Visit your local passport acceptance facility to apply for a passport. Obtain and fill out form DS-11 from the acceptance facility or print one from the U.S. Department of State website, fill it out at home and bring it with you to the passport acceptance facility to expedite the passport application process.
Present proof of your identity and citizenship. Acceptable forms of identity include a valid driver license, naturalization certificate, government or military ID card. Acceptable forms of citizenship include your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship or consular report of birth abroad. Bring your marriage certificate to show proof of your maiden name and your married name.
Take a passport photo. Your photo must be against a light background, of your full face with no less than one inch and no more than one and 3/8 of an inch between your chin and forehead, you must be in everyday clothing, you may not wear anything on your head or face except for prescription glasses and your photos must be two by two inches in size.
Submit your application, proofs of identification and citizenship, your passport photos and your passport application fees to the agent at the passport acceptance facility. As of 2011, the fee for a U.S. passport is $135, payable by check or money order. Once the acceptance facility mails your application you will receive your passport in six to eight weeks. If you need your passport sooner you can include an additional check for $60 to expedite your application and receive it two to three weeks after your application is submitted.
