check your application status online after submitting it.

If you tell me your age (under 16, 16–17, or 18+) and whether you’re a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization, I can give you the exact checklist for your situation.

If you mean a U.S. passport, getting your first one is fairly straightforward. For an adult (18+), you apply in person using Form DS-11.

1. Complete Form DS-11

Use the State Department's passport application form and print it single-sided. Do not sign it yet—you'll sign it in front of the passport acceptance agent.

2. Gather your documents

For a first-time adult application, you'll generally need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as an original/certified U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate.
• Photo ID, such as a valid driver's license.
• A photocopy of your citizenship document and ID, as required.
• One passport photo meeting the State Department's requirements.
• Your completed DS-11.

The State Department has specific requirements for citizenship evidence, identification, and photos.

3. Choose a passport book

For most international travel, you want the passport book. It works for international air, sea, and land travel.

The passport card is much more limited: it cannot be used for international air travel and is primarily for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

4. Pay the fees

As of 2026, a first-time adult passport book costs:

• $130 application fee
• $35 acceptance/execution fee
• $165 total

Or you can get both a book and card for $195 total.

There is also an optional $60 expedited-service fee.

Importantly, the two required fees are paid separately, and the payment methods differ depending on where you apply.

5. Make an appointment at an acceptance facility

Take your DS-11, documents, photo, copies, and payments to an authorized passport acceptance facility. These include many post offices, court clerks, libraries, and local government offices. Some require appointments.

At the appointment, the agent will review your documents, administer an oath, and have you sign the application.

6. Wait for your passport

After the application is processed, your passport book is mailed to you. Your supporting citizenship documents are generally returned separately.

If you have international travel coming up very soon, there are special passport-agency options. Passport agencies handle urgent travel generally within 14 calendar days, and appointments and proof of travel are required.

Quick checklist

Before your appointment:

• DS-11 completed and printed
• Don't sign DS-11 yet
• Original proof of U.S. citizenship
• Photocopy of citizenship evidence
• Valid photo ID
• Photocopy of ID
• Passport photo
• $130 application fee
• $35 acceptance fee
• Appointment at an acceptance facility

If you tell me your age and whether you're applying in Virginia, I can walk you through exactly what documents you'll need and help you find the nearest place to submit the application.

5. Make an appointment at an acceptance facility

Take your DS-11, documents, photo, copies, and payments to an authorized passport acceptance facility. These include many post offices, court clerks, libraries, and local government offices. Some require appointments.

Getting your first U.S. passport requires applying in person at an official acceptance facility (such as a post office, public library, or local clerk of court).

1. Fill out Form DS-11 : Complete the Application for U.S. Passport online using the U.S. Department of State Form Filler or print out a PDF copy. Do not sign the form yet ; you must sign it in front of a passport acceptance agent.
2. Gather proof of U.S. citizenship: Provide an original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or an undamaged, fully valid older passport. You also need to bring a clear, single-sided photocopy of the front and back of this citizenship document.
3. Bring proof of identity: Present a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a current driver's license or state ID) along with a clear, single-sided photocopy of the front and back of that ID.
4. Get a passport photo: Have a professional 2 × 2-inch color photo taken within the last 6 months. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service for an extra fee.
5. Calculate and separate your fees: First-time applicants pay two separate fees—an application processing fee paid to the U.S. Department of State (usually by check or money order) and an acceptance fee paid to the facility (which often accepts credit cards or cash). Check current cost breakdowns on the State Department Passport Fees Page.
6. Schedule your appointment: Book a time slot via the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler if you are going to a post office, or check your local library/court guidelines.
7. Submit in person: Attend your appointment with all documents, photocopies, photos, and payment methods. Processing times vary, so apply several months before any planned international travel.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you applying for an adult or a minor (under 16)?
• Do you need expedited processing for an upcoming trip?

I can provide the exact fee breakdowns or specific rules for your situation.

To get your first adult U.S. passport, you must apply in person using Form DS-11 at an authorized Passport Acceptance Facility (such as a local post office or public library) with proof of citizenship, a photo ID, a passport photo, and fee payments.

Steps to Apply for a First-Time Passport

1. Fill Out Form DS-11 : Complete the Application for U.S. Passport online using the Form Filler tool or print a PDF version to fill out by hand. Do not sign the form yet; you must sign it in front of a passport acceptance agent.
2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship : Bring an original or certified copy of your citizenship evidence (such as a U.S. birth certificate with an official seal, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a citizenship certificate) plus a single-sided black-and-white photocopy of it.
3. Prepare a Physical Photo ID : Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (like an in-state driver's license or state ID) and make a single-sided photocopy of the front and back. If your ID is out-of-state, you must provide an additional secondary photo ID.
4. Get a Passport Photo : Provide one professional 2x2-inch color photo taken within the last 6 months, featuring a white or off-white background with a neutral expression. Many post offices, pharmacies, and shipping stores provide photo services on-site.
5. Schedule an Appointment and Pay Fees : Find a nearby location using the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or local acceptance facility finder. Pay the required application fee and acceptance fee using acceptable payment methods (checks, money orders, or specific card types depending on the facility).

If you share your travel timeframe or whether the passport is for an adult or a minor (under 18) , I can provide specific fee totals or expedite instructions.

If you mean a U.S. passport, getting your first one is pretty straightforward. For an adult first-time applicant, you apply in person using Form DS-11.

1. Gather your documents

You'll generally need:

• Form DS-11 — complete it, but do not sign it until you're instructed to at the acceptance facility.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as: - U.S. birth certificate
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Physical government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.
• One passport photo meeting U.S. passport photo requirements.
• Photocopies of your citizenship document and ID as required.
• Payment for the fees.

The State Department requires physical citizenship evidence; a digital/electronic birth certificate isn't accepted.

2. Complete Form DS-11

Use the State Department's official passport application system:

Print the completed application single-sided. Don't sign it beforehand.

3. Get your passport photo

You can have a passport photo taken at many pharmacies, shipping stores, post offices, photo shops, etc. Make sure it follows the State Department's specifications.

4. Make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility

First-time adult applicants must apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility. These can include post offices, libraries, courthouses, and government offices.

At the appointment, the passport agent will verify your documents, administer an oath, and have you sign the application.

5. Pay the fees

For a first-time adult passport book (age 16+), the current fees are:

You can also get a passport card, but the passport book is what you want for international air travel. A book + card costs $160 + $35 = $195.

If you want expedited processing, it's an additional $60.

The $130 application fee is generally paid to the Department of State by check or money order, while the $35 acceptance fee is paid separately to the acceptance facility; check the facility's accepted payment methods before your appointment.

6. Wait for your passport

The current State Department processing times are:

• Routine: 4–6 weeks
• Expedited: 2–3 weeks, for an additional $60

Those estimates do not include mailing time.

If you have international travel coming up within 14 days, there is a different process involving a passport agency/center and an appointment.

Easiest checklist

Before your appointment, have:

• DS-11 completed and printed
• Don't sign DS-11 yet
• Original birth certificate/citizenship document
• Photocopy of citizenship document
• Government photo ID
• Photocopy of ID
• Passport photo
• $130 application fee
• $35 acceptance fee
• Appointment at an acceptance facility

If you tell me your age and whether you're a U.S.-born citizen or naturalized citizen, I can give you the exact documents you need and walk you through where to apply in Philadelphia and how to make the appointment.

3. Get your passport photo

You can have a passport photo taken at many pharmacies, shipping stores, post offices, photo shops, etc. Make sure it follows the State Department's specifications.

4. Make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility

First-time adult applicants must apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility. These can include post offices, libraries, courthouses, and government offices.

At the appointment, the passport agent will verify your documents, administer an oath, and have you sign the application.

5. Pay the fees

For a first-time adult passport book (age 16+), the current fees are:

You can also get a passport card, but the passport book is what you want for international air travel. A book + card costs $160 + $35 = $195.

If you want expedited processing, it's an additional $60.

Assuming you mean a first-time U.S. passport, the process is pretty straightforward.

1. Complete Form DS-11

Use Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport. For a first passport, you must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

Important: Don't sign the DS-11 until the passport acceptance agent tells you to.

2. Gather your documents

You'll generally need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship — for example, a certified U.S. birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or certificate of naturalization/citizenship.
• Photo ID — such as a valid driver's license.
• Photocopy of your citizenship document and ID as required.
• One passport photo meeting U.S. passport requirements.
• Your completed DS-11 application.
• Payment for the application and acceptance fees.

The original citizenship document is returned to you separately after processing.

3. Get your passport photo

You can have a passport photo taken at many pharmacies, shipping stores, photo shops, or other passport-photo providers.

Make sure it's a proper U.S. passport photo—not just a regular ID photo.

4. Find an acceptance facility

You can apply at places such as participating post offices, libraries, clerks of court, and government offices.

You'll submit your documents there, take an oath, and sign your DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent.

Tip: Many locations require an appointment, so check before showing up.

5. Pay the fees

For an adult (16+) first-time passport, the current fees are:

For most people traveling internationally by air, you'll want the passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.

You can also pay an additional $60 for expedited processing.

6. Wait for your passport

As of September 2026, the State Department lists:

• Routine: 4–6 weeks
• Expedited: 2–3 weeks
• Plus potentially up to 2 weeks each way for mailing.

So if you have a trip coming up, don't calculate your deadline solely from the 4–6 week processing estimate.

7. Track it

After applying, you can check your application status online and receive updates by email.

Your simple checklist

DS-11 → citizenship proof → photo ID → photocopies → passport photo → payment → appointment → apply in person → wait for passport.

If you tell me your age and whether you're a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization, I can give you an exact checklist of the documents you'll need and what to bring to your appointment.

For an adult (16+) first-time passport, the current fees are:

For most people traveling internationally by air, you'll want the passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.

You can also pay an additional $60 for expedited processing.

6. Wait for your passport

Applying for your first U.S. passport requires an in-person application because first-time adult applicants cannot renew by mail.

Here is the step-by-step breakdown to get it done smoothly:

1. Gather your required documents:
   • Form DS-11 : Fill out the U.S. Department of State DS-11 Application , but do not sign it until an acceptance agent instructs you to do so. You can fill it out online or print and fill it out by hand in black ink.
   • Proof of U.S. Citizenship : Bring an original or certified copy (e.g., a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad) plus a photocopy of the front and back.
   • Proof of Identity : Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or state ID) plus a photocopy of the front and back.
   • One Passport Photo : A color photo, 2 × 2 inches in size, taken within the last 6 months with a white or off-white background. Many post offices, pharmacies, and photo centers take these for a fee.
2. Schedule an appointment:
   • First-time applicants must apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility, such as a designated Post Office, public library, or local clerk of court.
   • You can book an appointment online via the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or check the U.S. Department of State Passport Facility Search for other local options.
3. Pay the fees:
   • There are two separate fees: an application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State (usually via check or money order) and an acceptance fee paid to the facility executing your application.
   • Routine processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited processing is available for an extra fee.
4. Submit in person:
   • Arrive at your appointment with your unsigned DS-11, photos, photocopies, citizenship evidence, ID, and payment methods. The agent will administer an oath, witness your signature, and collect your paperwork.
5. Track your application:
   • You can monitor your application progress online using the State Department Passport Status Tracker.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you applying for an adult (18+) or a minor (under 18)?
• Do you need your passport urgently (within a few weeks)?

I can provide more tailored advice on expedited services or minor consent requirements!

To get your first adult U.S. passport, you must apply in person at an authorized Passport Acceptance Facility such as a post office, library, or local government office , bringing proof of citizenship, a photo ID, a photo, and payment.

Baseline Prerequisites

• Must be a U.S. citizen or secondary U.S. national.
• Must apply in person using Form DS-11 (do not sign it until instructed by the acceptance agent).

Conditional Edge Cases

• Out-of-state ID: If your photo ID is issued by a different state than the one where you are applying, you must bring a second secondary photo ID.
• Damaged or lost prior documents: If your proof of citizenship is damaged or you are replacing an older issued document, secondary evidence of citizenship may be required.
• Minors (Under 16/18): Children have separate rules requiring parental consent or both parents present during the application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

If you want, I can help you:

Calculate the exact passport fees for a book versus a card Check current processing times for routine and expedited service Find a local acceptance facility near your zip code

Assuming you mean a first-time U.S. passport, the process is:

1. Complete the application

• Fill out Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) online and print it, or complete the paper form.
• Do not sign it yet — you must sign it in front of the passport acceptance agent.

2. Gather your documents

Bring:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy), such as: - U.S. birth certificate
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID.
• Photocopies of your citizenship document and photo ID (front and back where applicable).
• Passport photo (2 x 2 inches, meeting U.S. passport photo requirements).

3. Apply in person

First-time adult applicants must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility, such as some post offices, libraries, or government offices.

Bring:

• Completed DS-11
• Documents
• Passport photo
• Payment for fees

At the appointment, an agent will review your documents, witness your signature, and accept your application.

4. Pay the fees

For adults (age 16+), current first-time fees include:

• Passport book: $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee
• Passport card: $30 application fee + $35 acceptance fee
• Book and card: $160 application fee + $35 acceptance fee

5. Wait for processing and receive your passport

You can check your application status after submitting it. Your passport and original supporting documents are returned separately in many cases.

A few tips:

• Apply well before your travel date because processing times vary.
• If you need it urgently, there are expedited options and special urgent-travel appointments.
• If you are under 16, the rules are different (parent/guardian involvement is required).

You can start by finding a nearby acceptance facility and preparing your DS-11.