Completely fill out application fill out Form DS-11, the U.S. passport application. Select whether you are applying for a passport book, passport card or both.Travel by passport card is restricted but a passport book covers all forms of international travel. Do not sign your application until you are instructed to do so when submitting it for processing.
Submit your application to the acceptance facility in person if it is for your first passport. Some regions allow for applications to be turned in at local post offices and clerks of court offices.
Submit documents to prove citizenship.These documents will be returned to you with your passport book or card. Proper proof of citizenship includes a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad or naturalization certificate.
Show proof of identification if you are applying for your first passport. Proper forms of identification include a naturalization certificate, valid driver's license, a current government or military ID. Photocopy of the front and back of the ID cards. Some acceptance facilities will make a copy for you, but may charge a fee.
Include a passport photo. Many photo locations offer passport photo services, including one-hour photo developers, super centers and drug stores.
Pay appropriate fees. As of April 2011 the fee for a new passport book is $110 for adults and $80 for children. The cost of a passport card is $30 for adults and $15 for children.To receive both passport card and book, the cost is $140 for adults and $95 for children. A $25 processing fee is also charged.
