What Are the US Citizen Passport Requirements?

All US citizens who travel by air in and out of the United States must have a passport. By June 1, 2009 all US citizens who enter at land borders and seaports from Canada, Mexico, the Carribean and Bermuda will have to have a passport or passport card. National security now demands this documentation for international travel.

Requirements

You must fill out application form DS-11 at an acceptance or passport agency. This requires that you submit proof of citizenship, give proper ID, pay the fee and provide two passport photos. Minors must also establish parental or guardian consent.

Fees

The fees are currently $75 for a passport for applicants 16 and older; minors under 16 pay $20. Applicants 18 and over also pay an agency fee to the agency where they applied for the passport (usually $25).

Time Frame

It takes 4 to 6 weeks to process a passport application. To expedite the process, an extra fee can be paid and the application will be processed in 2 to 3 weeks.

Evidence of Citizenship

Evidence of citizenship is one of the following: previously issued undamaged US passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or certification of birth, naturalization certificate and certificate of citizenship.

Proper Identification

Proper ID is one of the following: previously issued US passport, naturalization certificate, valid driver's license, current government ID (city, state, federal) and current military ID (military and dependents).

Resources

• U.S. Department of State