Plan ahead. The typical processing and delivery of your passport is four to six weeks. If you need a passport more quickly, you can get expedited service that takes two to three weeks, or you can visit one of the United States' passport validation centers to get one in about half a day.
Visit the United States Postal Service website, USPS.com. At the top, toward the right, is a blue bar with several links on it. Click on the "Shop" link. At the bottom of the drop-down list is "Apply for a Passport." Click this link. Review the rules for obtaining a passport. Be sure you are in possession of all the documents required.
Find a local post office that processes passport applications. At the top left of the home page, click on the "Quick Links" drop-down menu if it's not already displaying. Click on this menu's "Find USPS Locations" link. On the drop-down menu that appears, click on the "Post Office Locations" bar under the word "Find:". Click on "Passport Application Services" on the menu that appears. Then indicate your state and how many miles you're willing to go. Select a high number to show all your options, or key in your zipcode in the appropriate text field. At this point you can select any of the post offices the web page indicates has passport services.
Select, fill out, and print the passport application form. You can also pick up a form at the post office, but the postal service web wizard is easier and more immediate.
Call the post office you prefer and make an appointment to have your passport picture taken and to submit your passport application form that you completed in the previous step. Visit the office at the appointment time, drop off your forms, pay your fee ($110 at the time of publication.) and get your picture taken. Your passport will arrive in your mail in four to six weeks.
