How to Get a Passport for the First Time

To get a passport for the first time in the US, you complete Form DS-11, gather proof of citizenship and a photo ID with photocopies, get a compliant passport photo, and apply in person at a passport acceptance facility such as a post office or county office. You pay two separate fees, then wait for the passport to arrive by mail.

This guide walks through each step in order, explains which documents trip people up, and shows how to plan your timeline so the passport arrives well before your trip. Fees and processing times change, so we point you to the official source for current figures. If you are also preparing other paperwork, our international travel checklist of documents to bring covers everything beyond the passport itself.

Key takeaways

First-time adult applicants in the US must apply in person using Form DS-11, not by mail.
Bring original proof of citizenship and a valid photo ID, plus single-sided photocopies of both.
Do not sign the DS-11 until the acceptance agent asks you to.
Expect two payments: one to the US Department of State and one to the acceptance facility.
Apply months before travel, and check current processing times on travel.state.gov.

What do you need to get a passport for the first time?

To get a first US passport, you need a completed but unsigned Form DS-11, original evidence of US citizenship such as a birth certificate, a valid government photo ID, photocopies of both documents, one passport photo that meets the rules, and payment for the application and acceptance fees. You submit everything together in person.

Here is the full list in one view.

Item	What it is	Common problem
Form DS-11	The first-time passport application	Signing it before the appointment
Proof of citizenship	Usually a US birth certificate	Bringing a copy instead of the original
Photo ID	Usually a valid driver’s license	ID from another state without a second ID
Photocopies	Copies of citizenship proof and ID	Double-sided copies are not accepted
Passport photo	One photo meeting official rules	Shadows, glasses or the wrong size
Fees	Application fee and acceptance fee	Paying both to the same place

Who needs to apply in person with Form DS-11?

You must apply in person with Form DS-11 if this is your first US passport, if you are under 16, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, if it was issued more than 15 years ago, or if it was lost, stolen or damaged. Most adults with a recent undamaged passport can renew by mail.

The in-person rule exists because an acceptance agent needs to verify your identity, check your documents and witness your signature. That is why you cannot simply mail a first-time application.

Passport book or passport card?

A passport book is the standard document for international travel by air, land and sea. A passport card is a wallet-sized option that works only for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international flights. Most first-time travelers need the book, and you can apply for both at once.

How do you fill out Form DS-11?

Fill out Form DS-11 using the State Department’s online form filler, then print it single-sided, or print the blank form and complete it by hand in black ink. Answer every question, including your Social Security number, and leave the signature box empty. The acceptance agent will ask you to sign in front of them after taking an oath.

Go to the official US passports website and find the DS-11 form filler.
Enter your details exactly as they appear on your citizenship document and ID.
Add your planned travel date if you have one, which can help with processing.
Print the completed form on single-sided paper.
Check every page for typos, especially your name and date of birth.
Bring the form unsigned to your appointment.

Tip: If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Ask the acceptance facility if you are unsure what to bring.

What counts as proof of US citizenship?

Proof of US citizenship is an original or certified document that shows you are a US citizen. The most common is a US birth certificate that meets State Department requirements. Other accepted documents include a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship. You must also bring a photocopy of it.

Only physical documents are accepted. A digital copy on your phone or a scan will not work. Your original document is sent with the application and returned to you separately, which is normal, so do not be surprised if it arrives in a different envelope.

What if your birth certificate is not accepted?

Some short-form or hospital birth certificates do not meet the requirements. If yours lacks key details, such as your parents’ names or the registrar’s seal, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Do this early, because ordering a replacement can add weeks.

What photo ID do you need for a passport application?

For a passport application, you need a valid, physical government photo ID, most often a driver’s license. You present the original to the acceptance agent and include a photocopy of the front and back. If your ID was issued in a different state from where you are applying, the State Department asks for a second photo ID.

If you do not have a driver’s license, other options can include a state ID card, a military ID or a government employee ID. Check the current list of acceptable IDs on the official passports site before your appointment.

What are the passport photo requirements?

A passport photo must be a recent color photo of you, taken against a plain white or off-white background, at the required size, with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Glasses are not allowed. Hats and head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons with a signed statement. Do not staple the photo to the form.

Many pharmacies, shipping stores and some acceptance facilities take passport photos. You can also take one at home if you follow every rule carefully, but rejected photos are a common reason for delays, so many first-time applicants pay for a professional photo.

Use even lighting with no shadows on your face or the background.
Face the camera directly with your full face in view.
Wear everyday clothing, not a uniform or camouflage.
Remove glasses and headphones.
Make sure the photo is recent and reflects how you look now.

Where do you apply for a passport in person?

You apply for a first passport at a passport acceptance facility, which is often a post office, public library, county clerk or other local government office. Many facilities require an appointment, so check ahead. If you have urgent international travel coming up soon, the State Department runs passport agencies and centers that handle urgent cases by appointment.

Use the acceptance facility search on the official passports website to find locations near you. Call or check online for opening hours, appointment rules, photo services and accepted payment methods for the facility’s own fee.

What happens at the appointment?

At the appointment, the acceptance agent reviews your form and documents, checks your ID, administers an oath and asks you to sign the DS-11. They seal your application and documents in an envelope for mailing to the State Department. Keep your receipt, which you will need to track the application.

How much does a first passport cost and how do you pay?

A first passport involves two separate payments: an application fee paid to the US Department of State and an acceptance fee paid to the facility where you apply. Optional extras include expedited service and faster delivery. Fees change from time to time, so always check the current amounts on travel.state.gov before your appointment.

The application fee is usually paid by check or money order made out to the US Department of State, with your name and date of birth written in the memo line. The acceptance fee is paid separately to the facility, which may accept other payment methods. Bring a checkbook or money order even if you plan to pay the facility another way.

Payment	Paid to	Notes
Application fee	US Department of State	Check or money order, usually
Acceptance fee	The acceptance facility	Methods vary by facility
Expedited service	US Department of State	Optional, faster processing
Faster delivery	Varies	Optional, speeds mailing time

How long does it take to get a passport the first time?

The time to get a first passport depends on current routine or expedited processing times plus mailing time in both directions. The State Department publishes current estimates on its website, and they can change with seasonal demand. A safe approach is to apply several months before any international trip, especially before spring and summer travel seasons.

Remember that processing times usually do not include the time it takes for your application to reach the State Department or for the passport to be mailed back. Build in extra margin for that, and for any request for more information.

How do you track your application?

You can check your application status online through the State Department’s status tool once the application is in its system. You will need your last name, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. It can take some time after your appointment before your application appears.

How do you get a passport for a child under 16?

Children under 16 must apply in person with Form DS-11, and the rules are stricter than for adults. Usually, both parents or legal guardians must give consent, often by appearing together. If one parent cannot attend, a notarized statement of consent form is typically required. You also need proof of the parent relationship, such as a birth certificate.

Passports for children under 16 are generally valid for a shorter period than adult passports, so check the expiry date before each trip. The State Department has separate guidance for teens aged 16 and 17, so read the official instructions for your child’s age group.

What are common mistakes when applying for a first passport?

Common mistakes when applying for a first passport include signing Form DS-11 too early, bringing photocopies printed on both sides, submitting a photo that breaks the rules, bringing a birth certificate that does not meet requirements, paying both fees to the same place and applying too close to the trip. Each one can cause delays.

Waiting until a trip is booked. Apply as soon as you think you might travel internationally.
Forgetting about the destination’s rules. Some countries require your passport to be valid for months beyond your stay. Our guide on how to check visa requirements before you travel explains how to confirm entry rules.
Booking nonrefundable trips before the passport arrives. If you must book, choose flexible options. Our explainer on travel insurance and what it covers can help you understand cancellation protection.
Not keeping copies. Once the passport arrives, store a photo or copy separately from the original.

What should you do when your passport arrives?

When your new passport arrives, sign it right away in the signature box, check that every detail is correct, and store it somewhere safe and dry. Make a copy or photo of the data page and keep it separately. Your citizenship document will be returned in a separate mailing, so watch for that envelope too.

Note the expiration date in your calendar. Adult passports are generally valid for ten years, and many countries refuse entry if your passport is close to expiring. With your passport in hand, you can move on to the rest of your planning. Our guide on how to plan a trip step by step is a good next step.

A note for UK, Canada and Australia readers

The process is different outside the US. UK residents usually apply online through GOV.UK, Canadian residents apply through the Government of Canada at canada.ca, and Australians apply through the Australian Passport Office. Each country sets its own documents, photo rules, fees and timelines, so follow your official government site.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for my first passport online?

In the US, first-time applicants cannot apply fully online. You must apply in person with Form DS-11 so an acceptance agent can verify your identity and witness your signature. You can fill out the form online using the official form filler, then print it and bring it unsigned to your appointment at an acceptance facility.

Do I need an appointment to apply for a passport?

Many acceptance facilities require an appointment, while some accept walk-ins at set times. Check the specific facility before you go, because rules vary by location. If you have urgent international travel coming up very soon, the State Department’s passport agencies and centers handle urgent cases, but they also require an appointment.

Will I get my birth certificate back?

Yes. Your original citizenship document, such as a birth certificate, is sent with your application and returned to you by mail. It usually arrives separately from your new passport, sometimes several days apart. Keep an eye on your mail, and contact the State Department if your document does not arrive within a reasonable time.

What if I need a passport quickly?

If you need a passport quickly, you can pay for expedited service and faster delivery when you apply. For urgent international travel, you may qualify for an appointment at a passport agency or center. Check the current options and eligibility rules on travel.state.gov, and bring proof of your upcoming travel if you request urgent service.

How long is a first adult passport valid?

A US passport issued to an adult aged 16 or older is generally valid for ten years. Passports issued to children under 16 are valid for a shorter period. Many countries require your passport to remain valid for some time after you arrive, so check entry rules and renew early if your expiry date is approaching.

Sources and further reading

Featured photo: Monocletophat123 via Openverse (CC0).