Applying for a US passport for the first time can take weeks to process. Don’t wait until right before a big trip comes up -- you’ll end up having to pay expensive expedite charges or travel to a different city to apply at a passport agency in a rush.
Your application fees will be lost if everything is not in order. Use these tips for applying for a US passport to ensure that you get it right the first time!
Note: These tips and instructions apply only for first-time applicants, not for passport renewals.
Who Needs to Begin the Process from the Beginning?
You’ll need to start at the beginning of the US passport application process and apply in person at a passport application acceptance facility (many post offices offer this service) if any of these conditions apply to you:
- This is your first passport application
- You’re under 16 years old
- Your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Your previous passport is more than 15 years old
- You changed your name and can’t provide legal documentation
Completing an Online Passport Application
Although passport applications can’t be officially submitted electronically, the handy online form will ensure that all fields are completed correctly and legibly. You’re far better off using the online form and printing your application to avoid any potential readability problems with a handwritten form.
Once you’ve got all your information ready, complete form DS-11 online but don’t sign it until you apply in person!
Tip: US passports are good for 10 years. If you’ll be doing a fair amount of traveling, go ahead and check the box on the form to request a 52-page passport rather than the default 28-page booklet -- the price is the same! This will save you the hassle and expense of adding supplemental pages to your passport later.
Provide Proof of Citizenship
The easiest way to meet proof-of-citizenship requirements is to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate. Note: A photocopy won’t suffice; you’ll need an officially issued, stamped copy of your birth certificate. You can usually obtain an official copy for a small fee from your state via mail or by requesting one in person at the Office of Vital Records/Statistics for your state.
A few websites offer birth certificate services in a rush for an additional fee. Ensure that you are looking at the official government website for your state before requesting a birth certificate through the mail.
An official Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship will work if applicable to your situation.
Provide Official Identification
Because birth certificates do not have photos, you’ll need some other form of official identification. A valid driver’s license will work, or if you don’t have a driver’s license, you can use a government or military ID card.
If you don’t have any of these primary forms of identification, or you are applying for a passport in a state different than where your driver’s license was issued, you’ll need to bring as many secondary forms of identification as possible. The more the better!
Ideas for secondary identification include:
- Social Security card
- Credit cards
- Employee ID cards
- Library card
- Current student ID card
- Recent hunting or fishing license
Each form of secondary identification should be photocopied, front and back; credit cards are excluded from this requirement. Ideally, both the front and back of the ID card will go on the same sheet of plain white paper. Bring both the copies and original ID cards with you when you apply.
Getting Passport Photos
Requirements for US passport photos are specific, and your application will be rejected if your submitted photo doesn’t meet the stringent criteria. Don’t take a chance -- let a professional do your passport photos right!
Some passport facilities offer photo services on site, or you can get passport-quality photos taken at many pharmacies that have in-house photo departments. If you opt to have photos taken at a pharmacy, you’ll be provided a printed sheet of photos and will need to carefully cut photos to exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Don’t leave jagged edges!
Only one photo is needed for the application, however, the additional photos will come in handy for visa applications and should be carried with you when traveling.
Applying for Your Passport
Unless you’re in a rush (getting a new passport can take eight weeks or more), you’ll apply at a US passport acceptance facility. Many post offices, some libraries, and other government offices offer passport services. A few college campuses even have passport acceptance facilities.
Find the passport acceptance facility nearest you, then call or check their website to see if an appointment is necessary or if they provide walk-in service. You can pay the fees via credit card or check.
Although the US application process seems like a lot of paperwork, you’ll be ready for 10 years of international travel once your new passport arrives by mail! Now you can begin planning your first trip to Asia.