How to Get U.S. Passports

A U.S. passport can take you almost anywhere in the world.

Applying for a United States passport can be accomplished by almost any United States citizen. This means natural-born and naturalized citizens alike can enjoy traveling freely to more than 36 countries worldwide. Unfortunately, one factor all applicants must take into account is the wait time for the processing of a passport, which takes weeks. Applicants should apply for the passport weeks ahead of the departure date to ensure it's received in time.

Things You'll Need

• Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship
• One passport photograph
• Government-issued identification
• Fee

Instructions

1. 

   The application lists what's necessary for obtaining a passport.

   Obtain an application for a United States passport from an authorized passport agency, or print a copy of the application from the Travel.State.Gov website. Complete the passport application, but don't sign it until you're in the presence of an authorized acceptance agent. Gather the necessary evidence, listed on the application, to prove your citizenship.

2. 

   Proof of citizenship is necessary to obtain a U.S. passport.

   Select one of the following documents as proof of your citizenship: previously issued, undamaged passport; signed and notarized birth certificate; report from a consulate confirming your birth abroad; official certification of birth-naturalization certificate; naturalization certificate; or certificate of citizenship. Make a copy of your selected primary evidence to keep for yourself because you must temporarily surrender the original copy when you submit your application.

3. 

   Make sure your passport photograph meets the necessary requirements.

   Take a head shot of yourself or visit a local drug store or super center that offers a passport photograph service (some U.S. post offices also take photos). Stand in front of a plain white or off-white background when taking the picture. Face the camera head-on, maintain a neutral expression and ensure your eyes remain open. Don't take the photograph while you're wearing anything that could conceal your identity. If you wear prescription glasses, lower the glasses or take them off to reduce or diminish glare. Once taken, resize the image so that the photograph is only 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm by 51mm).

4. 

   All you have to do now is wait for your passport.

   Visit an authorized passport acceptance facility. Bring your application, citizenship evidence and photograph with you, as well as current government-issued identification. Sign the application in front of the acceptance agent and submit all documentation you've gathered for the application. Pay the passport processing fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Minors applying for a passport must also include information such as parental consent and photocopies of the parent's or guardian's government identification to apply for a passport.

• Authorized passport agencies are usually found in government facilities, such as the post office or the clerk of court's office.

• If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, don't have to remove it for your passport photograph.

• Any original document submitted will be returned to you either with your new passport or in a separate package. Ensure your address is up to date so you'll be able to receive all of your documentation.

• If you cannot submit any of the primary evidence documents listed, Travel.State.Gov has a list of secondary documents that are acceptable.

• If you apply for a passport in a different state than your home state, you must present a second form of identification. It must include the following: your photograph, full name, birth date and date of issuance of document.

• If the applicant is in the process of, or has completed, a gender transition, there are extra steps that must be followed to obtain a United States passport.

• Don't attach the photograph to the application; simply submit it with your other documents to the acceptance agent.

References

• Travel.State.Gov: First Time Applicants
• Travel.State.Gov: Minors Under Age 16
• Travel.State.Gov: Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Resources

• Travel.State.Gov: Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
• Travel.State.Gov: Identification Requirements for Gender Reassignment Applicants