How to Get a Passport in the U.S.

A passport is a travel and identification document accepted by governments around the world. You need a passport to enter and return to the United States from most countries, and it's worth getting, even if you don't have any upcoming travel planned. It's usually better to get a passport through the U.S. government and not a commercial passport application agency; even if you need to get a passport fast, they won't speed up the process any more than you can.

What You Need to Apply for a Passport

• Passport application forms
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Proof of your identity
• Two current photographs
• Your social security number
• Applicable fee payment method

Steps to Apply for a Passport

Step 1: Download and fill out the forms.

The first step requires you to download the relevant U.S. government forms. You can grab a passport application from any U.S. post office or download the passport application forms online and print them out from home. 

If printing, note this advice from the government: "The forms...must be printed in black print on white paper. The paper must be 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, with no holes or perforations, at least medium (20 lb.) weight, and a matte surface. Thermal paper, dye-sublimation paper, special inkjet paper, and other shiny papers are not acceptable."

Once you have the passport application form in hand, start reading the instructions printed on the first and second pages. Complete page three using this information, and then read page four for further details on filling in the form. 

Step 2: Gather proof of American citizenship.

Next, you need to gather proof of your American citizenship, in the form of any one of the following, according to the U.S. Department of State.

• Certified U.S. birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state (not a copy). Call the state's government in which you were born to get an official version with a notary's seal. Know that the birth certificate must list the full name(s) of your parent(s). If you don't have a birth certificate, you can still get a passport.
• Records of birth abroad if you weren't born in the United States
• Naturalization certificate
• Certificate of citizenship

Be prepared to prove your identity with any one of these:

• Previous U.S. passport (altered or damaged passports are not accepted)
• Naturalization certificate
• Certificate of citizenship
• Current, valid driver's license
• Government ID: city, state, or federal
• Military ID: military and dependents

Step 3: Get passport photos taken.

Get two passport photos taken to submit with your application. In your photos, you should make sure to wear your regular, everyday clothes (no uniforms) and nothing on your head. If you usually wear glasses or other items that alter your appearance, wear them. Look straight ahead and don't smile. You can get your U.S. passport photos taken at the post office—they'll know the drill and requirements. If you get passport photos taken elsewhere, read up first on passport photo requirements to make sure they'll qualify.

Step 5: Pay application fees.

Prepare to pay the application and execution fees; get those dollar amounts online as they change periodically. As of 2021, first-time adult passports cost $165, and adult renewals cost $130. Minor passports for those under age 16 are $135. You can receive expedited processing for an extra $60 plus overnight fees. Check with the location where you'll be applying to find what payment methods are accepted, and then gather the money for payment.

Step 6: Submit your application.

Find the passport office location nearest you (it might just be the post office). Hand in your completed forms, passport photos, and money for the passport. Provide your departure date for your next trip, and you can then expect to receive your U.S. passport in two weeks to two months. For an additional fee of $60 plus overnight delivery fees, you can rush a U.S. passport application, and you may even be able to get a passport on the same day that you apply.

Step 7: Check your application status.

Beginning about a week after you submit your application, you can check your application's status online to see when your passport might arrive.

Tips and Tricks for Passport Applications

• The U.S. passport fee is $165 if you are 16 and older, and the U.S. passport is good for 10 years.
• The U.S. passport fee is $135 if you are under 16, and the new passport is good for five years.
• Some countries require that your passport be valid for six months after you leave that country to return to the U.S. Make sure you apply for a new one while you have plenty of valid months left on it. 
• Remember that you need a passport or other WHTI-compliant document to travel back to the U.S. from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
• Leave a copy of your passport at home, and email a copy to yourself with other important travel documents. If you lose your passport overseas, having a copy will make getting a temporary or replacement passport far easier.
• Note that passport books are different than passport cards.