How to Obtain Your First Passport
Gather Necessary Documentation., Obtain a Passport Photo., Fill Out the Appropriate Form., Find Your Local Passport Acceptance Office., Submit Your Form and Documentation., Prepare Payment for the Passport Fee., Wait.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Gather Necessary Documentation.
Before you take any further steps, it is vital that you already have access to all the documents required for obtaining a passport.
You will need proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of Identification.
Proof of citizenship could include a birth certificate, nationalization certificate or proof of U.S. birth abroad.
Proof of identification will typically require a driver’s license, birth certificate, state ID card, military ID card or other such government-issued photo identification. -
Step 2: Obtain a Passport Photo.
A passport photo isn’t just an average photograph.
It has very particular dimensions and requirements.
To make sure you meet the right guidelines, you may want to visit a photo establishment that specializes in these pictures—they are often found in drugstores and photo labs. , In most cases, the form you will fill out to obtain your passport is the DS-11.
This form is available online at the U.S Department of State or you can obtain it from a local passport office—or sometimes at your post office.
No matter where you obtain it, make sure you fill it out clearly, neatly and in ink.
This will assure that your request for a passport is handled expeditiously. , The State Department offers an easy way for you to search for the closest passport office near you.
Additionally, you can call 1-877-487-2778 to find out more information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. , While adult renewals can be handled by mail, those who are obtaining their first passport (and young people who are renewing) will need to turn in their forms and all required proof in-person at a local passport office.
The process may take a few minutes, especially if there is a line.
Make sure you allow enough time for this in your schedule. , Passports are not free.
In fact, the fee can vary depending on whether you want the traditional passport book ($110), or the newer passport card ($30, but has limited use).
This can be paid in cash, by credit or debit card and in some cases by personal check.
If you are concerned, you may wish to call the office ahead of time to make sure they can accept your payment. , The time necessary to obtain a passport can be significant.
It makes sense to do this ahead of time if you are concerned.
It is possible to put a “rush order” on a passport; however, this will be an additional cost and could still take up to two weeks to arrive. -
Step 3: Fill Out the Appropriate Form.
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Step 4: Find Your Local Passport Acceptance Office.
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Step 5: Submit Your Form and Documentation.
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Step 6: Prepare Payment for the Passport Fee.
Detailed Guide
Before you take any further steps, it is vital that you already have access to all the documents required for obtaining a passport.
You will need proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of Identification.
Proof of citizenship could include a birth certificate, nationalization certificate or proof of U.S. birth abroad.
Proof of identification will typically require a driver’s license, birth certificate, state ID card, military ID card or other such government-issued photo identification.
A passport photo isn’t just an average photograph.
It has very particular dimensions and requirements.
To make sure you meet the right guidelines, you may want to visit a photo establishment that specializes in these pictures—they are often found in drugstores and photo labs. , In most cases, the form you will fill out to obtain your passport is the DS-11.
This form is available online at the U.S Department of State or you can obtain it from a local passport office—or sometimes at your post office.
No matter where you obtain it, make sure you fill it out clearly, neatly and in ink.
This will assure that your request for a passport is handled expeditiously. , The State Department offers an easy way for you to search for the closest passport office near you.
Additionally, you can call 1-877-487-2778 to find out more information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. , While adult renewals can be handled by mail, those who are obtaining their first passport (and young people who are renewing) will need to turn in their forms and all required proof in-person at a local passport office.
The process may take a few minutes, especially if there is a line.
Make sure you allow enough time for this in your schedule. , Passports are not free.
In fact, the fee can vary depending on whether you want the traditional passport book ($110), or the newer passport card ($30, but has limited use).
This can be paid in cash, by credit or debit card and in some cases by personal check.
If you are concerned, you may wish to call the office ahead of time to make sure they can accept your payment. , The time necessary to obtain a passport can be significant.
It makes sense to do this ahead of time if you are concerned.
It is possible to put a “rush order” on a passport; however, this will be an additional cost and could still take up to two weeks to arrive.
About the Author
Deborah Nelson
Specializes in breaking down complex lifestyle topics into simple steps.
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