How to Get a U.S. Passport
A complete step-by-step guide for first-time adult applicants. Everything you need to know about forms, documents, fees, and where to apply.
Who Needs to Apply for a Passport?
If you have never had a U.S. passport before, or your previous passport was issued when you were under age 16, or your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged — you need to apply in person using Form DS-11.
All first-time applicants age 16 and older must apply in person at an acceptance facility. You cannot mail in your first application.
Good to Know
If you already have a passport that was issued when you were 16 or older, and it was issued within the last 15 years, you can likely renew by mail instead. See our renewal guide for details.
Required Documents
You must bring the following documents to your acceptance facility appointment. All citizenship documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
| Document | What You Need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Citizenship | Certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous U.S. passport | Must be certified by the issuing agency. Hospital birth certificates are not accepted. |
| Photo ID | Valid driver's license, military ID, government employee ID, or passport card | Must be current and not expired. Out-of-state licenses are accepted. |
| Photocopy of ID | Photocopy of the front and back of your photo ID | Must be on 8.5x11 inch white paper, single-sided, and legible. |
| Passport Photo | One 2x2 inch photo taken within the last 6 months | Plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression. See our photo guide below. |
| Form DS-11 | Completed but NOT signed | You must sign in front of the acceptance agent. Do not sign it at home. |
| Payment | Check or money order for passport fees + $35 execution fee | Most facilities accept checks and money orders. Some accept cards. Bring both forms of payment. |
Important
If you were born in the U.S., your birth certificate must be certified by the city, county, or state vital records office where you were born. Hospital-issued birth certificates and photocopies are not accepted.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete Form DS-11
Fill out Form DS-11 using the State Department's online Form Filler tool at travel.state.gov. The online tool is recommended because it validates your entries and generates a 2D barcode for faster processing. Do NOT sign the form yet — you must sign it in front of the acceptance agent.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your proof of citizenship, photo ID, photocopy of your ID, and passport photo. Double-check that your birth certificate is a certified copy issued by the vital records office, not the hospital. Make sure your photo ID is current and not expired.
Get Your Passport Photo
Have your photo taken at a post office, pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens), or photo studio. Make sure it meets all requirements: 2x2 inches, plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months. See our detailed photo guide below.
Calculate and Prepare Payment
As of 2026, the fees for a first-time adult passport are:
- Large Passport Book: $130
- Passport Card: $65
- Large Book + Card: $195
- Expedited Service: Add $60
- 1-2 Day Return Shipping: Add $22.05
- Execution Fee (paid at the facility): $35
The execution fee is paid separately to the acceptance facility. The passport fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order.
For children under 16:
- Large Passport Book: $100
- Passport Card: $15
- Large Book + Card: $115
- Expedited Service: Add $60
- 1-2 Day Return Shipping: Add $22.05
- Execution Fee (paid at the facility): $35
Find an Acceptance Facility and Make an Appointment
Use our Passport Offices directory to find acceptance facilities near you. Most post offices and clerk offices require appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours, appointment requirements, and accepted payment methods.
Attend Your Appointment
Bring all documents, your unsigned Form DS-11, payment, and passport photo. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. The acceptance agent will review your documents, administer an oath, witness your signature, collect payment, and send your application to the processing center.
Wait for Processing
Routine processing takes 4-8 weeks at any post office or clerk of court. You can check your application status online at travel.state.gov starting 7-10 business days after your appointment.
Passport Photo Requirements
Passport photos are the #1 reason applications are delayed. Get it right the first time by following these requirements exactly:
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head size: 1 to 1 3/8 inches
- Plain white or off-white background
- Taken within last 6 months
- Neutral expression or natural smile
- Both eyes open
- Photo-quality matte or glossy paper
- Glasses (no exceptions without doctor's note)
- Hats or head coverings (except religious/medical)
- Colored or textured backgrounds
- Shadows on face or background
- Selfies or low-resolution images
- Filters, edits, or retouching
- Printing on regular paper
Get your photo taken at a post office, CVS, Walgreens, or professional studio. Prices range from $13-17 for two photos. If you take your own, print on photo-quality paper at a store or photo lab.
Where to Apply
First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. These are typically located at:
- United States Post Offices (USPS)
- County Clerk of Courts offices
- Public libraries
- Some universities and municipal buildings
Many facilities require appointments. We recommend calling ahead to confirm hours, appointment requirements, and accepted payment methods.
Find Passport Offices Near YouPassport Fees & Payment
Passport fees consist of two parts: the Department of State fee (paid by check/money order) and the execution fee (paid at the acceptance facility).
| Service | Fee | Payable To |
|---|---|---|
| Large Passport Book (Adult) | $130 | U.S. Department of State |
| Passport Card (Adult) | $65 | U.S. Department of State |
| Large Book + Card (Adult) | $195 | U.S. Department of State |
| Execution Fee | $35 | Acceptance Facility |
| Expedited Service | $60 | U.S. Department of State |
| 1-2 Day Delivery | $22.05 | U.S. Department of State |
Fees are non-refundable. Make your check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." Do not send cash. Credit cards are not accepted for mail-in applications but may be accepted at some acceptance facilities for the execution fee.
Processing Times
Processing times are estimates and vary based on application volume, seasonal demand, and which processing center handles your application. Check your status at travel.state.gov.
After You Apply
You can check your application status online at travel.state.gov starting 7-10 business days after your appointment. You will need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Your new passport and original citizenship documents will be mailed separately. Your citizenship documents (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, etc.) typically arrive first. Your passport will arrive in a separate mailing.
If you applied for both a passport book and card, they may arrive on different days. The card usually arrives first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Signing DS-11 at home
You must sign in front of the acceptance agent. If you sign at home, you will need to complete a new form.
Wrong birth certificate
Hospital birth certificates are not accepted. You need a certified copy from the vital records office.
Expired photo ID
Your driver's license or ID must be current. If expired, bring another valid form of identification.
Wrong photo size or background
Photos that do not meet the exact requirements will delay your application. Get them taken professionally.
Incorrect payment amount
Double-check current fees on travel.state.gov. Incorrect payments will delay processing.
Ready to Apply?
Find the nearest passport acceptance facility and get your application started today. Most locations require appointments, so call ahead.
Find Acceptance Facilities