Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You must provide a certified copy issued by the vital records office, not a photocopy or hospital-issued certificate.

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

Contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for emergency appointments. You need proof of international travel within 14 days or urgent family emergency abroad.

Can I take my own passport photo?

Yes, but it must meet strict requirements: 2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months, no glasses, neutral expression. Professional photos at pharmacies are worth the $15-20 to avoid rejection.

Do I need both parents present if applying for a child?

For children under 16, both parents must appear or provide notarized consent. One parent can apply alone with a notarized DS-3053 consent form from the absent parent.

What if my name on documents doesn't match?

All documents must show the same name or you need legal name change documentation. If your driver's license shows a different name than your birth certificate, bring marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.

How to Get Your First US Passport

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.

Gather required documents. You need proof of US citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate), photo ID (driver's license or state ID), and one 2x2 inch passport photo taken within the last 6 months.
Fill out Form DS-11. Complete the application online at travel.state.gov or print and fill by hand. Do not sign it yet - you must sign in front of the acceptance agent.
Find an acceptance facility. Locate a post office, library, or courthouse that accepts passport applications using the facility search tool on travel.state.gov. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether appointments are needed.
Visit the facility with everything. Bring your unsigned DS-11 form, documents, photo, and payment. The agent will verify your identity, witness your signature, and review your application.
Pay the fees. Standard processing costs $130 (passport fee) + $35 (execution fee) = $165 total. Add $60 for expedited service. Pay execution fee by check or money order to the facility, passport fee by check to 'U.S. Department of State.'
Track your application. You'll receive a receipt with tracking number. Check status online at travel.state.gov. Your passport arrives by mail in 6-8 weeks (routine) or 2-3 weeks (expedited).

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?: No. You must provide a certified copy issued by the vital records office, not a photocopy or hospital-issued certificate.
What if I need my passport faster than 2-3 weeks?: Contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for emergency appointments. You need proof of international travel within 14 days or urgent family emergency abroad.
Can I take my own passport photo?: Yes, but it must meet strict requirements: 2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months, no glasses, neutral expression. Professional photos at pharmacies are worth the $15-20 to avoid rejection.
Do I need both parents present if applying for a child?: For children under 16, both parents must appear or provide notarized consent. One parent can apply alone with a notarized DS-3053 consent form from the absent parent.
What if my name on documents doesn't match?: All documents must show the same name or you need legal name change documentation. If your driver's license shows a different name than your birth certificate, bring marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.