How to Get a U.S. Passport (First-Time & Renewal Guide)

This guide is for U.S. adults who need a valid U.S. passport for business or compliance purposes (for example, activating the ability to receive international wire payments in Relay). It covers both: first-time passport applications (DS-11) and passport renewals (online or DS-82), with tips to help avoid delays.

How to obtain a U.S. passport (first-time adult applicants — Form DS-11)

Who this applies to

You generally must apply in person using Form DS-11 if you are:

• An adult applying for your first U.S. passport, or
• An adult who cannot renew by mail or online (for example, your last passport was issued over 15 years ago or when you were under 16).

Overview of the process

1. Complete Form DS-11 (do not sign yet)
2. Gather required documents and photocopies
3. Get a compliant passport photo
4. Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility
5. Pay required fees
6. Track your application

Step 1: Complete Form DS-11

• Use Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport.
• Complete the form online or by hand and print single-sided.
• Do not sign DS-11 until instructed at your in-person appointment.

Official forms and instructions: travel.state.gov – Passport forms

Step 2: Gather required documents

Bring originals + photocopies. Digital versions are not accepted for in-person DS-11 applications.

Proof of U.S. citizenship (one required):

• U.S. birth certificate (must meet U.S. Department of State requirements)
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)

Tip: Ensure your document is undamaged, legible, and matches the name on your application.

Government-issued photo ID:

• Valid U.S. driver’s license, or
• State-issued ID card

Bring:

• The original ID, and
• A photocopy of the front and back (on one side of the page)

Photocopies checklist:

• Black and white or color
• Standard letter-size paper (8.5" x 11")
• Single-sided
• Copies of: citizenship evidence + photo ID (front and back)

Step 3: Get a passport photo

You must submit one passport photo that meets all U.S. requirements. Key requirements include:

• Taken within the last 6 months
• White or off-white background
• No filters, digital enhancements, or AI alterations
• Neutral expression, eyes open
• No glasses (unless medically required)

Strongly recommended: Use a professional passport photo service or an acceptance facility that offers photos.

Official photo requirements: travel.state.gov – Passport photo requirements

Step 4: Apply in person

You must apply at a passport acceptance facility, such as a U.S. Post Office, local government office, or public library.

What typically happens at the appointment:

• You submit Form DS-11 and supporting documents
• You take an oath
• You sign DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent
• Your application is sealed and sent for processing

Find a passport acceptance facility: iafdb.travel.state.gov

Tip: Some locations require appointments and have specific payment methods for the acceptance fee—call ahead.

How to renew an expired U.S. passport (online or by mail — DS-82)

Who this applies to

You may be eligible to renew if all of the following are true:

• You previously had a U.S. passport book
• Your passport was issued when you were 16 or older
• Your passport was issued within the last 15 years
• Your passport was not lost, stolen, or significantly damaged
• Your current name matches your passport name (or you have legal documentation of a name change)

If you are not eligible to renew (online or by mail), you’ll typically need to apply in person using Form DS-11 (see the first-time/DS-11 section above).

Overview of the renewal process

1. Confirm whether you can renew online or by mail
2. Complete the application (online or Form DS-82)
3. Submit required photo and documents
4. Pay required fees
5. Track your renewal status

Step 1: Confirm how you can renew

Option A: Renew online (if eligible)

You can renew online if you meet all of these requirements:

• The passport you are renewing is (or was) valid for 10 years and you are age 25 or older
• Your passport is expiring within 1 year or expired less than 5 years ago
• You are not changing personal information such as name, sex, date of birth, or place of birth
• You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you submit (online renewal offers routine service only)
• You have a mailing address in a U.S. state or territory (no APO/FPO/DPO addresses)
• You have your passport with you, it is not damaged, and it has not been reported lost or stolen

Official online renewal page: travel.state.gov – Renew online

Option B: Renew by mail (Form DS-82)

Most adult renewals by mail use Form DS-82. You generally cannot renew by mail if:

• Your passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• Your passport was issued before you turned 16
• Your passport was lost or stolen
• Your passport is damaged beyond normal wear

Official renew-by-mail guidance: travel.state.gov – Renew by mail

Step 2: Complete the renewal application

If renewing online: Complete the application in the official portal, upload a compliant digital photo, and pay fees electronically.

If renewing by mail (DS-82): Complete DS-82, print single-sided, and sign DS-82 before mailing it.

Official forms: travel.state.gov – Passport forms

Step 3: Gather required documents

Mail renewal (DS-82) typically includes:

• Your most recent passport book (submitted with your application)
• One printed passport photo that meets requirements
• Fee payment (typically check or money order)
• Name change document (if applicable)

Online renewal typically includes:

• A compliant digital passport photo
• Electronic payment
• Your passport details (you keep the physical passport)

Photo requirements: travel.state.gov – Photo requirements

Fees (first-time and renewal)

Passport fees can change. Confirm your exact total on the official fee page before you apply.

• Passport book application fee (DS-11 first-time adults): $130 (paid to U.S. Department of State)
• Acceptance facility fee (DS-11): $35 (paid separately to the acceptance facility)
• Passport book renewal fee (DS-82 or online): $130
• Optional expedited service: +$60
• Optional 1–2 day delivery (passport book only): +$22.05

Official fee table: travel.state.gov – Passport fees

Processing timelines

Current government estimates (processing only):

• Routine service: 4 to 6 weeks
• Expedited service: 2 to 3 weeks

Mailing time is not included and can add additional time both before and after processing. If timing is critical, consider expedited service and trackable delivery where available.

Official processing times: travel.state.gov – Processing times

Track your application (first-time or renewal)

Once your application is received, you can check status at: passportstatus.state.gov

You’ll typically need:

• Your last name
• Date of birth
• Last four digits of your Social Security number

Common issues that cause delays

• Signing DS-11 before your appointment (first-time applicants)
• Submitting a non-compliant passport photo (including filters/edits/AI alterations)
• Missing originals or required photocopies (DS-11)
• Name or personal details not matching across documents
• Using the wrong form (DS-82 vs. DS-11)
• Incorrect fee amount or payment method

Official resources

Tip: To avoid scams, use only official U.S. government websites that end in .gov.

• U.S. Passports (travel.state.gov)
• Forms
• Fees
• Processing times
• Photo requirements
• Find a passport acceptance facility
• Application status

Frequently Asked Questions