U.S. Passport Application (First-Time)

ContextThe birth certificate must be a certified government-issued document — not a commemorative hospital copy. A certified birth certificate comes from the vital records office of the state where you were born, bears the official government seal or stamp, carries the registrar's original or stamped signature, and shows the date filed with the registrar's office (which must be within one year of birth). Laminated birth certificates are never accepted because lamination conceals potential alterations. If you only have a hospital-issued birth record or a photocopy, you must order a certified copy from your state's vital records office — search '[state] vital records certified birth certificate order.' Cost: $10–$30 depending on state. Standard mail delivery: 1–4 weeks. If your birth was registered late or you were born at home, the process may involve additional affidavits — contact your state's vital records office directly.

ContextAmericans born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent can establish citizenship via a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, Form FS-240), a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560/N-561), or a prior U.S. passport. Naturalized citizens submit their original Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570). These original documents are returned to you by mail after processing — you do not permanently surrender them. If you were born in a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands), a certified birth certificate from that territory's vital records office serves as your citizenship document.

ContextAccepted IDs include an in-state driver's license or ID card, a valid or expired undamaged U.S. passport book or card, a U.S. military ID, a U.S. government employee ID, or a naturalization certificate. The ID does not need to be REAL ID-compliant (the gold or black star marker) — REAL ID compliance is a requirement for domestic air travel and federal building access, not for passport applications. The photocopy requirement (front and back of the ID on the same sheet of paper) is often overlooked: the agent keeps the copy with the application. If your name on your photo ID differs from your citizenship document due to a legal name change, bring your name change document (certified marriage certificate or court order) as well.

ContextAll of the following must be true simultaneously: the print is 2×2 inches on photo-quality paper (not inkjet on regular paper); your face occupies 50–69% of the total frame height, measured chin to top of head (1 to 1.375 inches); the background is plain white or off-white with no shadows, objects, or patterns; your expression is neutral with your mouth closed; your eyes are open, clearly visible, and directed at the camera; eyeglasses are removed (prohibited since 2016, with no exceptions unless you have a medical waiver from a licensed physician on letterhead); no hats or head coverings except for documented, sincerely held religious beliefs (requires a signed statement); no filters or digital alterations. The photo must reflect your current appearance — if you've significantly changed your hair color, grown a beard, or had surgery, use a current photo.

ContextProfessional services cost $10–$20 and produce two compliant prints (submit one, keep one as a backup). The technician handles background, lighting, composition, and sizing. For DIY digital submissions: apps like the CVS Photo app or Passport Photo Maker can work if your lighting is controlled and your background is genuinely white — but the most common DIY failures are off-white walls photographed to look white, shadows on the background, glasses left on, or face proportion outside the 50–69% requirement. A rejected photo at the acceptance facility means you leave without submitting, need to find a photo service, and potentially rebook an appointment — a $15 professional photo is the cheapest insurance in this entire process.

ContextCurrent fees (2026 — always verify at travel.state.gov before applying, as Congress authorizes changes): Passport book (adults 16+): $130. Passport card (adults 16+): $30. Both book and card on one application: $160. Minors under 16: $100 for book, $15 for card. This payment must be a check (personal, cashier's, or certified) or a money order — no cash, no credit or debit cards, no digital payments for this federal fee. Make it payable to 'U.S. Department of State' — do not abbreviate. If you are applying by mail (renewal only, not first-time), include the check or money order with your mailed application packet.

ContextThe execution fee ($35 as of 2026) covers the facility's service: witnessing your DS-11 signature as a legal oath, reviewing your documents for completeness, and transmitting your application. Payment methods for this fee vary by facility — most accept credit cards, cash, and money orders; a minority accept only cash or money order. Call or check the facility's website before your appointment. Bringing cash as a backup is always safe. The execution fee is non-refundable — even if your application is later rejected by the State Department after submission.

ContextFind facilities and appointment availability at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Not all U.S. Post Offices offer passport acceptance — only designated locations do. Other acceptance facilities include county clerk offices, public libraries, and municipal courts. Peak demand runs from January through late summer (spring break and summer vacation planning season). During peak season, appointment slots at busy facilities can be booked 2–6 weeks out. Off-peak (September–December): usually available within 1–2 weeks. If you are in a rural area with limited facilities, factor in the drive and confirm the facility's accepted payment methods and document requirements before traveling.

ContextRoutine processing: 4–6 weeks from the date your application is received by the State Department (not the date you apply at the facility). Expedited processing (add Form DS-11's expedite checkbox and an additional $60 check/money order, also to 'U.S. Department of State'): approximately 2–3 weeks currently. Neither timeline includes mailing time to and from the State Department. You can also add State Department expedited return delivery ($22.05 as of 2026 — verify at travel.state.gov) for your new passport book. For travel within 14 calendar days: routine and expedited processing are too slow — you need an emergency appointment at a U.S. Department of State Passport Agency or Center (not an acceptance facility). Same-day and next-day appointments require documented proof of imminent international travel (confirmed itinerary showing departure date).

ContextThe online tracker may show 'Not Available' until your application reaches a passport agency or center, which can take up to 2 weeks after you apply. Status stages you will see: 'In Process,' 'Approved,' 'Passport Mailed,' and 'Supporting Documents Mailed.' Your original citizenship documents (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, etc.) are mailed back to you separately and may arrive up to four weeks after the passport itself — this is normal. If documents arrive but the passport does not within expected timeframes, or if you see no status update after two weeks, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Status updates by email are available if you provide an email address on your DS-11.