You must submit two photographs that meet requirements. It's best to have a professional take your photo, instead of using a photobooth or taking photos yourself. If your photograph doesn't meet the official standards, your application will be rejected.
If you've never had a passport or if your old passport was lost or stolen, you must apply in person at an Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency. You will also need to apply in person if your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago or if your name has changed and you can't legally document the change.
You must bring with you:
- Completed, unsigned passport application.
- Passport photos.
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship).
- Identification (previous and undamaged passport, naturalization certificate, drivers license or government or military ID).
- 8.5-inch by 11-inch photocopy of identification, showing both front and back.
Every person traveling abroad must have a passport. This includes newborns and infants. Any person younger than 16 must apply in person.
Minors must be accompanied by both parents or guardians. The following documents are required:
- Completed, unsigned passport application.
- Passport photos.
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship).
- Evidence of relationship (submitted by parents or guardians; can be a birth certificate with both parents' names, adoption decree, court order establishing custody or guardianship).
- Identification of parents or guardians (previous and undamaged passport, naturalization certificate, drivers license or government or military ID).
- 8.5-inch by 11-inch photocopy of parent or guardian identification, showing front and back.
Both parents must provide consent for the minor to receive a passport.
If you have a passport issued in your current name less than 15 years ago and when you were 16 or older, you can apply to renew by mail.
If your name has changed and you can legally document the name change, include your marriage certificate or court order.
You will need to send a personal check or money order in the correct amount (when applying in person, credit cards may be used). As of 2009, the adult renewal fee is $75; first-time applicants pay an additional $25.
Once your application has been accepted, it can take several weeks to be processed. Expedited service is available for an additional $60, to be included with your application. The application must be marked "EXPEDITE." It will be overnighted to you as soon as it is processed (an average of two to three weeks).
The U.S. passport card can be used to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land or sea border crossings. It can not be used for air travel.
