Applying for a Passport

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In order to apply for a U.S. passport, you must be a U.S. citizen.

First, determine if you need a traditional passport book or a passport card (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/card.html). A passport book is required for all international air travel. While a passport card is more convenient and less expensive, it cannot be used for international air travel.

The application process is the same whether you’re applying for a passport book, card, or both at the same time. You must apply in person to present your application. From inside the United States, you can apply at any passport acceptance facility (search here to find the one closest to you: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/). You should receive your passport in three weeks or less.
 
If you need your passport in two weeks or less, you may pay to have the service expedited if you are traveling in 24-48 hours for an emergency such as serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family or traveling within two weeks and can provide proof of immediate need to travel internationally such as airline or cruise tickets. For expedited service, you must call the National Passport Information Center to make an appointment with a passport agency (automated system available 24 hours at (1-877-487-2778). The expedited service will cost an additional $60 plus delivery costs.

The item you will need to apply for a U.S. Passport include:  
  • Original proof of citizenship (or certified copy)
    • Acceptable documents include: 
      • fully valid, undamaged U.S. passport (may be expired)
      • U.S. birth certificate
      • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
      • Certificate of Naturalization
      • Certificate of Citizenship
 
  • Photo identification
    • Acceptable documents include (If you present an out-of-state ID, you must present an additional ID):
      • Fully valid, undamaged U.S. Passport (may be expired)
      • Fully valid U.S. driver’s license
      • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
      • Government employee ID
      • U.S. military or military dependent ID
      • Valid foreign passport
 
  • A photocopy of the front and back of the photo identification
    • Photocopies must be legible, single sided, black and white, on standard white, 8.5”x11” paper
 
  • A passport photo that meets the photo requirements listed below:
    • Printed on glossy or matte photo quality paper
    • 2”x2” in size
    • In color
    • Size of head must be between 1 – 1 3/8” from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
    • Taken in the past six months
    • No glasses
    • Plain white or off-white background
    • Head directly facing the camera
    • Taken with a neutral facial expression or natural smile with both eyes open
    • Taken in plain clothing that you would wear on a daily basis
    • No hats or head coverings unless for religious purposes
 
  • Fees
    • checks and money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State
    • credit and debit cards cannot be accepted


Adult first-time applicants (16 years of age and older)
Product Application fee Execution Fee
Passport book $110 $25
Passport card $30 $25


Adult renewal applicants (16 years of age and older)
Product Application fee Execution Fee
Passport book $110 $25
Passport card $30 $25
 

Child applicants (under 16 years of age)
Product Application fee Execution Fee
Passport book $80 $25
Passport card $15 $25
 
Posted: 2/3/2017 11:53:40 AM