How To Complete Your
Passport Application

Passport application forms are the first step in receiving undeniable identification to travel abroad. Because a passport proves not only who you are, but what country you are legally from, your request for documentation must be completed accurately and thoroughly without exception.

Which Passport Application Do You Need?

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Application For A U.S. Passport (DS-11)

All first-time applicants, minors (under 16 years old), and applicants who are not eligible to use the DS-82 form should submit the DS-11.

Pro Tip: All DS-11 applications MUST be signed submitted in-person in front of acceptance agent. An acceptance agent can be (1) a clerk of a federal or state court of record or a judge or clerk of a probate court accepting applications; (2) a designated municipal or county official; (3) a designated postal employee at an authorized post office; (4) an agent at a passport agency (by appointment only); (5) or a U.S. consular official at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, if abroad.

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U.S. Passport Corrections Application (DS-5504)

If you have changed your name less than one year since receiving your most recent U.S. passport was issued and your U.S. passport is less than one year old, you should apply for a renewed passport using the DS-5504. You should also use this application form if your identifying information in your most recent U.S. passport was printed incorrectly.

Pro Tip: Your application must be completed in clear, legible black ink. We recommend filling out the forms online and printing, ensuring that your application is easy to read and able to be processed quickly. Cross-outs, white-out, or other extraneous marks are prohibited, and can result in the delay or denial of your application.

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U.S. Passport Renewal Application (DS-82)

To renew your passport using the DS-82, you must be able to submit your most recent U.S. passport book and/or U.S. passport card with this application. You are required to have been at least 16 years old when your most recent U.S. passport was issued. The issuing date of your most recent U.S. passport must have been less than 15 years ago. The U.S. passport book and/or U.S. passport card that will be renewed must have not been mutilated, damaged, lost, stolen or subsequently found. Your name is required to match your most recent U.S. passport, unless your name was changed by marriage or court order and you are able to submit certified documentation to reflect the change.

Do You Need An Additional Passport Form?

In some circumstances, additional forms are required. Your passport application should include an additional form, if you must make a statement:
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Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport (DS-64)

A U.S. citizen may not possess more than one valid U.S. passport book and/or card. If you are applying for a new U.S. passport and your previous U.S. passport cannot be presented, a statement regarding the lost or stolen identification materials is required. All provided information is used to prevent the misuse of all reported lost or stolen passports.
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Describing Exigent/Special Family Circumstances (DS-5525)

If the notarized, written consent of a parent or legal guardian with custody of the minor applicant cannot be obtained, you must complete and submit the DS-5525. You are required to include the reason why you cannot obtain the notarized statement of consent and justify the exigent or special family circumstances that make parent/guardian consent unobtainable.
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Declaring Non-Receipt of a U.S. Passport (DS-86)

From the date that your passport is issued, you have 90 days to report that you have not yet received it in the mail. If you do not report the non-receipt of your U.S. passport document(s) within the specified window, you will be required to reapply and pay the passport fee again. Submit Secondary Evidence of Identification Form Needed: DS-71 (Available at your local Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency.) If you cannot present primary identification, you must either submit a combination of documents that can be used to verify your identity or present a person who can swear to your identity. If you choose to present a an identifying witness, you must fill out Form DS-71. The witness must (1) be present at the time of application, (2) have known you for at least 2 years, (3) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and (4) have primary valid ID.
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Providing Consent (DS-3053)

This form is used when a minor under the age of 16 applies for a passport and one of the minor's parents or legal guardians is unavailable. A completed and notarized DS-3053 is used as the statement of consent.
In addition to the DS-3035 form, you will also need to submit (1) a certified order of a court of competent jurisdiction granting guardianship to the institution/entity (photocopies are not acceptable), (2) a signed statement from the institution/entity on letterhead authorizing a specific person to apply for a passport for the child on its behalf, and (3) a photocopy of employee identification documents proving the person applying for the minor's passport works at the institution/entity.

Is Your Passport Application Complete?

All proper paperwork and documents must be included at the time submission. If your passport application is incomplete, your request will not be processed. Before sending, confirm that you have included in your envelope:

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship:

    Most often this will be a certified birth certificate, including your full name, date and place of birth, gender, date the birth record was filed, the seal or other certification, and the full names of your parent(s). Passport Services may ask you to provide additional evidence to establish your claim to U.S. citizenship, if needed.

  • Proof Of Identity:

    Passport services requires that you submit a previous or current U.S. passport book; previous or current U.S. passport card; driver's license, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, military identification, or federal, state, or municipal government employee identification card. Temporary or altered documents are not accepted. For example, while a driver's license may be used as proof of identity, a learner's permit is unacceptable. Passport Services may ask you to provide additional evidence to establish your identity, if needed.

  • Recent Color Photograph:

    Photograph must meet passport requirements: full front view of the face and 2x2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. The size of the head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The photograph should be recent, meaning it was taken within six months of submitting your application. The image should reflect your current appearance.You cannot wear glasses, hats, head coverings (unless worn daily for religious purposes), wireless hands-free devices, and/or headphones. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application. The image must have a white or off-white background, and be printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper in full color. The applicant is required to have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open in the photo.

    Pro Tip: If you feel unsure compiling your passport application, a trusted private passport expeditor can guide you through the process. The best way to avoid rejection or suspension of your request is to submit a complete and correct application.

  • Fees:

    Fees vary by the type of passport application. Expedited services and Priority Mail Express Delivery require additional fees.

    Payment methods vary by service. If you are applying for a passport at a Passport Acceptance Facility or by mail, checks (personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's) and money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State" are accepted. If you are applying at a Passport Agency, there are more payment options. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards, prepaid credit card or gift cards displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo are all accepted. Checks and money orders made payable to "U.S. Department of State"

  • Travel Itinerary:

    When planning travel abroad, having the full list of countries you are visiting and your dates of travel is essential to ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork to enter each country you wish to visit. Many countries require travelers to obtain a visa issued by the embassy of the country. In this situation, travelers must learn about visa requirements by country before their departure.

    Pro Tip: To find country specific travel information (link:https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html), visit the U.S. State Department website. If you are traveling to multiple countries, the visas application processes can be a hassle. We recommend working with a trusted private passport and visas expeditor to make certain your documents are complete and correct.

How Should I Process My Completed Application?

Obtaining a new US passport can be a tricky and convoluted process. Generally speaking, there are 4 ways a US citizen can go about processing a new passport:

  • Expedited Processing via Private Third Party

    A registered third party courier service with the US Department of State (link: https://www.passportsandvisas.com/passport) can process any type of passport within 24 hours. Each applicant is guided by a team of passport experts through the required documents and procedures for obtaining a passport. The third party will then hand carry your documents directly to the US Department of State (Passport Agency) for expedited processing (Processing times range from 1 business day to 12 business days).

    From dedicated personal account managers to online access and automated email status updates, there are many benefits to working with a nationally recognized trusted service. Best of all, third party services are the easiest way to avoid Passport Agency wait times.

  • Expedited Processing via In-Person Appearance with Local Passport Agency

    You may work with a local Passport Acceptance Facility to expedite your passport. When you expedite a passport through an Acceptance Facility, processing time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks depending on where you live and the time of year that you are applying. During peak season, January-August, is it not uncommon for processing times to exceed the 4 week time frame. (Note: For Adult Passport Renewals/Name Change ONLY you may MAIL IN your application materials to the processing centerv address listed at the bottom of your passport renewal (DS-82 form) application form.) Once an application has been submitted through an Acceptance Facility or Mail-In method, any application suspensions and/or rejections will be communicated to the applicant via email or mail and may delay the process.

  • Expedited Processing via Acceptance Facility or Mail-In

    You may work with a local Passport Acceptance Facility to expedite your passport. Processing time for processing a passport through Routine service with an Acceptance Facility typically ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on where you live and the time of year that you are applying. During peak season, January-August, is it not uncommon for processing times to exceed the 8 week time frame. (Note: For Adult Passport Renewals/Name Change ONLY you may MAIL IN your application materials to the processing center address listed at the bottom of your passport renewal (DS-82 form) application form.) Once an application has been submitted through an Acceptance Facility or Mail-In method, any application suspensions and/or rejections will be communicated to the applicant via email or mail and may delay the process.

  • Standard/Routine Processing via Acceptance Facility or Mail-In

    You may make an appointment and a personal appearance with your local Passport Agency. Processing time for this method is generally 5 business days and is based on need. Restrictions often apply when expediting a passport directly through a Passport Agency. All application materials must be completed by the applicant prior to the scheduled appointment.

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