Fill out an application for a U.S. passport form DS-11 completely and truthfully. You can fill this document out on the website and simply print it, or you can print out the application and fill it in by hand. Do not sign the application until you take it to a passport acceptance facility. You can find this form at the US Department of State website.
Gather your documents that prove you are a US citizen. An expired passport, certified birth certificate with a seal and registrar's signature, a naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship are acceptable. These must be original documents, so it is advised that you make copies or request an additional original copy.
Locate an identification card that includes your picture, date of birth, and full name. This can include a driver's license, military identification card, previously issued passport, naturalization certificate or a government identification card. They will not be accepted if they are expired. You must also make a copy of both the front and back of this identification card on standard 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch paper.
Purchase two 2-inch by 2-inch identical passport photos. They must be current and show your head and shoulders on a white background. If you wear glasses or any type of hairpiece, these should be worn in the photograph.
Take all of these documents to a passport acceptance facility such as your local US post office. Submit them to the agent who will check all of the information for accuracy and certify the application. You will then sign the DS-11 form in front of the agent and pay your application fee. As of December 2010, the standard fee for a new adult passport is $110 with a $25 processing fee. For a child under 16 years of age, the fee is $80 with a $25 fee.
