Whether you are a first-time passport applicant or need to renew your passport, filling out the passport application is the first step. A first-time applicant must fill out Form DS-11, which you can find on the website of the U.S. Department of State. You must apply for your passport in person. If you want to renew your passport, look for Form DS-82 on the same website. You can fill out the passport renewal form, then submit it by mail to the address on the form.
A new passport applicant has to go to a passport agency or an authorized passport acceptance facility, often a local post office, library or clerk's office, to have his application processed. The applicant has to sign the application in the presence of the acceptance agent. Find your nearest acceptance facility or passport agency through the agency-search option on the U.S. Department of State's website.
When applying for a U.S. passport or U.S. passport renewal, you must present evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate or a naturalization certificate. You must identify yourself by showing your driver's license or government or military identification. Bring the original documents and copies of the documents. You have to provide a color passport photo that measures 2 by 2 inches and cannot be older than 6 months. It has to display your entire face with open eyes and a neutral expression. When mailing your application, attach your photo to the filled out Form DS-82 and mail it together with your expired passport. Use a traceable shipping method.
To obtain a new passport, you have to pay the application fee and the execution fee. If you want to receive the passport in the mail, instead of picking it up, you have to pay shipping charges. Passport agencies accept checks, debit cards, credit cards and money orders. Acceptance facilities may accept money orders, personal checks, cash and bank drafts, depending on the facility. You may submit payment for a passport application submitted by mail in the form of a check or money order. Applicants may expect to receive their passport within four to six weeks of submitting their application.
