No, first-time adult applicants must apply in person at an acceptance facility. Only passport renewals can be done by mail.

What if I need my passport faster than 2-3 weeks?

Make an appointment at a regional passport agency for life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel within 14 days. You'll need proof of travel and pay expedited fees.

Do I need both the passport book and card?

The book is required for international air travel. The card works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Most people just need the book.

What if I can't find my birth certificate?

Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This typically costs $10-$25 and takes 1-3 weeks. Hospital certificates don't count.

Can someone else pick up my passport?

No, passports are delivered by mail to the address you provide on your application. They cannot be picked up by third parties for security reasons.

How to Apply for Your First Passport as an Adult

To get your first U.S. passport as an adult, you'll need to apply in person at an acceptance facility with Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, government-issued photo ID, one passport photo, and $165 in fees. Processing takes 6-11 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks if you pay extra for expedited processing.

Gather required documents. You need proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID), and one 2x2 inch passport photo taken within the last 6 months. Make photocopies of your citizenship document and ID - both sides.
Complete Form DS-11. Fill out the passport application online at travel.state.gov or print it and complete by hand. Do not sign it yet - you must sign in front of the acceptance agent. Print clearly if filling by hand.
Find an acceptance facility. Locate a nearby post office, library, or court that accepts passport applications using the facility search tool on travel.state.gov. Many require appointments, so call ahead. Some locations have walk-in hours.
Apply in person. Bring your completed DS-11 form, original documents, photocopies, passport photo, and payment. You'll sign the application in front of the acceptance agent and they'll verify your identity. Payment must be by check or money order for the State Department fee plus cash or card for the acceptance fee.
Pay the fees. Standard fees are $100 (passport book) + $35 (acceptance fee) = $135 total, or $165 if you want both book and card. Expedited service adds $60. Overnight delivery adds $21.36 each way. The State Department fee must be paid by check or money order; the acceptance fee can be cash or card.
Track your application. You'll receive a receipt with a tracking number. Check status online at travel.state.gov or call the hotline. Your passport will arrive by mail in 6-11 weeks for routine processing or 2-3 weeks for expedited service.

Can I apply online?: No, first-time adult applicants must apply in person at an acceptance facility. Only passport renewals can be done by mail.
What if I need my passport faster than 2-3 weeks?: Make an appointment at a regional passport agency for life-or-death emergencies or urgent travel within 14 days. You'll need proof of travel and pay expedited fees.
Do I need both the passport book and card?: The book is required for international air travel. The card works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Most people just need the book.
What if I can't find my birth certificate?: Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This typically costs $10-$25 and takes 1-3 weeks. Hospital certificates don't count.
Can someone else pick up my passport?: No, passports are delivered by mail to the address you provide on your application. They cannot be picked up by third parties for security reasons.