Can I use an expired passport as proof of citizenship?

Yes, if it was issued when you were 16 or older and you still have the same name. An expired passport is valid proof of citizenship for getting a new one.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy. This usually costs $10-25 and takes 1-2 weeks. You cannot use hospital birth certificates or photocopies.

Can I expedite my application after I've already applied?

Yes, but you'll need to call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and pay the $60 expedite fee by credit card. This only works if your application hasn't entered the final production phase.

Do I need an appointment at the post office?

Most post offices require appointments for passport services. Check online or call ahead. Some larger facilities accept walk-ins, but appointment slots fill up quickly during peak travel seasons.

What happens if my name has changed since my birth certificate?

Bring certified copies of legal name change documents like marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders. The name on your passport will match your current legal name as shown on your ID.

How to get your first U.S. passport as an adult

Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility with Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, photo ID, passport photo, and $165 fee. Processing takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited service ($60 extra).

Gather required documents. You need proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID), and one passport photo. Get copies of everything except the photo.
Fill out Form DS-11. Complete Form DS-11 online at travel.state.gov but don't sign it. You'll sign it in front of the acceptance agent. Print the completed form and bring it with you.
Get a passport photo. Take a 2x2 inch color photo with white background within the last 6 months. CVS, Walgreens, and post offices offer this service for $15-20. Some acceptance facilities also take photos on-site.
Find an acceptance facility. Locate a nearby post office, library, or courthouse that accepts passport applications using the facility search on travel.state.gov. Many require appointments, so call ahead.
Apply in person. Bring all documents, the unsigned DS-11 form, and payment. The acceptance fee is $35 (paid to the facility) plus $130 passport fee (paid to State Department). Total: $165 for routine processing.
Choose processing speed. Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks and costs $165 total. Expedited processing takes 2-3 weeks and costs $225 total ($60 expedite fee). For urgent travel, agencies offer same-day service with proof of travel within 14 days.
Track your application. Use the tracking system on travel.state.gov with your last name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll receive your passport by mail to the address on your application.

Can I use an expired passport as proof of citizenship?: Yes, if it was issued when you were 16 or older and you still have the same name. An expired passport is valid proof of citizenship for getting a new one.
What if I don't have a birth certificate?: Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy. This usually costs $10-25 and takes 1-2 weeks. You cannot use hospital birth certificates or photocopies.
Can I expedite my application after I've already applied?: Yes, but you'll need to call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and pay the $60 expedite fee by credit card. This only works if your application hasn't entered the final production phase.
Do I need an appointment at the post office?: Most post offices require appointments for passport services. Check online or call ahead. Some larger facilities accept walk-ins, but appointment slots fill up quickly during peak travel seasons.
What happens if my name has changed since my birth certificate?: Bring certified copies of legal name change documents like marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders. The name on your passport will match your current legal name as shown on your ID.