When you fly domestically, you must present a form of identification at check-in. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the identification must have your name, gender, date of birth and expiration date. The identification must also be tamper-resistant.
You must fill out a form known as the "DS-11 form." If you are applying for a passport for the first time or if you are under the age of 16, you must apply in person. You also must submit evidence of U.S. citizenship with the form, and you must provide a photocopy of that identification. The ID typically used is a birth certificate.
The passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color, and taken in front of a white background. You should take the photo within six months of applying for a passport. Make sure not to wear a uniform or a hat in the photo.
If you get a passport on a routine timetable, it should take about four to six weeks to arrive. If you get your passport expedited, it should take about two to three weeks.
Depending on your age, whether you apply in person or through the mail, and if you prefer routine or expedited service, a passport can cost between $75 and $160.
