# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Apply for a New Passport

Passports prove the identity and the nationality of the traveler, so they are vital for anyone planning to go to another country. Passport rules can differ depending on the age of the applicant. First-time applicants must apply in person at an acceptance facility or passport office. U.S. post offices are the most commonly available acceptance facilities.

Valid Identification
Photographs
U.S. Citizenship

Instructions

- 1
  Visit the passport page at the United States Department of State website travel.state.gov.
- 2
  Fill out form DS-11 online or by hand, but do not sign the form.
- 3
  Bring the completed form, evidence of citizenship, a current government approved identification and a photocopy of that i.d., and a passport-approved photo to an acceptance facility or passport agency. The photo must not be attached to the form.
- 4
  Sign the DS-11 form when the acceptance official instructs you to sign. You must also present your social security number.
- 5
  Pay the current fee for the passport. As of 2011, the fee was $165 for first-time applicants for the passport book and card. For the book alone the cost was $135.