How to Get Your First Passport for International Travel

Getting your first U.S. passport takes 6-8 weeks and costs $165 total ($130 application fee + $35 execution fee). You'll need proof of citizenship, ID, a passport photo, and form DS-11. Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility like a post office or courthouse.

  1. Gather your required documents. You need proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate), government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID), and one passport photo. Birth certificates from hospitals or photocopies won't work—only certified copies from the vital records office.
  2. Get a proper passport photo. Take a 2x2 inch color photo with white background, taken within 6 months. CVS, Walgreens, and UPS stores do these for $15-20. Don't use a selfie or home photo—they'll reject your application.
  3. Fill out Form DS-11. Complete the application online at travel.state.gov but don't sign it yet. You must sign it in front of an acceptance agent. Print the completed form and bring it with you.
  4. Find a passport acceptance facility. Most post offices, some courthouses, and libraries accept passport applications. Check locations and hours at travel.state.gov. Call ahead—some require appointments.
  5. Apply in person and pay fees. Bring all documents, the unsigned DS-11 form, and $165 ($130 + $35 execution fee). Payment methods vary by location—many only take checks or money orders for the $130 fee, cash or card for the $35 fee.
  6. Track your application. You'll get a receipt with a tracking number. Check status at travel.state.gov. Standard processing is 6-8 weeks. Expedited service costs an extra $60 and takes 2-3 weeks.
Can I travel while my passport application is processing?
No, you cannot leave the country without a valid passport. Don't book international flights until you have your passport in hand.
What if I need my passport faster than 6-8 weeks?
Pay $60 for expedited service (2-3 weeks) or visit a regional passport agency for life-or-death emergencies and urgent travel within 14 days. Agency appointments require proof of immediate travel.
My birth certificate is damaged or I don't have one. What now?
Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to get a certified copy. This usually costs $10-30 and takes 1-2 weeks. You must have this before applying for a passport.
Can I use my passport card for all international travel?
No, passport cards only work for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. You need a passport book for air travel anywhere international.