How to Get a Passport: 9 Easy Steps Complete Guide

Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation in the Caribbean or a backpacking adventure through Europe, a valid passport is your key to exploring beyond U.S. borders. If you’re new to the process or simply need a refresher, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to get a U.S. passport with ease.

1. Know Which Passport You Need

• Passport Book
  This is the traditional passport that allows you to travel by air, land, or sea to any international destination.
• Passport Card
  Less expensive than the book, but it’s only valid for land and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. If you plan to fly internationally, you’ll still need the passport book.

2. Determine If You’re a First-Time Applicant or Renewing

1. First-Time Applicant
   If this is your very first passport, or if your previous passport was issued before you turned 16 or is significantly damaged, you must apply in person. You’ll fill out the DS-11 form.
2. Passport Renewal
   If you already have a passport issued when you were 16 or older, and it’s still in good shape (undamaged), you can often renew by mail. You’ll fill out the DS-82 form.

3. Gather Your Documents

For First-Time Applicants or In-Person Renewals:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship
  An original or certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.
  If you cannot submit one of these documents, go to Citizenship Evidence page for more information.
  
• Valid Photo ID
  Bring a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it. If your photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID. 
  
  You must show at least one of these photo IDs:
  
• Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card 
• In-state, fully valid driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license with photo
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship 
• Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
• U.S. military or military dependent ID
• Current (valid) foreign passport
• Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular ID) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) used by a parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant
• Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI, and NEXUS cards)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
• Note: you may need to show another ID when presenting one of these documents:
  • In-state, fully-valid learner’s permit with photo,
  • In-state, fully-valid non-driver ID with photo,
  • Temporary driver’s license with photo, or
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• If you do not have one of these photo IDs, go to Identification page for more information.
  Tips for making a photocopy:
• Black and white (no color)
• Use 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper
• Use a single side of the paper
  
• Passport Photo
  One 2×2-inch color photo taken within the last six months. Make sure you follow the U.S. Department of State’s guidelines for size, background, and head positioning.
  
• Photocopies
  Bring a photocopy (front and back) of your identification documents on plain, white 8.5×11-inch paper.
  
• Completed Form DS-11 (do not sign it until you’re instructed to do so in person).

4. Fill Out the Correct Application Form

1. Form DS-11 (First-Time Applicant)
   • Print it out from the U.S. Department of State website or get a physical copy at a passport acceptance facility.
   • Fill it out in black ink.
   • Important: Don’t sign the form until you’re told to do so by the acceptance agent in person.
2. Form DS-82 (Renewal by Mail)
   • Download from the U.S. Department of State website.
   • Follow the mailing instructions carefully, including the fee payment methods.

5. Calculate the Fees

The total cost for a new passport book typically includes two parts:

1. Application Acceptance Fee (paid to the acceptance facility in person)
2. Passport Fee (paid to the U.S. Department of State)

When applying using Form DS-11, you will pay two separate fees – an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee. You will pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility which takes your application. 

• Add $60 to your application fee if you want expedited service.
• Add $21.36 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  

Adult Applicants (Age 16 and older):

Product	Form	Application Fee	Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Passport Book	DS-11	$130	$35
Passport Card	DS-11	$30	$35
Passport Book & Card	DS-11	$160	$35

For more information on how to pay and a full list of fees, go to Passport Fees page.

As of this writing, a first-time adult passport (book) is $165 total (application + execution + passport fee). Renewal fees are approximately $130. Prices are subject to change, so always verify on the travel.state.gov website.

Payment Methods:

• In Person: Usually require a check or money order for the passport fee, plus a separate payment method (cash, credit/debit, or money order) for the acceptance fee.
• By Mail: Check or money order only.

6. Submit Your Application

1. Find a Passport Acceptance Facility
   In the United States:
   • Traveling in more than 3 weeks? Go to a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or local government office. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment. 
   • Traveling in less than 3 weeks? Make an appointment to apply at a passport agency or center.
2. In another country:
   • Contact your U.S. embassy or consulate.
     
3. In-Person Steps
   • Bring all required documents and photocopies.
   • Do not sign the form DS-11 until instructed.
   • Pay the required fees (some fees go to the acceptance facility; others must be paid directly to the U.S. Department of State).
4. Renewing by Mail
   • Place your completed DS-82 form, old passport (if required), new photo, and check or money order in a secure envelope.
   • Send it via a trackable delivery method to the address listed on the form.

7. Processing Times and Expedited Service

• Standard Processing
  Typically takes 6–9 weeks, but can vary based on the time of year and application volume.
• Expedited Service
  Costs an additional $60 (plus optional rush shipping). You may receive your passport in 3–5 weeks under normal circumstances. For urgent travel (within 2 weeks), you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency, but availability is limited.

8. Important Tips and Reminders

1. Plan Ahead
   If you’re planning international travel, apply for or renew your passport well in advance—preferably at least 3–6 months before your trip.
2. Photograph Requirements
   Incorrect or blurry photos are a common reason for delays. Make sure you have the right size (2×2 inches) and a white or off-white background.
3. Stay Organized
   Keep all documentation neatly together. You’ll have to submit original or certified documents, so consider making extra copies for your records.
4. Check Your Passport Validity
   Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, so renew early if you’re close to that cutoff.
5. Children’s Passports
   Passports for children under 16 are valid for five years, and both parents (or legal guardians) typically need to be present for in-person applications.

9. After You Apply

You can enroll in email updates about your application status, and learn more about each status update.

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” 

Also, you can watch below You Tube video shared by U.S. Department of State.

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