Go to the U.S. State Department's travel website and download form DS-11 (see Resources). This is the official application to obtain a U.S. passport. You can also go to a Kansas City, Missouri, post office and fill out a paper form available there.
Gather all the necessary documents. To apply for a U.S. passport, you will need a valid ID, the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate and two passport-approved photos of yourself. If you already have a passport that has expired, you may submit that in place of your birth certificate.
Go to a local convenience store that has a photo lab to get your passport picture taken. Stores such as CVS and Walmart offer passport-approved photos. If you choose to take your own photo, however, the picture must be 2 by 2 inches in size. Your face should be facing front, looking straight at the camera. Do not wear anything that will obstruct your face, such as sunglasses. You can also get your photo taken when you submit your application at certain local acceptance facilities for an extra fee of $15, as of 2010.
Go to the nearest local passport agency near you. In addition to many of the post offices, other passport acceptance facilities in Kansas City include the Jackson County Court of Appeals, the Civic Center and the Metro North Stamp Store.
Pay the applicable fees. Once you submit your application, documents and photos, pay the appropriate fee. Per the U.S. State Department, a new adult passport costs $135, as of 2010. A renewal passport is $105. You can pay with a check, money order or credit card. Cash is not accepted.
Wait for the passport to arrive. Generally, it takes four to six weeks for you to receive your passport. The birth certificate you submitted will also be returned to you. If you need the passport in a hurry, however, you can pay an additional $60 to receive your passport faster, within two to three weeks. If you are traveling in less than two weeks, make an appointment at a regional passport agency to receive your passport as soon as possible. A listing of regional agencies can be found on the U.S. State Department's travel website.
