How to Get a New Passport?
Applying for a new U.S. passport requires submitting Form DS-11 in person along with proof of citizenship, valid photo identification, and a compliant passport photo. First-time applicants, travelers with expired passports, and anyone whose passport was lost or issued when they were under 16 must follow this in-person process.
Understanding the requirements ahead of time helps prevent delays and ensures your passport is issued as quickly as possible, especially if you have upcoming international travel.
New Passport Eligibility
You must apply for a new passport instead of renewing by mail if any of the following apply:
- This is your first U.S. passport
- Your last passport was issued when you were under age 16
- Your passport expired more than 15 years ago
- Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
To receive a U.S. passport, you must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization. Most adult passports (age 16 and older) are valid for 10 years.
Certain legal situations, such as court orders or government restrictions, can delay or prevent passport issuance.
How to Apply for a New Passport (DS-11)
Step 1: Complete Form DS-11
Fill out Form DS-11 for a new passport. Do not sign the form until you are in front of a passport acceptance agent.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You will need:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy)
- Government-issued photo ID
- A photocopy of your ID
- One passport photo
- Payment for government and acceptance fees
Step 3: Apply in Person
Submit your DS-11 application at a passport acceptance facility. The agent will verify your identity, witness your signature, and send your application for processing.
Where to Apply?
New passport applications must be submitted in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility, such as
- U.S. Post Offices
- Public libraries
- County clerk offices
Many locations require appointments, so it is best to schedule in advance.
Passport Processing Time:
Processing times change throughout the year. As a general guide:
| Passport Speed | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Routine | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Expedited (Post Offices) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Expedited (Passport Agency) | 1 to 7 Days |
Proof of Citizenship
You can use one of the following documents:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, you may be able to submit a Letter of No Record along with a DS-10 birth affidavit and supporting evidence.
Where to Apply
Where you’ll apply for a passport depends on how soon you need it. In most cases, most will need either a routine or expedited passport service. However, some circumstances may require even faster processing, such as a life-or-death emergency.
| Service | Processing Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Life-or-death emergency service within | 72 hours (3 business days) | You will need to visit one of the passport agencies around the country for emergency passport service. |
| At weeks, a passport office or renewal by mail | 1 to 7 business days) | At one of the many Passport Agencies located throughout the United States. |
| Expedited (Post Office) | 5 to 7 weeks | At a passport office or renewal by mail |
| Routine | 8 to 11 weeks | At weeks a passport office or renewal by mail |
Passport Fees
When applying with DS-11, most applicants pay two fees: a passport application fee and an acceptance fee.
Typical adult fees:
| Type | Application Fee | Execution Fee |
| Passport Book | $130 | $35 |
| Passport Card | $30 | $35 |
| Passport Book & Card | $160 | $35 |
Passport Photo Requirements
Your passport photo must be:
- 2 x 2 inches
- Taken within the last 6 months
- In color
- On a plain white or off-white background
- With a neutral facial expression
Incorrect photos are one of the most common causes of passport delays.
Check Passport Status
After you apply, it may take up to two weeks before your application appears in the tracking system. Once it is in process, you can check whether it is approved or mailed.
Need Your Passport Fast?
If you are traveling within the next few weeks, expedited passport services may be available, including urgent options for travelers leaving within 14 days.
New Passport – Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns about applying for a new U.S. passport, including eligibility, required documents, processing times, fees, and where to apply. They are designed to give you quick, clear answers so you can prepare your application correctly and avoid delays.
Who must apply for a new U.S. passport?
You must apply for a new passport if this is your first passport, if your last passport was issued before age 16, if it expired more than 15 years ago, or if it was lost, stolen, or damaged.
Can I renew instead of applying for a new passport?
No. If any of the conditions above apply, you must submit Form DS-11 and apply in person rather than renewing by mail.
What form is required for a new passport?
You must use Form DS-11 for all new U.S. passport applications.
Do I sign Form DS-11 at home?
No. You must sign the DS-11 form in front of a passport acceptance agent when you submit your application.
Where do I submit my new passport application?
You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, courthouse, or public library that offers passport services.
What documents do I need for a new passport?
You need proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid government-issued photo ID, a photocopy of your ID, one passport photo, and a completed DS-11 form.
What can I use as proof of U.S. citizenship?
You may use a U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
How long does a new passport last?
Passports issued to applicants age 16 and older are valid for 10 years.
How long does it take to get a new passport?
Routine processing usually takes about 4–6 weeks. Expedited service typically takes about 2–3 weeks. Urgent travel within 14 days may qualify for agency processing.
How much does a new passport cost?
Most applicants pay a passport application fee to the U.S. Department of State and a separate acceptance fee to the facility. Expedited processing costs extra.
What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card?
A passport book is valid for all international travel. A passport card is only valid for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Do children have to apply in person?
Yes. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or legal guardians.
Can I check the status of my new passport?
Yes. Once your application enters the system, you can track it online until it is approved and mailed.
How long before my status shows online?
It usually takes about two weeks after applying for your passport to appear in the tracking system.
What causes passport delays?
The most common delays are missing documents, incorrect photos, unsigned forms, or incomplete applications.
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