Passports are only issued to United States citizens. The passport application process in Delaware, as in most states, is not a difficult one, as long as you can prove your citizenship and identity. You can apply for a passport online, by mail or in person. However, if you are applying for a passport for the first time, or if you have any questions regarding the process, you should apply at a designated acceptance facility. Just bring your proof of citizenship, passport photographs and identification papers to a facility closest to you, usually your local post office.

Provide your proof of citizenship. All citizens born in the United States are required to submit a copy of their birth certificate. Citizens born outside of the United States will need to provide their certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, proof of citizenship of their parents or report of birth abroad.

Provide your proof of identity. You must submit items that show your signature and physical description and photograph. Valid forms of identification include your driver's license, certificate of citizenship, certificate of naturalization, military identification or federal, state or municipal government employee identification card.

Obtain proper passport photos. You must have two identical 2 in. x 2 in. color photographs. You must be wearing regular attire, positioned in front of a white background and the photo must have been taken within six months of the passport application. Passport photos can be obtained at different places, including photo studios, many of the large drugstore chains, such as Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and at some of the designated acceptance facilities and post offices.

Fill out the passport application form. The application for a U.S. passport (Form DS-11) is available for download on the U.S. Passport Service Guide website, at public libraries and at post offices. You will need to provide your social security number, current address, current travel plans, emergency contact information and any data pertaining to any passport book or card currently or formerly held in your possession.

Submit the application form, supporting documentation, photos and fees to one of Delaware's designated acceptance facilities. The passport application can be submitted in person to one of the following acceptance agents: a clerk of a federal or state court, judge or clerk of a probate court, designated state, county, township or municipal official or any authorized post office employee.

Tip

  • A passports is valid for 10 years after it is issued.

    Most designated acceptance facilities accept payment via checks (personal, certified, traveler’s, cashier's, bank draft), major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover) and money order (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange).

    The application fee should be made payable to the "U.S. Department of State."

Tip

  • You cannot use a temporary or learner’s license for your proof of identity.

    You will be charged an execution fee for processing your application at the designated acceptance facility by the Department of State. (This fee will be paid separately and should be made payable to the acceptance facility.)

    Some designated acceptance facilities do not accept credit cards.

    Provide a copy of your marriage certificate or court order if your current name is different from the one on your most recent passport or driver's license.

About the Author

Venus Day is an engineer, professional mermaid, philanthropist and founder of the Ambassadorial Society of America, and writer ("Pageantry Magazine, "Turn for the Judges," eHow) since 2001. With degrees in computer applications and economics from the University of Notre Dame, she has travelled extensively all over the world for her foundation and federal agencies providing technology, health care and environmental solutions.

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