Need to get your US passport? Here's the ultimate guide to getting your US passport. THe post includes a step-by-step guide to applying for a fist time US passport?
Are you eligible to get a US passport?
To be eligible to get a US passport, you must:- Be a US citizen
- Prove this with an orginal or certified birth certificate
- Have a government-issued ID, like a driver's license
How do you apply to get a US passport?
To get a US passport you must:- Get a recent photo of yourself. The photo must meet the US Department of State requirements
- Fill our US Department of State form DS-11
- Visit a Passport Acceptance facility, such as a Post Office. You can make an appointment at most post offices
- Show documents and be verified by a Post Office employee
- Submit forms and photo and pay fees by debit card
After you submit the forms at the post office, your new passport application will be mailed to a US Passport Agency. The regular processing time to get a new passport is 6-8 weeks. The expedited processing time is 2-3 weeks.
What are the fees to getting a US passport?
The fees for getting a US passport are as follows:- Regular passport book processing is $110
- If you want to expedited the processing, it's an additional $60
- If you also want to get a passport book, it's an additional $30
- These fees must be paid by check or money order made out to the US Department of State
- You can get a money order at your local post office
- For a new passport, you must pay an additional $35 directly to the Passport Acceptance facility, such as the post office.
After you submit the forms at the post office, your new passport application will be mailed to a US Passport Agency. The regular processing time to get a new passport is 6-8 weeks. The expedited processing time is 2-3 weeks.
What if I need my new passort in a few days?
It is possible to get your new passport within a few days. You have two options:- You can go to a US Post Office, following the above steps, and then ask them to do a "Hand Carry" to a Passport Acceptance facility. They will seal an envelope and then you will have to go to a Passport Acceptance Facility with the envelope. Since it's hand-sealed a third-party can also do this for you.
- Alternatively, you can do directly to a US Passport Facility. Most major US cities have in-person passport facilities
- You should prepared to bring either proof of travel or proof of a life or death emergency.
What if I lost my passport?
If you lost your US passport:- You'll need to do the same process for a new passport, including filling out form DS-11
- You'll also need to fill out a Lost Passport Form, either online or in-person
What if I was under 16 when my last passport was issued?
If you were under 16 when your last US passport was issued:- You'll need to do the same process for a new passport, including filling out form DS-11
What if my passport was issued more than 15 years ago?
If your US passport was issued more than 15 years ago:- You'll need to do the same process for a new passport, including filling out form DS-11
What if my passport was issued more than 15 years ago?
If your US passport was issued more than 15 years ago:- You'll need to do the same process for a new passport, including filling out form DS-11
Can I just renew my existing US passport?
You can renew your existing US passport if:- You have your US passport in your possession
- It is in good condition
- It was issued within the last 15 years
- You were over 16 when it was issued
See our
ultimate guide to renewing your US passport