# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Get a Passport in Colorado

Before you can travel abroad you need to get a passport. It can be a long process because you have to gather all the required documents before you apply to get a passport in Colorado (or elsewhere in the United States). So it’s wise to get started early. Fortunately, the Bureau of Consular Affairs has a convenient system set up to take and process passport applications. There are two ways to get a passport in Colorado. The regular process is described in steps 1-4 below. If you are traveling or need to get a passport and visa quickly, you can go through the Colorado Passport Agency. The procedure for applying this way is described in steps 5-6.

Certified copy of your birth certificate (with embossed seal)
Social Security Number
Application (Form DS-11; download using the link below)
Official photo ID
Two 2X2 color prints of a recent photograph

Instructions

- 1
  Start gathering the required documents early. Begin with getting a certified copy of your birth certificate, as this can take up to 12 weeks in some states. Have a color photo made and get two 2 x 2 prints of the same picture made. You also need your social security card and a valid driver’s license, military ID, state-issued photo ID or other acceptable identification. The Bureau of Consular Affairs website (link below) has a comprehensive list of acceptable identification). Finally, download the DS-11 application. IMPORTANT: you must have complete documentation and apply for a passport for al members of your family who are traveling, including infants.
- 2
  Find a public acceptance facility near you. For routine applications, over 9,000 institutions nationwide are authorized to take your passport application, including many US Post Offices and public libraries. Use tee Search facility (link below) to locate the office nearest you).
- 3
  Find a public acceptance facility near you. For routine applications, over 9,000 institutions nationwide are authorized to take your passport application, including many US Post Offices and public libraries. Use tee Search facility (link below) to locate the office nearest you).
- 4
  Pay for your passports. The current fees are $75 ($60 for minors) for the passport book and$20 ($$10 for minors) for passport cards. There will be an additional $25 execution fee for each passport book or card. You will be notified when your passport is ready to pick up.
- 5
  Get a passport in Colorado quickly if you are traveling or need to have a foreign visa in 14 days. If this is your situation, you can make an appointment with the Colorado Passport Agency in Aurora, Colorado by calling 1-877-487-2778 anytime 24 hours a day. The Passport Agency accepts applications by appointment only.
- 6
  Make the same preparations as you would for a regular passport application. Remember tat each person applying for a passport must appear in person. The address of the Colorado Passport Agency is: Cherry Creek III, 3151 South Vaughn Way, Suite 600, Aurora, CO 80014. For directions go to the Colorado Passport Agency website.