Visit the U.S. department of State's travel website, travel.state.gov, or your local U.S. post office to obtain the proper forms for your first time passport application. If the applicant is under 16 years of age, you will need consent from both parents, a copy of their ID, and to apply in person. For 16- and 17-year olds, you need the same information. For adults, you need to apply in person for the first time also.
Fill out the DS-11: Application For A U.S. Passport form. You can fill it out online at travel.state.gov or at your local U.S. post office. Fill out the form, but do not sign it. You must sign it in front of U.S. passport agency or acceptance facility.
Obtain two passport photographs, which must be color, 2 inches by 2 inches, full-face, current and on photo paper. This can be done at retail stores like Kinkos or photography shops. Some U.S. post offices also take passport photos during certain hours.
Obtain documentation of U.S. citizenship. A certificate of citizenship, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad is acceptable. Other forms such as a baptismal record, education record or census can be used in combination with a DS-10: Birth Affidavit, if you do not have primary documentation of U.S. citizenship. Photocopy your citizenship identification for your application.
Pay all fees. As of 2010, an application fee of $110 plus a $25 execution fee is necessary for adults, when you apply in person. Minors are $80 plus $25. Go to a local passport agency with your documents. Some local U.S. post offices are acceptance agencies. You can go there, or to the U.S. embassy or consulate office to apply in person. Passport agencies accept credit cards, money orders or personal checks. Post offices accept exact cash, money orders, debit cards and personal checks. Contact U.S. embassy or consulate office for payment information.
