Are you hoping to travel internationally and you’re not sure how to get a US passport? We’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you apply for (or renew) your United States passport.
Let’s talk passports! What is it, and why do you need one? Oxford Languages defines passport as, “an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries.”
In essence, a passport is a document proving who you are, where you are from, and allowing you to travel to and from foreign countries. It also gives you diplomatic help and advice while you are overseas.
So, whether you are planning on taking a Caribbean cruise, heading to an all-inclusive resort, visiting some of the best places in Portugal, or seeing where else your wanderlust takes you, you will need a passport. Keep reading to see exactly what you need to do to get a US passport.
Step #1 – Fill out or download your form
The very first thing you need to do is decide which form you need and then fill it out.
If you are applying as an adult for the first time, are applying for a child under the age of 16, or it has been more than 15 years since you last had a passport, you will need form DS-11.
If you are renewing your passport, you will need form DS-82.
You can either print the form at home and fill it in by hand, fill the form out online and then print it (make sure not to hand write anything in after you print it if you filled it in online!), or pick up a form from your local post office and fill it in. Carefully read the instructions and follow them precisely.
Step #2 – Provide proof of citizenship
Along with your completed application, in order to apply you must provide proof of citizenship with any one of the following:
- Certified full-length birth certificate (no short forms)
- An undamaged expired US Passport
- A certificate of citizenship
- A certificate of naturalization
- A consular report of birth abroad
Whichever of these original documents you present, you must also make a black and white, single-sided photocopy on 8 1/2″ x 11″ white paper.
Step #3 – Prove your identity
You will need to provide proof that you are who you say you are, with one of the following:
- An undamaged US Passport (can be expired)
- A current state driver’s license
- A government employee ID
- A military or military dependent ID
- A certificate of naturalization
- A certificate of citizenship
- A permanent resident card
- A trusted traveler ID
You must also submit a photocopy of the front and back of whichever form of ID you choose, again, in black and white, on single-sided regular white 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper.
Step #4 – Take your photo
There are very specific parameters for passport photos. Certain Post Offices have the ability to take your passport photo for you during your application appointment.
I strongly recommend having them do that, or going to a Walgreens for them to take it for you. Save yourself the hassle (and the time!) of needing to redo your entire appointment, and have a qualified professional take your passport photo.
Step #5 – Calculate your fees
As of 2023, a US passport for ages 16+ costs $165. That includes $130 for the passport book, and $35 for the Acceptance fee. A US passport for ages 15 and under costs $135 in total- $100 for the application and $35 for the acceptance fee. To expedite your application processing, you can pay an additional $60 per application.
Processing times vary throughout the year but can range from 4-16 weeks. Expedited applications usually significantly reduce processing time but still can take upwards of 4-6 weeks. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before any intended trips. We recommend applying for your passport at least 4-6 months in advance.
Step #6 – Submit your completed application
You must submit your completed application, along with all relevant documentation, in person at a passport acceptance facility. Click that link to make your appointment. You can narrow your search by city/state, zip code, or just state. There is also the ability to include facilities with handicap access, and photo on-site or nearby.
Note: If applying for a child, both parents or guardians need to be present. There are exceptions to this, (for example, you have sole custody, you cannot locate the other parent, etc) but documentation must be provided as proof.
And that’s it! You’ll be able to track your application status online beginning about a week or two after you send in your application.
Happy Travels! For an idea for your next vacation check out our International Travel page, and don’t forget to subscribe!
