Visit the U.S. Department of State's passport website. Click on "Forms" and select Form DS-11: Application for U.S. Passport, if this is your first time applying. If you are renewing a passport, select Form DS-82: Passport by Mail.
Fill out the application completely either online or print it out and fill in by hand. If you are submitting Form DS-11, do not sign the application form. If you are submitting Form DS-82, sign the form.
Gather the required documents to submit with your application form. For a first-time passport applicant, you must provide proof of identification by showing a driver's license or military or government identification card. Make a copy of the front and back of this identification to submit with your application. Obtain evidence of your United States citizenship such as an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. If you are renewing your passport, you will need to provide your current passport.
Purchase two identical, color 2-inch by 2-inch passport photos of yourself from your local pharmacy store or photography store.
First-time applicants must appear in person at a local passport acceptance facility to submit the application and documents. You will sign your application in front of the agent and submit your passport fees. Renewals can be mailed to the address on Form DS-82. You must include your current passport, application for renewal and the passport fees. As of December 2010, a new passport has a cost of $135 while a renewal costs $110.
