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United States Passport Application Form

United States Passport Application Form

United States Passport Application Form: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning on traveling outside the United States? If so, obtaining a passport should be one of your top priorities. A passport is an official travel document that allows you to enter and exit foreign countries. In this article, we will guide you through the United States passport application form process.

Types of Passports

There are two types of passports: a traditional passport book and a passport card. A passport book is required for all international air travel. A passport card can be used for travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, it cannot be used for international air travel.

Passport Requirements

Before you begin the passport application process, you must gather the necessary documents and meet the following requirements:

1. United States citizenship: You must provide a government-issued birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship to prove your citizenship.

2. Identification: You must provide a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, military ID, or a state-issued identification card.

3. Passport photo: The photo must be taken within 6 months and meet the requirements specified on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

4. Fee: The fees vary depending on the type of passport. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for current fee information.

5. A completed DS-11 form: The DS-11 form is the application for a U.S. passport. It can be completed online or in-person at a Passport Acceptance Facility.

How to Complete the DS-11 Form

The DS-11 form is a lengthy application that requires specific information. Below are the sections of the form and the information required:

Section 1: Personal Information

This section requires basic personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and mailing address.

Section 2: Previous Passport

If you have ever had a passport before, you must provide the information in this section. You will also need to provide the passport number, issue date, and expiration date.

Section 3: Travel Plans

This section requires information on your travel plans, such as the dates of travel and the countries you will be visiting.

Section 4: Family Information

This section requires information on your parents, including their full name, date of birth, and place of birth.

Section 5: Signature and Date

You must sign and date the application in this section.

Section 6: Additional Questions

This section requires additional information, such as your social security number and your contact information.

Where to Submit Your Passport Application

Once you have completed the DS-11 form and gathered the necessary documents, you can submit your application at a Passport Acceptance Facility. These facilities can be found at post offices, courthouses, and libraries across the country. Most facilities offer both appointment and walk-in services. Be sure to check the hours and services offered at your chosen facility before you go.

After submitting your application, you can track its progress on the U.S. Department of State’s website. You can also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for updates.

Passport Renewal

If you already have a U.S. passport, you can renew it by mail if it meets the following requirements:

1. The passport is not damaged.

2. The passport was issued when you were 16 years or older.

3. The passport was issued within the last 15 years.

4. The passport was issued in your current name.

If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will need to apply for a new passport in person.

To renew your passport, you must complete Form DS-82. The form can be completed online or by mail. You will also need to include your current passport, a passport photo, and the renewal fee. The current renewal fee for a passport book is $110, and the passport card renewal fee is $30. For more information on passport renewal, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Passport Card

As mentioned earlier, the passport card is a wallet-sized travel document that can be used for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for international air travel. The passport card fee for first-time applicants is $65 for adults and $50 for children under 16. The renewal fee for a passport card is $30.

Passport Processing Time

The processing time for a U.S. passport can vary depending on the time of year. During peak travel season (June-August), the processing time can be up to 8 weeks. However, if you need your passport sooner, you can expedite the process for an additional fee. The expedited service reduces the processing time to 2-3 weeks.

Conclusion

Obtaining a passport is an essential step if you plan on traveling outside the United States. The passport application process can seem overwhelming, but it is straightforward as long as you have the necessary documents and information. Remember to start the application process early to allow for processing and shipping time. Safe travels!


A United States passport is an essential document that certifies an individual’s identity and citizenship within the United States. In addition, the passport’s main function is that it allows for a citizen to travel abroad, and enter international countries. The passport is essentially the key to free travel; along with entering other countries, the United States passport is needed to enter the United States.

Although the document is crucial and essential for those who travel internationally, the process to obtain such documentation is fairly straight forward. A US passport application form, as well as a US passport renewal application form can be found at a plethora of locations throughout the United States. The majority of Post Offices, and clerk’s offices contain the documentation, in addition to passport processing centers, and regional passport offices.

The US passport application form is held separate from the US passport renewal application form. The regular form is for new passports; this application requires more paperwork and more time. In contrast, the US passport renewal application form is for those individuals whose passports have expired. As a result of their previous acceptance, the information required and the processes attached are not as stringent as the starting US passport application form.

All forms of passport documents and applications can be found online, through download. Once obtained these forms act as the application themselves. Necessary fulfillment of the components, along with two forms of photo identification and proof of citizenship must be submitted to the aforementioned passport offices upon completion of the US passport application form.

In addition, fees will be attached for the filing and the production of the passport. Depending on the location, it typically takes 4-6 weeks for a passport to be obtained, however, if the application if filed at one of the processing centers (located in 20 major US cities) the passport can be obtained in the same day.