Those who have never applied for a passport before, or those under the age of 16, must complete a DS-11 passport application form that is presented in person. The DS-82 application form must be filled out by those who have an expired passport and are looking to get a new one. That form can be sent in through the mail.
In either case, the form must be completed in its entirety, with all of the applicable documentation and identification, or it will be rejected. Those filling out a DS-82 are encouraged to submit their package using a traceable delivery method so that the sender will be able to track the package and ensure its safe arrival.
For both passport application forms, the applicant must supply certain documentation. This includes proof of American citizenship, which can be supplied through either a previously issued U.S. passport, an authorized birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship. An updated piece of ID must also be provided, which can include a valid driver's license or current government-issued ID card.
If an applicant cannot provide primary current identification, he must show as much secondary ID as possible. These may include a library or student card, a credit card or an employee ID card. The applicant must also photocopy the front and back of the ID he wishes to use. The copy must be made on white paper, and both sides of the ID must be copied on one side of the sheet.
In order to finish processing the passport, the applicant must supply two passport photos with her application. Photos must be in color, and they must be identical to one another. They must have been taken within the last six months and should reflect the applicant's current appearance as closely as possible.
The applicant's full face must be visible, and headgear should not be worn in the photo. Glasses with tinted lenses are only permitted if they are needed for medical reasons, and a doctor's note or certificate may be required as proof. If any of these conditions are not met, the photos will be rejected and the applicant will need to have them taken again.
The final step in the process is the passport fee. For those applying for the first time, the fee is $110 for an adult passport book and $80 for a passport book for those under age 16. First-time applicants must pay an execution fee of $25, which is standard for all ages. Those who wish to apply for expedited service must pay an additional $60, which reduces the processing time from 4 to 6 weeks to 2 to 3 weeks.
