Applicants for a U.S. passport must fill out and submit Form DS-11 with their application. The form details the traveler's biographical and physical information and travel plans and should be filled out accurately to avoid long processing times. The form can be obtained on the U.S. Department of State website or at a passport agency. Applicants must fill out Form DS-11 in its entirety but are not to sign the application until instructed to do so by a passport agent at an acceptance facility.
The following documents will be accepted as suitable proof of citizenship: a birth certificate, previously issued passport, consular report of birth abroad, naturalization certificate or certificate of birth abroad. The evidence of citizenship will be returned after the U.S. Department of State processes your application.
Applicants will be asked to show current identification to the passport agent at the acceptance facility, but this will not be submitted with the application. Agents accept any of the following documents as current identification: a driver's license, government or military ID, previously issued passport or a naturalization certificate.
Two identical photographs compliant with the U.S. Department of State's guidelines must be included in the application. Photographs should be in color, measure 2 x 2 inches, focus on the applicant's head and shoulders and be set against a white or off-white background. The photographs must feature the applicant's natural appearance. For example, if the traveler typically wears glasses, a hearing aid or a wig, these items should be seen in the photograph. Passport photographs can be purchased at many convenience stores and pharmacies, and AAA members can obtain them at their local AAA agency.
An application and execution fee is needed to process the passport application. The execution fee goes to the facility processing the application, and the application fee is given to the U.S. Department of State. Applications fees are $95, $75 or $20, and the processing fee is $25 (see Resources).
