Certain people must apply for a passport in person, including children under 16, people who were previously issued a passport before age 16, those with a passport issued over 15 years ago, those who have lost their passport or had it stolen, those who have changed their name and first-time applicants.
Proof of U.S. citizenship is required for applying for a passport. Acceptable documentation includes a previous passport, birth certificate with a registrar's signature and seal issued within one year of birth, Naturalization certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship.
According to the U.S. Department of State, as of November 2010, the application fee for a first time adult passport book and card is $140 and the required execution fee is $25. The renewal fee for an adult is $140. All minor applicants pay a $95 application fee and a required $25 execution fee for the passport book and card. Keep in mind that the passport card is not a requirement, and purchasing only the passport book will save you $30.
Passport Cards are not required, and are an optional purchase. They are not valid for air travel, but allow land entry to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
