Download the U.S. passport application form DS-11 from the U.S. Department of State website. Fill out the form completely and make note of the forms of identification you will be required to provide.
Obtain two high quality photos to complete your U.S. passport application. You can obtain high quality photos at most stores that do photo processing. The Department of State website cautions that photo booth shots are generally not acceptable. Avoid the guessing by using a trusted source for your photos. FedEx Office, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and AAA Travel offices each offer a convenient and fast way to obtain your passport photos.
Search for the passport acceptance facility nearest you at the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page on the Department of State website.
You must present proof of your U.S. citizenship. An expired passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad or certificate of citizenship all fulfill this requirement. In addition, you are required to provide current primary or secondary identification. A valid driver's license, naturalization certificate, previously issued passport, and current government or military ID are all acceptable forms of primary identification.
Without primary identification, secondary forms of identification are accepted, including library card, social security card, employee ID, credit card or a witness to verify your identity. Your witness must fill out form DS-71: Affidavit of Identifying Witness in front of a Passport Agent.
Finally, you must submit a photocopy of the form of identification you used. This must be on 8.5'' by 11'' paper. The image can be enlarged but not diminished in size.
Decide whether you want a passport card, book, or both. Passport cards are only accepted when traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, and the Caribbean. You will need a passport book for international travel by plane. Now you're ready to finish the application process.
Submit the application fee of $20 for a passport card, $75 for a passport book, or $95 for both. At passport acceptance facilities, you may submit this payment as check, money order, or bank draft written to "Department of State." Only some locations accept exact cash, so call ahead to be sure. The additional $25 execution fee is payable in the same ways as the application fee in addition to credit cards at some locations. Again, call ahead to verify the requirements in your area. Passports take about 4 to 6 weeks to receive. Expedited passport applications require an additional $60 submitted at the time of the application and cut the waiting time to about 2-3 weeks.
