Go to your local passport acceptance facility, which in most cases will be your local post office. If this is your first time getting a passport, you must appear in person.
Show the agent evidence that you are a citizen of the United States. This must be an original copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. You must also verify your identity are by presenting a valid driver's license or other accepted form of personal identification.
Bring with you two 2 x 2 inch identical color photographs that have been taken in the last half of a year. Some facilities will take your picture on site for a nominal fee. You can also get pictures like this taken at other locations, like CVS, which offers passport photo services.
Pay the appropriate fees, which include both an application fee and an execution fee. The application fee goes to the U.S. Department of State, while the execution fee goes to the facility in which you are filling out the application.
Inform the agent that you need to expedite delivery of your passport, especially if you plan to travel within 14 days of your application. The agent will indicate your desire to receive a passport within two weeks, and will charge you an additional fee in exchange for the quick delivery of your travel documentation.
