When applying for a passport, you will need government-issued identification such as a previously issued U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, valid driver's license or current government or military ID.
You need two identical color photos, taken within the last six months, to get a passport. The prints must by 2x2 inches in size and feature a full face frontal view of you in regular street clothes, against a plain white or off-white background.
Some people are not eligible to get a passport. These include people who have a court order preventing them from leaving the U.S., who have certain parole or probation conditions or who are in arrears on child support. Those who submit incomplete applications or fradulent information also will not be able to get a passport.
It takes four to six weeks to process routine passport applications, sometimes longer. If you need one sooner, you can apply by mail for an expedited passport and/or visit a regional passport office.
You must apply in person at a passport office if you are applying for the first time or are under age 16, if your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or if your name has changed.
