Getting Your First US Passport: Complete Guide (2026)
First-time passports require an in-person application
You cannot apply by mail or online for your first US passport. You must appear in person at an authorized acceptance facility with Form DS-11 and all required documents.
Take your passport photo at home — free
Application Checklist
Bring everything on this list to your appointment. Missing any critical item means a wasted trip.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov or complete it online and print. Do NOT sign it yet — you must sign in front of the acceptance agent. Fill out all sections: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, contact information, and emergency contact.
You need ONE of the following: US birth certificate (certified copy with raised seal), Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. Hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted — only government-issued documents with a registrar seal.
Bring a valid, undamaged government-issued ID showing your photo and signature: driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or permanent resident card. Also bring a photocopy of the front and back of the ID.
Take a 2×2 inch color photo on a white background. Use our free tool to take it at home and print at any pharmacy. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. No glasses, neutral expression, full face visible.
First-time applicants cannot apply by mail — you must apply in person at an authorized acceptance facility: most US Post Offices, courthouses, libraries, and some clerk of court offices. Use the State Department's facility locator to find one near you and schedule an appointment.
At the facility, the agent verifies your identity and witnesses your signature on DS-11. Pay the application fee ($130 for a book) plus the $35 execution fee — $165 total. Add $60 for expedited processing. Pay the execution fee to the facility separately from the passport fee.
After submission, track your application at travel.state.gov using your application locator number. Routine processing: 6–8 weeks. Expedited: 2–3 weeks. Your passport is mailed to the address on your application.
Common DS-11 Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Warning
First Passport vs. Renewal: Key Differences
| Aspect | First Passport (DS-11) | Renewal (DS-82) |
|---|---|---|
| Form | DS-11 | DS-82 |
| Application method | In-person only | By mail or online |
| Proof of citizenship | Required (birth cert.) | Old passport serves as proof |
| Execution fee | $35 (required) | $0 for mail/online |
| Total minimum fee | $165 | $130 |
| Age restriction | Any age (DS-11) | 16+ at last issuance, 25+ for online |
| Previous passport needed | No | Yes — mailed in |
Note
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FAQ
How do I get a US passport for the first time?
First-time applicants must apply in person using Form DS-11 at an authorized passport acceptance facility (most US Post Offices, courthouses, and some libraries). You cannot apply by mail for your first passport. Bring: completed DS-11 (unsigned), proof of US citizenship, government-issued photo ID, a photocopy of that ID, and one passport photo. The total fee is $165 ($130 application + $35 execution).
What documents do I need for my first passport?
You need: (1) Completed Form DS-11 — do not sign until you're in front of the agent. (2) Proof of US citizenship — a certified birth certificate with raised seal, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. (3) Government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or military ID. (4) Photocopy of your ID. (5) One 2×2 inch passport photo. (6) Payment: $165 by check/money order to US Dept. of State + $35 cash/card to the acceptance facility.
How long does it take to get a first-time passport?
Routine processing for a first-time passport is 6–8 weeks. Expedited processing costs an additional $60 and takes 2–3 weeks. If you have travel within 72 hours, you can book an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency. Processing time starts when the State Department receives your application — not when you submit at the acceptance facility.
How much does a first-time passport cost?
A first-time US passport book costs $165: $130 application fee + $35 execution fee. Add $60 for expedited processing ($225 total). If you also want a passport card, add $15. A passport photo costs $0 with our free tool, or $7–$17 at a pharmacy. Total out-of-pocket: approximately $165–$225 plus photo and mailing costs.
Do I need to make an appointment for my first passport?
Most passport acceptance facilities (post offices, courthouses) require or strongly recommend an appointment. Use the State Department's facility search tool to find locations near you and check their appointment requirements. Some facilities accept walk-ins — call ahead to confirm.
Can I sign Form DS-11 before going to the post office?
No. This is one of the most common DS-11 mistakes. You must sign DS-11 in front of the acceptance agent — it cannot be pre-signed. If you sign it before your appointment, you'll need to complete a new form.
What type of birth certificate do I need for a first passport?
You need a certified government-issued birth certificate with a raised or stamped seal from the issuing authority (usually a county or state vital records office). Hospital-issued birth certificates are not accepted. If your birth certificate is damaged, faded, or unofficial, you must obtain a replacement from the vital records office of the state where you were born.
Can I expedite my first-time passport application?
Yes. Mark 'Expedite' on DS-11 and include an additional $60 check/money order payable to US Department of State. Expedited service reduces processing to approximately 2–3 weeks. For travel within 72 hours, book an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency through travel.state.gov.