Submit Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport, if you are applying for the first time, are younger than 16, are replacing a lost or damaged passport, were issued a passport more than 15 years ago, or have an undocumented name change. You can complete the form online or on paper, but you must sign it in person at a passport office. You must also submit proof of citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate), proof of identification (such as a driver's license), Social Security number, two passport photos and current fees.
Those younger than 16 must also include the signature of a parent or guardian, proof of the parents' identification, parental consent (by appearing with the minor) and proof of the signatory's relationship to the minor such as a birth certificate with both parents' names.
Submit Form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail, to renew a passport issued in the past 15 years if you are 16 or older, have the same name or have a documented name change, and have a previously undamaged passport you can submit. You can mail in the form as well as your previous passport, two passport photos and current fees.
Submit Form DS-4085, Application for Additional Visa Pages, if you have fewer than two to four blank visa pages remaining on your passport. You need to submit your current passport. This form can be submitted by mail and costs nothing unless you require expedited processing.
Submit Form DS-5504, Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement, if you want to document a name change (and your passport was issued less than a year ago), correct a typo (anytime when the passport is valid), or replace a limited passport issued less than a year ago. You must submit your current passport, current fees, two passport photos and any needed documentation. This form can be submitted by mail.
As of May 2009, passport applications take approximately four to six weeks to process. You can apply for expedited service that takes two to three weeks by paying an extra fee. If you need a passport sooner than two weeks for international travel, or four weeks for a visa, contact a Regional Passport Agency for an in-person appointment.
Some passport forms state the exact address where it must be mailed. If it does not, you can apply at many post offices, libraries, city clerk's offices and Regional Passport Agencies. The easiest way to find your closest passport office is to use the Passport Acceptance Facility search page.
