How to Apply for a U.S. Passport: Step-by-Step Guide
The U.S. passport is one of the most powerful travel documents in the world. With it, American citizens and nationals can enter the majority of countries without the hassle of lengthy visa processes, and while abroad, it serves as a vital form of protection and identification. If you are considering applying for your first U.S. passport, this guide will walk you step-by-step through the process, eligibility, required documents, fees, and photo guidelines.
Who Is Eligible for a U.S. Passport?
Only U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals can obtain a U.S. passport. A U.S. national refers to individuals born in American Samoa or Swain’s Island.
If you are not currently a U.S. citizen, you must first complete the naturalization process. Once naturalization is approved, you will immediately become eligible to apply for a passport.
Step 1: Completing Form DS-11 – Application for a U.S. Passport
For first-time applicants, the required form is DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport). The application requests important information, including:
- Full legal name and biographical details
- Social Security Number
- Current address, phone, and email
- Details of any prior name changes
- Parental information
- Marital history
- Employment or school details (if applicable)
- Travel plans (if available)
- Emergency contact information
Important: Do not sign the application until instructed by the passport acceptance agent. The U.S. Department of State also provides an online form-filler tool for convenience.
Step 2: Collecting Required Documents
When submitting your DS-11, you must also provide specific supporting documentation:
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- Primary evidence includes:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- U.S. birth certificate
- Secondary evidence (if primary evidence is unavailable):
- Delayed birth certificate signed by parents or an attendant
- Letter of No Record issued by a state registrar, confirming no birth record exists
- Delayed birth certificate signed by parents or an attendant
- Along with secondary evidence, applicants must also provide early public records such as:
- Hospital birth certificate with baby footprints
- Baptism certificate
- Census, school, or medical records
- Hospital birth certificate with baby footprints
Children who derived citizenship through a parent’s naturalization must submit a foreign birth certificate, the parent’s Certificate of Naturalization, and a copy of their green card.
Proof of Identification
Applicants 18 and older must present valid photo identification plus a photocopy. Acceptable IDs include:
- State driver’s license
- U.S. military ID
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Government employee ID
- Green card
- Valid foreign passport
If no primary ID is available, at least two secondary IDs (e.g., student ID, work ID, voter registration card, Social Security card, or expired driver’s license) must be submitted.
Step 3: Passport Photo Requirements
The passport photo is one of the most common reasons for application delays. To avoid rejection, make sure your photo meets all requirements:
- Taken within the last 6 months
- White background with no shadows
- Neutral facial expression, eyes open
- No glasses, hats, or headgear (unless for religious or medical reasons, with proper documentation)
- Size: 2” x 2” printed on matte or glossy photo paper
- Head size must measure between 1” and 1 3/8” and be centered
- No digital alterations allowed
If you wear religious or medical head coverings, you must provide a signed statement confirming daily use. However, your full face and hairline must remain visible.
Tip: To avoid technical rejections, it is highly recommended to use a professional passport photo service.
Step 4: U.S. Passport Fees
For first-time applicants, the total cost is $145, broken down as follows:
- Application Fee (DS-11): $110, payable to the U.S. State Department
- Execution Fee: $35, payable to the acceptance facility
Additional fees may apply for expedited processing, overnight delivery, or special handling.
Why Work With Immigration Attorneys at Green Card Link?
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide trusted guidance for individuals navigating the U.S. immigration process. Whether you are applying for your first passport after naturalization, renewing an expired one, or exploring travel documentation for your family, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help ensure every step is completed accurately and efficiently.
A properly filed passport application saves time, avoids costly delays, and ensures you are travel-ready when opportunities arise.
How to Get a U.S. Passport for Your Child
Applying for a U.S. passport for a child is a process the government takes very seriously to protect minors and ensure proper parental consent. The U.S. Department of State requires both parents or legal guardians to provide approval before a passport is issued to a child under 16. In most cases, both parents must be present at the time of the application.
Passport Application Requirements for Minors Under 16
The process for a child’s passport is similar to that of an adult. Parents must complete the DS-11 application form and provide evidence of the child’s U.S. citizenship along with acceptable identification. However, unlike adults, parents must also submit documents proving their parental relationship to the child. Both parents need to bring original and photocopies of valid photo identification when submitting the application.
Passport photos must meet the same standards as those for adults. For infants, it is acceptable to place the baby on a white background, such as a sheet on the floor, when taking the picture.
Passport Fees for Minors
For children under the age of 16, the total cost is $115—this includes an $80 application fee and a $35 execution fee.
Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old follow the same procedure and pay the same fees as adults. However, they must also provide a notarized statement of consent from a parent or guardian unless the parent is physically present during the application.
Where to Submit a U.S. Passport Application
Parents can apply at numerous passport acceptance facilities across the United States, many of which are located in post offices. The U.S. Department of State provides a Passport Acceptance Facility Search tool, allowing applicants to find the nearest location by entering their zip code.
Processing Times for a U.S. Passport Application
Currently, the average processing time for a standard U.S. passport is 10–12 weeks.
Expedited U.S. Passport Services
If you need your passport faster—within 4 to 6 weeks—you can request expedited processing at any passport acceptance facility within the U.S. An additional $60 fee is required.
Urgent Processing in 3 Business Days
For travel within the next 4 weeks, it may be possible to receive a passport in as little as 3 business days by booking an appointment at a passport agency.
Emergency Passport for Life-or-Death Situations
In life-or-death emergencies involving an immediate family member (parent, child, spouse, guardian, grandparent, or sibling), applicants can have their passport issued within 72 hours. To qualify, you must call 1-877-487-2778 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST) and provide:
- Proof of the emergency (e.g., death certificate, mortuary statement, or a signed hospital letter in English or with translation).
- Proof of immediate international travel related to the emergency.
Tracking Your Passport Application
Applicants can check the status of their passport application online starting 14 days after submission. To use the tracking tool, you will need to provide your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Applying for a Passport From Outside the U.S.
For first-time applicants outside the United States, the procedure is generally the same, but fees and submission locations vary. You must apply through the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card
U.S. Passport Book
The traditional U.S. passport book allows international travel by air, sea, or land and provides full travel privileges worldwide.
U.S. Passport Card
A U.S. passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized identification card. While convenient, it has limited use and cannot be used for international air travel. It is valid only for land and sea crossings from the following regions:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Bermuda
- The Caribbean
The fee for a passport card is $65.
How Green Card Link Can Help
It’s important to note that only U.S. citizens are eligible for a U.S. passport. If you are not yet a citizen but wish to begin the process of naturalization, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can guide you through every step. From citizenship applications to understanding your legal options, the team at Green Card Link is committed to helping families secure their future in the United States.
Get started today by contacting Green Card Link to discuss your citizenship and immigration needs with a trusted immigration attorney.