How to Get a U.S. Passport as a New Citizen
Just became a U.S. citizen? Here is everything you need to know about getting your first passport — from your Certificate of Naturalization to your booking confirmation.
First Things First: You Need Your Certificate of Naturalization
Before you can apply for a U.S. passport as a newly naturalized citizen, you must have your Certificate of Naturalization in hand. This document — typically Form N-550 or N-570 — is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after your naturalization ceremony. It is your only acceptable proof of citizenship for your first passport application.
Do Not Apply Without It
You cannot use your naturalization ceremony invitation, a photo of the ceremony, or any other document as proof of citizenship. The passport agency requires the original Certificate of Naturalization. If you have not received it yet, wait before scheduling your passport appointment.
How Long After the Ceremony?
In most cases, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization at the conclusion of your oath ceremony. If your name change or other circumstance delayed issuance, USCIS typically mails it within 2-4 weeks. You can check your case status at uscis.gov using your receipt number.
Pro Tip for New Citizens
Many new U.S. citizens want to travel quickly — to visit family abroad, start a new job, or take a long-awaited trip. If your travel is within the next month, consider using a registered courier service (see below) to avoid the uncertainty of government processing times. A courier can process your passport in as little as 24 hours once you have your Certificate of Naturalization.
Getting Your First U.S. Passport as a Former Foreign National
If you are a former foreign national who recently became a U.S. citizen through naturalization, getting your first American passport is a significant milestone. Unlike U.S.-born citizens who typically apply with a birth certificate, your path starts with your Certificate of Naturalization — the document that officially transformed your immigration status. This section covers what foreign-born new citizens specifically need to know.
Can You Still Use Your Foreign Passport?
Yes — in most cases, you can continue using your foreign passport for international travel until your U.S. passport arrives, provided your home country allows dual citizenship. However, when returning to the United States, you must present your U.S. passport (or Certificate of Naturalization if the passport is not yet issued). Airlines and border officers expect to see proof of your right to enter the U.S. Without a U.S. passport, re-entry can be delayed or questioned. If your travel is urgent, this is another reason to consider expedited processing or a registered courier.
Dual Citizenship Considerations
The United States does not require you to renounce your original citizenship when you naturalize. Many countries — including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and India — allow dual citizenship. However, some countries do not. If your home country does not recognize dual citizenship, you may want to consult your country's consulate before applying for a U.S. passport, as using it could potentially trigger loss of your original nationality. This is a personal decision and varies by country.
What Is Different vs. a Routine First-Time Application?
For U.S.-born applicants, the process is straightforward: birth certificate, ID, photo, done. For naturalized citizens, there are a few key differences to be aware of:
- Proof of citizenship: Your Certificate of Naturalization replaces the birth certificate. You cannot substitute a foreign birth certificate or your old green card.
- Name consistency: If your naturalized name differs from your foreign passport or green card, your U.S. passport will reflect your naturalized name. Bring court orders or marriage certificates if applicable.
- Previous travel history: You do not need to disclose your immigration history on Form DS-11. The form treats you the same as any citizen.
- No prior U.S. passport number: Leave the "previous passport" section blank. This is normal for naturalized first-time applicants.
- Social Security number: If you have one, include it. If not, write "000-00-0000" and attach a signed statement.
How Long After Naturalization Should You Apply?
You can apply as soon as you have your Certificate of Naturalization in hand. There is no waiting period. Many new citizens apply within days of their ceremony, especially if they have travel planned. If your certificate is being mailed and has not arrived within 2-3 weeks, check your USCIS case status or contact the field office that conducted your ceremony. Do not book international travel relying solely on your foreign passport once you are a U.S. citizen — re-entry requirements change the moment you naturalize.
Traveling Before Your U.S. Passport Arrives
If you must travel internationally before your U.S. passport is issued, carry your Certificate of Naturalization and your foreign passport. Be prepared for additional questioning at U.S. immigration upon return. For urgent travel needs, a registered courier can obtain your U.S. passport in as little as 24 hours once you have your certificate. See our emergency passport guide for more details.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is written specifically for people who recently became U.S. citizens through the naturalization process and now need their first U.S. passport. Whether your ceremony was yesterday or six months ago, the process is the same — but your timeline and urgency may differ.
You Should Read This If
- You just completed your naturalization ceremony
- You have your Certificate of Naturalization and are ready to apply
- You have never had a U.S. passport before
- You are traveling soon and need your passport quickly
- You became a citizen as a child through your parents' naturalization
This Is Not For You If
- You were born a U.S. citizen (see our first-time passport guide)
- You already have a U.S. passport and need to renew it (see renewal guide)
- You lost your previous U.S. passport (see lost passport guide)
- You are applying for a child under 16 (see child passport guide)
Documents You Need as a New Citizen
New citizens must bring the same general set of documents as any first-time applicant, but with one critical difference: your Certificate of Naturalization replaces the birth certificate as proof of citizenship. Here is the complete list:
| Document | What You Need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Citizenship | Original Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) | Must be the original. Photocopies are not accepted. This is your only acceptable proof as a naturalized citizen. |
| Photo ID | Valid driver's license, state ID, military ID, or government employee ID | 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. Must meet all State Department requirements. |
| 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 plus $35 execution fee | The passport fee goes to the State Department. The execution fee is paid at the facility. Most facilities accept cash or cards for the execution fee. |
Will I Get My Certificate Back?
Yes. Your original Certificate of Naturalization will be returned to you by mail in a separate envelope from your new passport. It typically arrives within a few days to a week after your passport. Do not panic if they arrive on different days. Keep your certificate in a safe place — it is difficult and expensive to replace.
Step-by-Step Process for New Citizens
Confirm You Have Your Certificate of Naturalization
Before doing anything else, verify that you have the original Certificate of Naturalization in your possession. If your ceremony was recent and you do not yet have the certificate, check your USCIS case status or contact the field office that handled your ceremony. Do not schedule a passport appointment until you have it.
Complete Form DS-11
Use the State Department's online Form Filler at travel.state.gov to complete Form DS-11. The online tool 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. Bring the printed form to your appointment.
Get Your Passport Photo
Have your photo taken at a post office, pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens), or professional photo studio. New citizens often want to look their best in their first U.S. passport — but remember the strict requirements: 2x2 inches, plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months. See our photo guide for full details.
Calculate and Prepare Payment
As of 2026, the fees for a first-time adult passport are:
- Large Passport Book: $130 + $35 execution fee = $165 total
- Passport Card: $65 + $35 execution fee = $100 total
- Large Book + Card Combo: $195 + $35 execution fee = $230 total
- Expedited Service: Add $60 to any of the above
- 1-2 Day Return Shipping: Add $22.05
The execution fee ($35) is paid separately to the acceptance facility. The passport fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order.
Choose Your Processing Route
Decide how fast you need your passport. If you are not traveling for several months, routine service at a post office works fine. If you need it within a month, a registered courier is the fastest and most reliable option. See the Processing Options section below for a full breakdown.
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. Some locations have weeks-long wait times for appointments, so book early.
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 Certificate of Naturalization and other documents, administer an oath, witness your signature, collect payment, and send your application to the processing center.
Wait for Processing and Delivery
Your new passport and original Certificate of Naturalization will be mailed separately. Your certificate typically arrives first. 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.
Processing Options for New Citizens
As a new U.S. citizen, you have the same processing options as any first-time applicant. The key difference is your timeline — many new citizens are eager to travel soon after naturalization, making speed a priority. Here are your three options:
Standard Post Office
- Lowest cost option
- Available at any post office
- No extra fees beyond standard
- Processing times vary widely
- No guaranteed delivery date
Best if traveling in 3+ months
Government Expedited
- Faster than routine
- Available at any post office
- Still unpredictable in peak season
- Extra $60 fee
- No guaranteed delivery date
Best if traveling in 6-10 weeks
Registered Courier
- Fastest turnaround available
- Guaranteed processing windows
- Document review before submission
- Dedicated appointment slots
- Perfect for urgent travel plans
Best if traveling within a month
Why New Citizens Should Consider a Registered Courier
Many people who just became U.S. citizens have been waiting years for this moment — and they want to travel right away. Whether it is visiting family abroad, taking a honeymoon, or starting a new job that requires international travel, waiting 4-8 weeks for a routine passport can derail your plans. A registered courier removes the guesswork.
Government Processing Is Unpredictable
Government processing times can vary drastically depending on season, location, and application volume. What is advertised as "3-4 weeks" can stretch to 6 or 8 weeks during busy periods. A courier gives you a guaranteed window.
Exclusive Appointment Access
Couriers are granted daily appointment availability directly from U.S. Department of State passport agencies. These slots are reserved specifically for registered courier companies and are not available to the general public.
Document Review Prevents Delays
Courier services review your application and Certificate of Naturalization before submission, catching errors that could otherwise delay your passport by weeks.
Return Delivery Options
Most couriers offer secure return shipping with tracking, so you know exactly when your new passport and your original Certificate of Naturalization are on their way back to you.
Our Recommended Courier
FastPassportCenter.com is a registered passport courier service that specializes in helping new citizens and travelers with urgent needs. They can process passports in as little as 24 hours and handle document review, agency appointments, and return delivery.
Visit FastPassportCenter.comFees & Payment for New Citizens
As a first-time applicant, your fees are the same as any adult applying for their first U.S. passport. You will pay two separate fees: the Department of State fee (by check or money order) and the execution fee (at the acceptance facility).
| Service | State Dept Fee | Execution Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Passport Book | $130 | $35 | $165 |
| Passport Card | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| Large Book + Card Combo | $160 | $35 | $195 |
| Expedited Service (add to any) | +$60 | — | +$60 |
| 1-2 Day Return Shipping | +$22.05 | — | +$22.05 |
State Department Fee Payment
- Check or money order ONLY
- Make payable to "U.S. Department of State"
- No cash, no credit cards, no debit cards
- No foreign checks or money orders
- Personal checks accepted
Facility Execution Fee Payment
- Cash usually accepted
- Credit/debit cards vary by location
- Money orders sometimes accepted
- Call ahead to confirm payment methods
- Some facilities require exact change
Common Total Scenarios
Standard Large Book: $165 ($130 + $35) · Expedited Large Book: $225 ($130 + $60 + $35) · Book + Card Combo: $195 ($160 + $35) · Expedited Book + Card: $255 ($160 + $60 + $35)
Common Mistakes New Citizens Make
Trying to apply before receiving the Certificate of Naturalization
Some people try to apply immediately after their ceremony, thinking the ceremony certificate or a photo is enough. It is not. You need the original N-550 or N-570 certificate.
Bringing only a photocopy of the Certificate of Naturalization
The acceptance agent must see and send the original certificate with your application. A photocopy will be rejected and your appointment will be wasted.
Signing DS-11 at home before the appointment
You must sign the form in front of the acceptance agent. If you sign it at home, you will need to complete a new form and start over.
Using an out-of-date passport photo
Many new citizens use a photo from their green card or naturalization application. Passport photos have strict requirements and must be taken within the last 6 months. Get a fresh photo.
Underestimating processing time and missing travel deadlines
New citizens often book travel immediately after naturalization, assuming the passport will arrive in time. Government processing is unpredictable. If your trip is within a month, use a registered courier for guaranteed turnaround.
Not making a copy of the Certificate of Naturalization before applying
While you need to submit the original, you should make a high-quality photocopy or scan for your records before sending it. Replacing a lost certificate costs $555 and takes months.
FAQ for New U.S. Citizens
Can I apply for a passport the same day as my naturalization ceremony?
Only if you receive your Certificate of Naturalization at the ceremony. Most ceremonies conclude with the certificate being handed to you. If yours is mailed later, you must wait for it to arrive before applying. Do not attempt to apply without the original certificate.
Can I use my foreign birth certificate instead of the Certificate of Naturalization?
No. As a naturalized citizen, your Certificate of Naturalization is your proof of U.S. citizenship. A foreign birth certificate proves where you were born, but it does not prove you are a U.S. citizen. The passport agency will only accept the original Certificate of Naturalization.
Will my Certificate of Naturalization be returned to me?
Yes. Your original certificate will be mailed back to you separately from your passport, typically arriving a few days before or after your passport. Keep it in a safe place — it is expensive and time-consuming to replace.
I changed my name during naturalization. Does my passport have to match?
Yes. Your passport name must match the name on your Certificate of Naturalization. If you want a different name on your passport, you must legally change your name first and update your certificate, or provide court documentation of the name change with your application.
Can my child get a passport if I just became a citizen?
If your child under 18 automatically derived citizenship through your naturalization (typically if they were a lawful permanent resident and living with you when you naturalized), they may already be a U.S. citizen. They will need their own Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560) or your Certificate of Naturalization plus proof of their relationship and residency. See our child passport guide for details.
How long does it take to replace a lost Certificate of Naturalization?
Replacing a lost Certificate of Naturalization requires filing Form N-565 with USCIS and currently costs $555. Processing can take 8-14 months or longer. This is why it is critical to keep your original certificate safe and to make copies for your records before submitting it with your passport application.
Do I need a Social Security number to apply for a passport?
You should provide your Social Security number on Form DS-11 if you have one. If you do not yet have a Social Security number, you can still apply — write "000-00-0000" and include a signed statement explaining that you do not have one. However, it is recommended to get your SSN first if possible, as it makes tracking and verification easier.
Can I get a passport if my Certificate of Naturalization has a typo?
If your certificate has an error in your name, date of birth, or other critical information, you should contact USCIS to correct it before applying for a passport. A passport with incorrect information can cause major travel issues and is difficult to correct later.
Ready to Get Your First U.S. Passport?
Congratulations on becoming a U.S. citizen. Whether you need your passport next week or next year, we have the resources to help you get it right the first time. Find a passport office near you or explore expedited options for faster processing.