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Most first time passport applications start with Form DS-11. This form can be found at the U.S. Department of State's website and can be filled in online or printed and completed by hand. Form DS-11 requires personal information such as name, address, physical identifiers, height and date of birth. It also requires the applicant to provide a contact in case of emergency, parental information and your spouse's information, if applicable.
Travelers renewing their passports complete Form DS-82. The application process is slightly different but the wait times for regular and expedited service are similar to a first time applicant. -
Submit first time applications in person. An applicant must bring Form DS-11 (completed but unsigned) to a local acceptance facility or passport agency. Call ahead to a passport agency to schedule an appointment to submit an application. The U.S. Department of State provides a link on its website to find the closest agency. In addition to Form DS-11, bring evidence of U.S. citizenship, primary identification, a photocopy of the primary identification, payment for the application fees and two color passport photos.
Applicants renewing a passport mail Form DS-82 in a padded envelope along with the current U.S. passport, two passport photos, and a check for application fees. If your current name is different than what is recorded on the passport, include a copy of a marriage license or court order. -
Those applicants who need their passports expedited can pay additional fees. This decreases the application turnaround time to between two and three weeks. As of July 2009, passport applications can be expedited for an additional $60 per application. Overnight mail delivery is also recommended. Include an additional fee of $14.85 to have your passport returned to you through overnight mail delivery.
Renewal applicants should include the same additional fees as first time applicants to expedite their applications. Mark the word "EXPEDITE" clearly on the outside of the envelope when sending the renewal application materials.
Application fees and fees to expedite service may increase or decrease over time. Confirm the fees required with the U.S. Department of State before submitting your application.
Contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 if you need a passport in less than two weeks for international travel or within four weeks to obtain a foreign visa.
