You need a US passport if you want to travel to a foreign country. It’s also a valuable piece of personal identification. You’ll learn how to get a U.S. passport in the five simple steps described below. This process is good for any adult who is applying for a new passport, but not for getting one renewed.
Forms
To make sure that this process is the one you should follow, make sure you’re really applying for a new passport. This category is actually pretty broad. Even if you’ve had one in the past, you might still be considered applying for a new one now. For example, if your last one is gone due to theft, damage or getting lost, you’re applying for a new one. Likewise, if you haven’t had one issued in the past 15 years, you’re applying for a new one. Lastly, if you’ve changed your name but can’t provide legal documentation of the change, yes, you’re applying for a new passport.
Federal Forms
The federal form you need to submit is the DS-11. You can download a copy off the Internet. The instructions on how to fill this form out are on the form itself. It’s recommended that you fill it out as completely as possible. It should go without saying that you should also fill it out truthfully. There’s a different form for renewing US online passport.
Forms Of ID
With your DS-11 form, you’ll have to show proof of your identity. While you’ll be able to use this travel document as ID once you get it, you can’t use this process to establish your identity. You’ll have to show the government first that you are exactly who you say you are before you can get further additional documentation. The easiest way to prove your identity is by including a copy of what’s called primary proof of identity. This category includes a current military ID, driver’s license, naturalization certificate, or any current government issued identification.
Citizenship
The next critical piece of documentation you’ll need to submit is proof of your US citizenship. If you’re a naturalized citizen, your naturalization certificate can serve as both proof of identity and citizenship. If you’re a naturally born US citizen, a certified, long form birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or citizenship certificate will prove your citizenship.
Costs
The last two pieces you’ll need are a color photo, sized exactly at two by two inches. The photo can’t be more than six months old and your face must be fully visible. You’ll also need to include a check for the passport fees. The exact fee you’ll have to pay can vary based on your application, so you should check the online schedule of relevant fees.
Application Packet
After you have all this documentation together, you’ll be ready to submit your application. To do that, you’ll have to visit one of the thousands of authorized US passport offices somewhere in the country. There is a full directly of these offices online, so you can find the one most convenient to you. You’ll generally find them located in public buildings frequented by the public, like a courthouse, post office or library. Call before just showing up as some offices require a scheduled appointment before they’ll meet with you.