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New Passport Instructions
Follow this numbered checklist in order. Bring every required document to the Passport Acceptance Appointment.
Before You Start
Use Form DS-11 when any of the following applies:
- You have never been issued a U.S. passport.
- Your previous passport was issued before your 16th birthday.
- Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
- Your previous passport is damaged or mutilated.
- You do not qualify to renew using Form DS-82.
Every Form DS-11 applicant must appear in person before a Passport Acceptance Agent.
- Complete, Download, and Print Form DS-11
- Type your information into the online Form DS-11.
- Download the completed barcode form and print it.
- Confirm that the large barcode appears near the top of the printed application. This is different from the small barcodes along the bottom and side of the form.
- Use the same international departure date shown on your confirmed travel itinerary.
- Do not sign Form DS-11 before the Passport Acceptance Appointment. Sign only when instructed by the Passport Acceptance Agent.
- Gather Original Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
Bring one original or certified physical document:
- Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- Previous U.S. Passport
- Naturalization Certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Bring the original or certified physical document. Do not substitute a phone image, scan, or ordinary copy for the required citizenship evidence.
- Bring Valid Physical Photo Identification
Bring one valid physical identification document:
- Current Driver’s License
- State-Issued Photo Identification Card
- Government-Issued Photo Identification
The Passport Acceptance Agent will examine the physical identification and prepare the required ID photocopy.
- Applicants Age 16 and 17
Applicants age 16 and 17 use Form DS-11 and receive a 10-year passport.
- An applicant with a State Identification Card or Driver’s License held for at least one year may apply on their own.
- A learner’s permit is not sufficient identification.
- An applicant without qualifying identification may have one parent appear, present qualifying identification, and co-sign Form DS-11.
- Passport Photograph
Provide one recent color passport photograph that:
- Measures 2 by 2 inches
- Has a white or off-white background
- Was taken within the last six months
- Meets U.S. Department of State passport photograph requirements
Attach the photograph in the designated area on Form DS-11.
- Include the Confirmed International Travel Itinerary
- Include a copy of your confirmed international travel itinerary.
- Your international departure date must be within 14 calendar days for urgent Passport Agency processing.
- If your travel date is outside this two-week window, the Passport Agency will not process the application through this urgent Courier path yet.
- Legal Passport Letter of Authorization (LOA)
Complete the Legal Passport Letter of Authorization (LOA) provided with your current order.
- Write Legal Passport in the Courier company field.
- Sign the LOA with your original signature in black or dark blue ink.
- Include the original signed LOA with your application documents.
- Prepare the Government Payment
Prepare a personal check (no starter or temporary checks) for money order for $216.87 payable to:
U.S. Department of State
The $216.87 includes the adult passport book application fee, expedited processing, and 1–3 day return delivery.
Write the applicant’s full name and date of birth in the memo area.
The Acceptance Agent will collect a separate $35 execution fee. The acceptance facility determines which payment methods it accepts for that fee.
- Select the 48HourPassport Service
Urgent Service
2–3 Days + Return Shipping Time
Service Fee: $399
Credit Card Processing Fee: $21
Rush Service
7+ Days + Return Shipping Time
Service Fee: $349
Credit Card Processing Fee: $21
- Schedule and Attend the Passport Acceptance Appointment
Schedule a Passport Acceptance Appointment at usps.com/scheduler or another authorized acceptance facility.
Bring:
- Completed but unsigned Form DS-11 displaying the large barcode
- Original or certified physical evidence of U.S. citizenship
- Valid physical photo identification
- One compliant 2-by-2-inch passport photograph
- Confirmed international travel itinerary
- Check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State
- Payment for the separate $35 execution fee
- Completed and signed Legal Passport Letter of Authorization (LOA)
- Personal Check (not a starter check or a temporary check) or Money Order for $216.87
The Passport Acceptance Agent will:
- Verify your identity
- Examine your identification and supporting documents
- Witness your Form DS-11 signature
- Administer the required oath
- Seal the application for Hand Carry
- Give you the Sealed Government Envelope
- Receive the Sealed Government Envelope
The Passport Acceptance Agent will give you the Sealed Government Envelope at the end of the appointment.
Keep the Sealed Government Envelope sealed.
- FedEx the Sealed Government Envelope
Ship the Sealed Government Envelope via overnight FedEx to the Courier address provided with your current order. Keep the envelope sealed.
- Courier Submission
Once your Courier Reservation is confirmed, the Courier hand-carries and submits the application directly to the U.S. Passport Agency.
Our Urgent Service is designed to achieve 2–3 day Passport Agency processing for qualified applications. Return shipping time is separate.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Do not sign Form DS-11 before the Passport Acceptance Agent tells you to sign.
- Do not bring only a scan or phone image of required original or certified citizenship evidence.
- Do not use a learner’s permit as qualifying identification for a 16- or 17-year-old.
- Do not open the Sealed Government Envelope.
- Do not ship to an old Courier address. Use the address provided with your current order.
- Do not assume 2–3 day agency processing includes FedEx or return delivery time.
