Fill out your application for a U.S. passport. Obtain a copy of Form DS-11 by going to travel.state.gov. Print out the form and fill it out or fill out the form online and print the completed form. Do Not sign it.
Take your form to an acceptance facility, such as a post office and some county clerk offices, or a passport agency; only a handful of these exist in the US. Go to iafdb.travel.state.gov to search for your nearest acceptance facility.
Submit evidence of US citizenship at acceptance facility. Provide an acceptable form of proof of citizenship such as a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship.These documents will be taken from you and returned when your passport arrives.
Present an acceptable form of identification such as a driver's license, government ID, naturalization certificate, or military ID. Present a photocopy of both sides of your identifying document. Make sure that both sides of your ID are on one side of a standard sized white copy paper.
Determine which fees you need to pay. If you are traveling by land or sea, you can enter Mexico with a passport card. However, if you are flying into the country, you will need a passport book.
Pay your fees by by personal check, money order, bank draft, or exact cash amount. Pay a separate execution fee. All fees are nonrefundable.
Submit passport photos. Be certain your photos meet the following requirements: two photos that are identical, in color, two-by-two inches. They should be recent photos taken within six months of your application, and should feature a full face front view with a white background. Have your passport photo taken at Wal-mart, Walgreens, or many 24-hour photo shops or some acceptance facilities will take your picture when you apply for your passport.
Expedite passport processing times. Complete all of the steps above and pay an additional $60 expedited fee and fees for overnight delivery. Wait for your passport to arrive in two to three weeks, instead of the standard six weeks.
Apply for a passport for a minor. Complete all of the steps above. Complete the additional requirements which include both parents arriving at the acceptance facility with the minor and showing evidence of their relationship. Pay the required fees.
Contact the National Passport Information Center if you are traveling because of a life or death emergency. Call (877) 487-2778.
Schedule an appointment at a passport agency if you are traveling within 14 days. Call (877) 487-2778. Bring all required documentation with you to the appointment.
Complete form DS-82 if you are renewing your passport by mail. Submit the form, two passport photos, your most recent passport, the same fees as mentioned above, and mail to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
