Fill out a DS-11a, Application for a U.S. Passport, to apply for a first-time passport. This form is also used for other passport purposes; the link in the Resources section has more information. Fill out a DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail, for a passport renewal.
Submit proof of U.S. citizenship. There are several forms of acceptable proof of citizenship, such as a previously issued passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
Submit identification. Several forms of identification are acceptable, including a driver's license, previously issued passport or military ID.
Pay the passport fees when submitting the passport application. Passport fees may vary depending on the type of passport being obtained. The link in the Resources section provides information about passport fees.
Submit two identical, color passport photos to obtain a passport. They must also be 2 by 2 inches in size, and recent, meaning taken during the past six months.
