Download, print and complete a passport application (Form DS-11) from the U.S. Department of State website. Alternatively, complete it online and print it afterwards. Do not sign it yet.
Obtain evidence of U.S. citizenship. Prove your citizenship through a certified birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Certificate of Citizenship or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Make photocopies of the front and back of your chosen document. The copies must not shrink the original document's size.
Find acceptable identification, such as a Naturalization Certificate, a valid driving license, or a government or military ID. Make a copy of the front and back of your ID.
Have two passport photos taken. CVS and Walgreen offer inexpensive passport photo services. In the photo, you must face the camera with nothing obscuring your face. At the time of application, photos cannot be more than six months old.
Find the nearest passport acceptance facility. The U.S. Department of State has a searchable list of facilities.
Take all of your documents -- including both originals and photocopies -- to the facility for review. During your meeting, authorities will instruct you to sign the application. Pay your application fee via a personal check, credit or debit card, or Money order.
