How to get a passport?
Apply in person at a post office or passport acceptance facility with Form DS-11, proof of US citizenship (birth certificate), a government ID, passport photo, and $130–$165 in fees. Allow 6–8 weeks standard, 2–3 weeks expedited.
First-time applicants must apply in person — you cannot apply for your first US passport by mail. Find an acceptance facility at travel.state.gov (most post offices accept applications). Download and complete Form DS-11 in advance but do not sign it until you're at the counter.
You'll need proof of US citizenship (original birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID), a passport photo (2"x2", taken within 6 months), and the application fee. Fees are currently $130 for the book, plus a $35 execution fee paid to the acceptance facility.
Standard processing takes 6–8 weeks. Expedited service ($60 extra) takes 2–3 weeks. For true emergencies, appointment-only passport agencies in major cities can process same-day or next-day. This is general information — check travel.state.gov for current fees and wait times, as these change frequently.
Passport photos are the #1 reason applications get rejected. Requirements are strict: 2×2 inches, plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression (no smiling with teeth), head centered, taken within the past 6 months. CVS and Walgreens both do compliant passport photos in-store for about $15. The State Department also has a free online tool to check if your photo meets requirements before you print.
For urgent travel within 14 days, skip the post office entirely — you need a regional passport agency appointment. There are 26 agencies across the US; find and book at travel.state.gov/passport-agencies. Bring proof of imminent travel (airline reservation showing departure date). Same-day and next-day appointments are available for genuine emergencies.
Key facts ¶
| Form needed | DS-11 (first time) or DS-82 (renewal) |
| Apply at | Post office / acceptance facility |
| Standard time | 6–8 weeks |
| Expedited | 2–3 weeks (+$60) |
| Current fees | $165 total for new adult passport |
Most people assume they can apply online or by mail for their first passport. First-time applicants must appear in person — there's no online application for new passports. Only renewals for adults (where your last passport was issued after age 16 and is less than 15 years old) can be done by mail.
