The DS-11 form is the official application form for first-time passport applicants, adults whose previous passports were issued before they turned 16, and people who have not renewed their passports for more than 15 years. The form may be filled out electronically on the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website, or printed and filled out by hand. The form must be submitted in person at the nearest passport acceptance facility or passport agency, and should not be signed until instructed to do so by the agent accepting the form.
In addition to providing your Social Security number (SSN) on the DS-11 form, you are required to provide proof of citizenship. Acceptable documents include certified U.S. birth certificates, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, previously issued passports, naturalization certificates and certificates of citizenship. Please note that as of April 11, 2011, all birth certificates must include the full names of the applicant's parent or parents in order to be accepted. Those applicants who do not have access to one of the primary proof of citizenship documents listed should consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs website for a complete list of acceptable secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship.
Applicants must present valid photo identification when submitting their passport applications. Accepted forms include naturalization certificates, previously issued U.S. passports, valid driver's licenses, current government identification cards and current military identification cards. In addition to showing the original identification card or document, you must attach a photocopy of the front and back of that identification to be submitted along with the form. If you do not have access to one of the primary forms listed, consult the website for a complete list of acceptable secondary forms of identification.
One passport photo must be submitted along with the form at the time of application. The photo must be taken from the front, in full color with a white background, and printed on photo-quality paper. The photo must be no older than six months, and measure 2-by-2 inches. The portrait must frame your face in such a way that the distance from your chin to the top of your head is between 1 and 1 3/8 inches. The clothes worn for the photograph should be your normal day-to-day attire, and your facial expression should be neutral. No sunglasses, hats or other nonessential articles of clothing that obscure or change your features are permitted.
Your passport requires an application fee as well as a processing fee. Current fees are displayed on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, and are collected at the time of your application. Applicants may choose to order a passport books or just passport cards. The card is considerably less expensive than the book, but is only valid for travel via land border crossings or sea ports to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda; the passport book is valid for all international travel. The card is not valid for any international air travel. You may choose to order both at the same time. Each one has its own fees, but have the same requirements as far as the documents required to process the application.
Applicants under the age of 18 must provide all of the previously mentioned document plus evidence of the relationship between the minor and his parent or guardian, copies of identification for the parents or guardians, and provide proof of consent to apply for a passport by both parents. Proof of consent may be provided in a variety of ways. If you are applying for a passport from outside of the United States, the forms, documents and fees are the same. However, each consulate or embassy has a different process for properly submitting the application. Check with your local consulate or embassy for details on how to properly submit your petition.
