How to Get a New Passport?
Traveling the world begins with one simple document: a U.S. passport.
Where do you get a new passport? What’s the process like for U.S. citizens applying for their passport? These are some of the most common questions our visitors ask, which is why we’ve created this easy-to-understand guide. In it, you’ll learn everything about getting a new U.S. passport from the application process to its costs, U.S. passport services, and more.
To begin, the first thing you should check is the criteria listed below to verify the requirements for your new passport. This will ensure you have all the necessary documents required when applying for a passport in the United States. It will also ensure you meet the necessary requirements as a citizen.
By following the steps below, you will be able to submit an application form DS-11 application for a new passport. So, if you have proof of citizenship or naturalization proving you’re a US Citizen, then dive right in and get excited because, before long, you’ll get to explore the world!
Note: During Covid 19 pandemic the United State Department is processing passport applications.
What Documents Do You Need to Get a U.S. Passport?
It’s surprisingly easy to get a U.S. passport given you have the necessary documents.
Prior to submitting your new passport application, you should verify you meet the requirements, and download a ds-11 application form, passport photos, and any proof to prove you are a United States citizen. Once you submit all the required passport documents along with the new passport form it would take about four to six weeks to get your new passport back.
We have listed the required documents below that must be provided to successfully get a new passport.
Requirements for a New Passport
- Confirm New Passport Eligibility
- Gather Required Documents
- DS-11 Form for New Passport
- Proof of Citizenship
- Passport Photos
- Determine how fast you need to get your new passport
- Depending on how quickly you need your passport, you may have to visit the passport offices or the regional passport agency.
Confirm New Passport Eligibility
There are different passport requirements that you must satisfy regarding your eligibility to use Form DS-11 to obtain a new passport. Rules vary depending on your status such as adult or minor.
You can get a new passport if any of the followings apply:
- If you are applying for your first U.S. passport
- If your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
- If your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
- If your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago
- If your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change
Gathering Required Documents for a Passport
Passport requirements differ according to age. Minors, under the age of 16 must appear with their guardians or with a special parental consent form.
- Completed Passport Application DS-11 but do not sign until in the presence of a passport agent for more information on you could view our passport application section
- Submit Proof of Citizenship. (this should not be damaged altered or tampered with)
- Provide Proof of Identity you will be required to present the original document and provide a copy of the front and back for submission
- Provide one Passport Photo. One-color photo is required and must comply with the regulations governing passport photos
- Passport Fee
- Photocopy of ID
Note: These requirements listed above only pertain to adult passports age 16 and older. If you are 15 years old or younger, please visit the passport for children section of our site.
Visiting a Passport Acceptance Agent
Once your application for a new passport is completed, you will have to visit your local passport acceptance agency in your area for a State Department representative to witness your new passport application signature.
❕ Our website has a complete database with all acceptance agents in the United States you would be able to find the acceptance agent nearby here.
Once this is completed, and you have paid your execution fee to the local acceptance agency you will then have your passport processed in any of the following methods.
How Much Would a New U.S. Passport Cost?
When applying for a new passport the cost to get a passport would be dependent on a number’s factors. This may include how fast you need the passport (such as under 14 days). Or, if you are required to deliver additional documents or go through extra processing.
A typical passport cost the following:
- $110.00 is the passport fee
- $60.00 is the execution fee
The typical total cost you will pay for a U.S. passport will total $170.00 for routine
If you require expedited services (ie. getting a passport faster) then expect to pay $205.00 for these expedited services. For more information on passport fees, please visit our passport fee section.
Selecting A Passport Processing Option
Methods for getting a new passport
Routine Processing: You can get your new passport by submitting the required passport documents for the new passport listed above at the nearest passport offices in your area. There are hundreds of passport acceptance agencies, courthouses, and county clerk offices thru-out the United States that will be able to process passport applications. This process takes 6-8 weeks.
Expediting with a Regional Agency: If you are traveling sooner than four weeks, you can expedite your processing by going down to your nearest regional passport agency with all your documents along with your travel itinerary showing you will be leaving the country in an emergency within two weeks.
While appointments are usually advisable ahead of time, walk-ins are also accepted. Make sure you have all your required documents listed above to avoid any delays.
Expediting with A Registered Passport Courier: Another great option for a U.S. Citizen is getting your new adult passport quickly with the help of a passport expediting company. Through a registered courier, you can get your new passport delivered to you in less than 48 hours.
Signing Your New Passport
Once you have obtained your passport you will need to get your passport sign as soon as possible.
A U.S. passport is only valid once the applicant signs his/her passport book this should be done using a non-ballpoint pen prior to closing the book give the ink a few minutes to dry to prevent the signature from smearing.
The U.S. Passport Book Page 7
Once complete turn to page 7 on your book and fill out your address in the “Bearer Address” use a pencil for your address and fill out the remaining information on page 7 get more information on passport signature here.
The web site to make an appointment does not work. The Post Office said they cannot schedule appointments in person, however the web site does not work. How are you supposed to schedule an appointment? This is very poor customer service.
you must have a court order document granting you a name change
if dad is on birth certificate & you share custody he must fill out a DS3053 & have it notarized along with mailing you a copy of his drivers licese
I want to get my son a Passport, however if father lives in a different state. What are my options?
I’m looking at getting my first passport. When I was young, maybe 8 or 9 years old, my mother fled an abusive relationship and my name changed. I’ve never used my birth certificate name, I have driver’s license, social security card, etc., etc., in my name. taxes, all of it for close to 40 years. I don’t know if my mother ever went to court to change my name. My legal name is different than my birth certificate – how do I rectify this in the application process and get my passport?
hello, it will be a passport renewal you will have to send your divorce decree along with all renewal documents required. once you return and have your new marriage certificate you can apply for a DS5504 name change, no fee
I am getting married in 6 mths and plan to honeymoon outside of the US. My old passport expired 3 yrs ago- it was issued 13 yrs ago and it is also in my old married name, I divorced 9 yrs ago and went back to my maiden name. I am unsure of which passport form I should fill out- Name change, renewal, or new passport.
Hello, are you trying to get a passport for yourself or your grandkids? how old are they?
Proaply fun just getting appointment
Ok never been out of the U.S. now I want to take my grandkids to Italy how do I do this it’s a vacation what will I need for them
if you are not traveling in 4 weeks or sooner, you can just pay the $110 with acceptance agent fee of $25
This is my first passport. I was wondering if I would be just paying the $110 or if I need to pay for the whole $195. Why would I pay the expediting fee
hello, they should accept the prior passport as proof of citizenship
all acceptance agents are different. You would have to go on your local post offices website.
I have all my paperwork to go to the post office to finalize it. They said I have to make an appt on – line. How do I do that?
aappoitment
My daughter’s passport expired in 2013. It was issued when she was under 16 years of age. Can she use her old expired passport along with her driver’s license as two pieces of identification or eligibility when applying for new passport…or does she need to include an orginal birth certificate as well?
a new adult passport book costs $110 with an acceptance agent fee of $25
what is the charge for a pass port
U.S. Passport Help Guide Thank you!
U.S. Passport Help Guide Thank you. I am only traveling to Fla. in June but was told flights out of Penns. will require a passport in 2018. Is that true.
wear and tear should not be an issue
a new adult passport book is $110 with an acceptance agent fee of $25
I’ve had my birth certificate for a LONG time – it’s folded up and in my wallet. It says it’s not to be damaged or tampered with, so does the fact that it’s folded and a little worn from being so old count as damaged/tampered with?
I live in NJ, what is the cost for a passport?
Hello, yes you mst have your original/certified copy birth certificate and name change documents
First passport, birth certificate and CA ID I have but since I am married with a different name than the BC do I need my marriage license?
$110 with an acceptance agent fee of $25
So how much does a passport cost?
can i get a new passport if i have a old warent and it is out of state.i need a passport to go back and forth to mexico and california.the warent is about 12 years old and nonexterdide