NEW PASSPORT

Who Can Apply?

Applying for a passport for the first time at age 16 & over
The prior passport was issued at age 15 or under
The prior passport was issued more than 15 years ago
The expired passport is not in your possession
The current & valid passport is damaged

First Time Passport Application Instructions

In order to apply and receive a United States passport you must follow the instructions as outlined below. To make the process easier to complete we suggest you print this page and follow the steps in the order presented.

1. Proof of Citizenship - You must provide ONE of the following:

Previous U.S. Passport
Certified Birth Certificate issued by state, county or city (if born in US)
Certificate of Citizenship or FS-240, DS-1350 (if born outside the US)
Certificate of Naturalization

2. Proof of Identity

Valid driver’s license w/ photograph issued more than 4 months ago
If you do not poses a driver’s license or a driver’s license that meets the requirements above then you must supply Alternate Proof of Identity

3. Evidence of Immediate Travel - Must provide a copy of 1 of the following:

Round trip ticket indicating travel to a foreign country
Travel Itinerary
Business traveler’s may submit a business letter if the above is not available
Please do not include the evidence of immediate travel in the sealed envelope.
Important: if your departure date is more then 24 days away please talk to our agent first.

4. Application Form DS-11 - Fax or photocopies are not acceptable. Complete but do NOT sign the form until you are in front of an Acceptance Agent.
The only source of correct form with two barcodes on top is US Department of State site. To create form DS-11 follow the link: https://pptform.state.gov/

After you answered all the questions please do not forget to press the button on the very bottom of the page. When form is ready print out 2 copies.

5. Two Passport Photographs 2x2 inches

6. Fees

$160 Government fees. You will write a check to “US Department of State” for $135 (please write your date of birth on the memo line of the check) and pay cash in the amount of $25 to the Acceptance Agent.
$125 to TravelVisaExpress. Also include payment for the return shipping option you selected (if applicable). If you want to pay by credit card, download credit card authorization form and send along with all documents.

7. Authorization Process – An Acceptance Agent will verify your identity and witness the signing of your application.

Before appearing in front of an Acceptance Agent please be sure you have all the required documents:
1. Proof of Citizenship
2. Proof of Identity
3. Evidence of Immediate Travel. Important: if your departure date is more then 24 days away please talk to our agent first.
4. DS-11 with 2 barcodes.
5. Two Passport Photos
6. Government Fees ($25 to Acceptance Agent and $135 to US Department of State)
Acceptance Agents are found in Passport Acceptance Facilities in local Post Offices (typically a Main Branch Post Office), Court Houses and other government offices authorized to accept passport applications (Not every post office/court house is a Passport Acceptance Facility) Most Passport Acceptance Facilities are open from 9am to 4pm. You may want to call to verify the hours.
Do NOT sign the DS-11 until directed to do so by the Acceptance Agent. You will sign the application after the Acceptance Agent verifies your application. Applicants age 16 or 17 need a parent to accompany them to co-sign the application.
Tell the Acceptance Agent that a courier service will deliver the materials to the Passport Agency. This Department of State policy is called “Hand Carrying of Executed Applications”. The policy is detailed on page 31 and 44 of the Acceptance Agent Manual.
The Acceptance Agent will check your proof of identity, endorse the documents and seal them in an envelope marked: "To be opened by authorized passport officials only." ”Do NOT open the envelope after it is sealed!
Do NOT hand your check to TravelVisaExpress, Travel Evidence, or Travel Visa Express Order Form to the Acceptance Agent to seal inside the envelope. If this occurs you MUST send additional copies.
Print your name, departure date and date of birth on the outside of sealed envelope.