US Passport Applications
You must obtain the appropriate US passport applications and apply in person if this is your first US passport or if any of these other circumstances exist: - You are under age 16 or
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16 or
- Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged or
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago or
- Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change.
US Passport Application Process
Follow these steps to complete your US passport application and receive your passport:- If you would like to complete the application (Form DS-11:) online, go to https://pptform.state.gov/?Submit2=COMPLETE+FORM+DS-11+ONLINE.
You can either complete the application online and then print it. Or you can print out a copy of the application and complete it manually. - Do not sign the application until told to do so by the Acceptance Agent.
- Check with the Acceptance Facility to find out what hours they are open and accepting passport applications.
Just because they are open doesn't necessarily mean they will be accepting applications.- When you apply for your first US passport, you will need to submit evidence of US citizenship. Submit one of the following:
- Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Naturalization Certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship
- You will also need to submit Identification. One of the following is acceptable:
- Naturalization Certificate
- Valid Driver's License
- Current Government ID (city, state or federal)
- Current Military ID (military and dependents)
- You must also submit a photocopy of the identification that you submit.
Follow the directions below carefully: - Photocopy must be on plain white, 8 1/2 x 11" standard paper stock, showing the front and the back of your ID
- Photocopy must contain images on only one-side of each page submitted.
If copies cannot be made on the same side of one page, you may present two separate pages; one displaying the front of the ID and the second displaying the back of the ID. - The paper should be free of other images and/or markings.
- The 8 1/2 x 11" paper size cannot be substituted with a larger or smaller size paper, even if the alternative folds down to the 8 1/2 x 11" size.
- You may enlarge the image of your ID on the 8 1/2 x 11" page, but you may not decrease the size of the image.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Submit 2 passport photos.
Return to Passport Information from US Passport Applications
Return to Top of US Passport Applications
Return to European Travel Tips
|
