# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Get Your Passport for Out of Country Travel

When traveling outside the country, you will need a U.S. passport as identification. Obtaining a passport is as easy as a visit to the U.S. Post Office, but you'll need to gather a few items first. You must apply for the passport in person under certain conditions, including if this is your first passport, you are under age 16, your previous passport was issued when you were under age 16, your previous passport was lost or stolen, or if your U.S. passport was issued more the 15 years ago. The U.S. State Department issues passports for international travel.

Birth certificate
Photo identification
Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
2X2 inch photo meeting passport application requirements

Instructions

- 1
  Visit travel.state.gov to fill out the DS-11 application online or print it out to fill it out by hand.
- 2
  Get your photo taken. Follow the passport requirement guidelines. The 2X2 inch color photo must be printed on photo quality paper. It must be taken in front of plain white or off-white background and your head must be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches. You should wear clothing you would normally wear and have a neutral facial expression.
- 3
  Locate the nearest passport-issuing facility. Many U.S. Post Offices accept passport applications and may also require an appointment. Take all the required documentation with you when you visit the facility to apply for a passport.
- 4
  Pay the applicable fee, which is $110 plus a $25 execution fee. Passports are usually shipped in four to six weeks; expedited applications results in a two to three week shipping time.