If you are applying for a passport for the first time, if you are under the age of 16 or your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, or it was lost, stolen or damaged, you must apply for your passport in person. If you got your current passport more than 15 years ago or you've changed your name and can't document that, then you, too, will need to apply in person.
There are certain documents that you will need to bring with you.
The form you will need to have filled out and brought with you is Form DS-11, which can be found on the State Department's website. Do not sign the application, as this must be done in front of the passport representative.
You will need to bring with you evidence of U.S. citizenship. This proof can be a certified copy of your birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a previously issued U.S. passport, or a certificate of citizenship.
You will also need to bring current identification. This can include any of the documents you may bring to prove citizenship and a current driver's license or government or military ID. If you are applying in Michigan with an out-of-state ID, you will need to present another form as well.
Photocopy the ID used in the previous step and take the photocopy with you. It must be copied on white, standard-sized paper and contain copies of both the front and back of the ID. Do not use both sides of the paper. If you cannot fit both on one photocopy, you are allowed to bring two photocopies: one of the front of your ID and one of the back. You can enlarge the image size of your ID but you cannot decrease it. If you are required to bring an additional ID because your main form of ID is from out of state, you will need to follow the same photocopying process for that ID as well.
You will be required to have two passport photos. These must be in color, 2 by 2 inches in size, taken within the past six months and have the front view of your face. The photos must be identical.
Passport acceptance facilities include many post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and other state, county and municipal government offices. The U.S. Department of State website has a search function which allows one to find the nearest acceptance facility.
