You booked the flight, told your friends, and now realize you have never actually held a passport. It is one of those adult milestones nobody teaches you, and the paperwork can feel more confusing than it needs to be. Here is exactly how to get a passport for the first time, without the guesswork.
This article is general educational information. Always confirm current fees, forms, and processing times on the official U.S. Department of State site, travel.state.gov.
Quick answer: To get a passport for the first time, apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility with form DS-11, proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid photo ID, a passport photo, and payment for the application and execution fees. Processing typically takes several weeks, and expedited service is available for an extra fee.
Who Must Apply in Person
If this is your first passport, your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or you were under 16 when your last one was issued, you generally must apply in person. You cannot renew by mail in these situations.
What You Need Before You Start
Proof of U.S. citizenship. A certified birth certificate with a raised seal or your state’s registrar signature is the most common option. A naturalization certificate or an existing (even expired) U.S. passport also works.
Proof of identity. A valid driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, or military ID. The name must match your citizenship document, or you will need to provide legal documentation of a name change, such as a marriage certificate.
A passport photo. It must meet specific size and background requirements. Many pharmacies and shipping stores offer passport photos for a fee, or you can take one yourself following the official photo guidelines.
Social Security number. You will need to provide it on the form.
Payment. Passport applications require two separate fees: an application fee paid to the State Department, and an execution fee paid to the acceptance facility. Confirm current amounts on travel.state.gov, since fees change periodically.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Passport for the First Time
Step 1: Complete Form DS-11
Fill out the form online through the State Department’s form filler tool, then print it. Do not sign it until an acceptance agent tells you to, since it must be signed in their presence.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Organize your citizenship proof, photo ID, passport photo, and a copy of your ID (some facilities require a photocopy in addition to the original).
Step 3: Find an Acceptance Facility
Many post offices, public libraries, and county clerk offices accept passport applications. Use the official facility search tool on travel.state.gov to find one near you and check whether you need an appointment.
Step 4: Apply in Person
Bring your completed but unsigned form, original documents, a photocopy of your ID, your photo, and payment. You will sign the form in front of the agent, who verifies your documents and submits your application.
Step 5: Track Your Application
You will receive a receipt with an application number. Use the official online status tool to check progress. Processing times vary, so apply well before any planned travel.
Step 6: Receive Your Passport
Your passport arrives by mail. Your citizenship documents, if originals were mailed rather than returned on the spot, are typically returned separately.
How Long Does It Take?
Routine and expedited processing times change based on demand, and the State Department publishes current estimates on its website. If you have upcoming travel, check the current times before applying and consider expedited service, which costs more but is faster. In genuine emergencies with imminent travel, the State Department has separate procedures for urgent cases.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs include the application fee, the execution fee, and optionally an expedite fee and faster mailing. Fees differ for adults and minors, and for passport books versus passport cards. Always check the current fee schedule on travel.state.gov before applying, since prices are updated periodically.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card
A passport book is required for international air travel. A passport card is a cheaper, wallet-sized option valid for land and sea travel to certain nearby countries, such as Canada and Mexico, but it cannot be used for flying internationally. Many first-time applicants get the book, since it works for all forms of travel.
Applying for a Minor’s Passport
Both parents or guardians generally must appear in person, or provide notarized consent if one cannot attend. Requirements are stricter than for adults, so check the specific minor application rules on the official site well before applying.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Passport
- Signing the form early. It must be signed in front of the agent.
- Using an expired or mismatched ID. Names must match across documents.
- Wrong photo specifications. Photos that do not meet size, background, or quality rules get rejected.
- Applying too close to travel dates. Processing times fluctuate, and last-minute applications add stress and cost.
- Forgetting the execution fee. Many people budget only for the government application fee and are surprised by the separate facility fee.
- Incomplete citizenship proof. A photocopy of a birth certificate without a raised seal is often not accepted; you typically need a certified copy.
Renewing Later
Once you have a passport, future renewals may be eligible for mail-in renewal if you meet the criteria (adult, passport not damaged or lost, issued within a certain timeframe, and issued under your current name), which is simpler than the in-person process.
Traveling Soon After Applying
If your trip is close, look into expedited service and confirm current turnaround times before booking anything nonrefundable. Some regional passport agencies also offer appointments for time-sensitive international travel with documented proof of departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a first-time passport take?
Processing times vary and are published on travel.state.gov. Apply as early as possible and check current estimates before travel.
Can I apply for my first passport online?
No. First-time applicants generally must apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility.
Do I need a passport card or a passport book?
Get the book if you plan to fly internationally. The card only works for land and sea travel to specific nearby countries.
What if my documents don’t match, like an old name?
Bring legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, along with your other documents.
Final Thoughts
Getting your first passport is mostly about gathering the right paperwork and giving yourself enough time. Once you know how to get a passport for the first time, the process is straightforward: fill out the form, bring your documents to an authorized facility, pay the fees, and wait for it to arrive. After that, future renewals are usually much simpler.
