Applying for your first adult passport
To get your first passport, you must apply in person at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11. You need proof of citizenship, a valid photo ID, a passport photo, and the required fee.
- Gather your citizenship evidence. Locate your original or certified physical copy of your birth certificate. It must list your parents' names. Photocopies are not accepted as the primary document.
- Prepare your identification. Bring a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID. You must also bring a front-and-back photocopy of this ID on plain white paper.
- Get a passport photo. Get a 2x2 inch photo taken at a pharmacy or shipping store. Ensure it has a white background, no glasses, and a neutral expression.
- Fill out Form DS-11. Complete the form online or by hand using black ink. Do not sign it until you are in front of the acceptance agent.
- Find an acceptance facility. Use the Department of State website to find a local post office or clerk of court that accepts applications. Many require an appointment.
- Submit in person. Take your documents, photo, form, and payment to your appointment. The agent will swear you in and seal your envelope.
- Can I mail my application for a first passport?
- No. First-time adult applicants must apply in person to verify their identity.
- How long does it take to arrive?
- Routine processing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. You can pay an extra $60 for expedited service to receive it in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Do I need a passport card or a book?
- Get the book. A card is only valid for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean; it is not valid for international air travel.