You can apply for a first-time passport if ANY of the following apply:

• You have never had a passport
• Your last passport expired more than 12 years ago
• Your most recent passport was lost or stolen
• Your most recent passport was severely damaged

Passport applications cannot be submitted online. Renewals can be completed by mail. You must apply IN PERSON for the First-Time Passport.

How To Apply

1. Complete Application Form DS-11 Application forms can be obtained in person from any passport agency or acceptance facility (during posted hours of passport application acceptance) or through the Internet at the US State Department's Web site at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html. Do not sign the application form until you are instructed to do so by a passport agent. Do not use pencil or red ink to complete the form.

2. Present Proof of U.S. Citizenship Suggested forms of citizenship include (but are not limited to):

• Previous U.S. Passport
• Certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state of your birth (certified birth certificates will have a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal and the date that the certificate was filed with the registrar's office).
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship

3. Present Proof of Identity Social Security cards are NOT an acceptable form of identification. Suggested forms or identity include (but are not limited to):

• Current, valid driver's license
• Previous U.S. Passport
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Government ID (city, state, federal)
• Military ID (military and dependants)

4. Two Identical Passport Photos Photos must meet the following requirements:

• In color
• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size
• Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. View the Photo Composition Template for more size requirement details.
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
• Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
• Taken with a neutral facial expression (preferred) or a natural smile, and with both eyes open
• Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis:
  • Uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, and camouflage attire should not be worn in photos except in the case of religious attire that is worn daily.
  • You may only wear a hat or head covering if you wear it daily for religious purposes. Your full face must be visible and your head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
  • Headphones, wireless hands-free devices or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
  • If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn for your photo. Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo.
  • Dark glasses or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons (a medical certificate may be required).

5. Include the Application Fee

For updated application fee information visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html.

6. Provide a Social Security Card

Although a Social Security number is not required for issuance of a passport, Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 requires that passport applicants provide this information. Passport Services gives this information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) routinely. Any applicant who fails to provide the information is subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS. Questions on this matter should be directed to your nearest IRS office.

Ready to go? To find out where to apply, visit the State Department's page.

How long will it take?

Processing times can vary during times of year, or due to unforeseen events. The summer travel season can also be a busy time. We advise travellers to send in their applications as soon as possible or at least a few months before travel. Currently, processing time may take 10-15 weeks. If you're traveling within 13 weeks, consider using the expedited service. See Application Processing Times for more information.

Do I need to renew?

Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

Do children need passports?

Every child needs a passport, regardless of age. In addition to the identity, citizenship, and photo requirements, to get a passport for children under 16, you must provide legal proof of parental or guardian relationship. Both parents must also appear in person at the application to give consent to the child's passport, or fill out additional forms and provide documents explaining why only one parent/guardian is present.

We make efforts to keep our website information current, but can't guarantee it will always be up to date. For further information on First-Time passport applications, and to verify that the information provided is still current, visit the US State Department at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html or call a helpful agent at 1-800-6TRAVEL.