What do you need help with?

Step 1: Decide if you need a new passport or a renewal

Use DS-11 (new passport) if you:

• Never had a passport
• Lost or damaged passport
• Have a passport issued over 15 years ago
• Have a passport issued when you were under age 16
• Do not have your current passport in hand

Use DS-82 (renewal) if your passport:

• • Is valid and undamaged
• • Issued when you were 16 or older
• • Issued within the last 15 years
• • You have it in your possession

Step 2: Choose routine or expedited processing

Routine: 6 to 8 weeks (government timeline)

Expedited: 2 to 3 weeks (government timeline)

You may receive your passport in 1 week or less with the correct expedited option.

Apply 3 to 6 months before travel. Many countries require 6 months validity.

Step 3: Gather proof of citizenship and identity

Citizenship docs:

• • Birth certificate
• • Previous passport
• • Naturalization certificate

ID docs:

• • Driver's license
• • State ID
• • Military ID

Bring originals plus photocopies for DS-11.

Step 4: Get a correct passport photo

Photo must be recent, color, plain background, and unfiltered.

Available at pharmacies and shipping stores.

Step 5: Fill out DS-11 or DS-82 carefully

• • Use your full legal name
• • Double-check DOB and SSN
• • Do not sign DS-11 until instructed
• • Write clearly to avoid delays

Step 6: Calculate fees and how to pay

Application fee plus execution fee.

Fees depend on passport type and shipping.

Application fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State.

Execution/acceptance fee is paid to the acceptance facility.

Accepted payments include check, money order, or card depending on the facility.

Step 7: Submit and track

DS-11: Submit in person at an acceptance facility.

DS-82: Mail your application with tracking.

You can track your passport status on the official government site at travel.state.gov.