The first document that is needed for a U.S. passport is a completed DS-11 form. This is the actual application form. You will need to provide your social security number on this form, so infants and children must have been issued a social security card. You can download this application from the U.S. Department of State website or you can pick one up at a passport acceptance facility, which is normally a post office.
Along with the passport application, you will need to provide documentation to prove your U.S. citizenship. This can include a certified copy of your birth certificate, an expired, undamaged passport, a consular report of birth, certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship.
Passport applicants must present identification at the time of application. This can be an expired, undmaged passport, a certificate of naturalization, valid driver's license or a current government identification or military ID. In addition, applicants must provide a photocopy of the front and back of the form of ID. The photocopy must have both images on one side of an 8½-by-11-inch piece of paper.
U.S. passport applicants must provide two identical passport photos. The photos must be in color and each much be 2-by-2-inch in size and taken within the last six months, showing how you look now. A full-frontal facial pose is required. You must wear regular street clothes in the photo. Headwear is only allowed if it is worn for religious reasons. If you normally wear prescription eyeglasses, they may be worn. Sunglasses or tinted glasses are prohibited in passport photos.
As of September 2009, the cost of a new adult passport was $75. The cost of children's passports was $65. Checks are payable to the U.S. Department of State. A separate processing fee of $25 also is charged. A separate check for this processing fee is payable to the passport acceptance agency, normally the U.S. Postal Service. As of September 2009, the processing time for a new passport was four to six weeks.
