How to Get a Passport - Apply for a U.S. Passport

Sep 19, 2026

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Guidance for obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport with a clear in-person process. It explains passport validity requirements, how to complete and submit Form DS-11, and which documents and identification to bring, including proof of U.S. citizenship, photocopies, payment of the fee, and a compliant passport photo. It also covers DS-82 renewal eligibility, name-change documentation, when applicants must apply in person, and approved application locations, plus a link for printing forms.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Submit a U.S. Passport Application in Person

Fill out Form DS-11

Submit supporting documents and fee

Renew a U.S. Passport

DS-82 eligibility requirements

Name change documentation

When you must apply in person

Where to apply

HOW TO GET A PASSPORT All passports must be valid six months from the return date to the USA following travel. Submit a U.S. Passport Application in Person: 1. Fill out Form DS-11: Application for U.S. Passport. Note: Do not sign the application until instructed todo so by the Acceptance Agent. 2. Submit Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport in person. 3. Submit primary evidence of U.S. citizenship with a previously issued, undamaged, and fully valid U.S. Passport, a Certified U.S. Birth Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. 4. Present primary identification in the form of a previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License, Current Government ID (city, state or federal) or Current Military ID. 5. Bring a photocopy of the front and back of each ID document that you will present when you apply. 6. Pay the applicable fee. 7. Provide a passport photo. Renew a U.S. Passport: • Fill out the DS-82 form. Applicants should only use this form when their passport has expired or is near the expiration date. • In order to qualify for a passport renewal, the following requirements must be true about your mostrecent U.S. passport: 􀁸 Is undamaged 􀁸 Can be submitted with your application 􀁸 Was issued when you were 16 years old or older 􀁸 Was issued within the last 15 years 􀁸 Has your current name on it • You must submit your most recent passport with your application. • If the name you are currently using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a certified copy of the legal name change document. Examples include: 􀁸 Marriage certificate 􀁸 Divorce decree 􀁸 Court-ordered name change document • Attach one photograph to the application. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all the photo requirements. • Mail in your completed application, including your most recent passport, name change document (if applicable), photo, and fees. You Must Apply in Person if: • You are applying for your first U.S. Passport, or • You are under age 16; or • Your previous U.S. Passport was issued when you were under age 16, or • Your previous U.S. Passport was lost, stolen, or damaged; or • Your previous U.S. Passport was issued more than 15 years ago; or • Your name has changed since your U.S. Passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change. Locations to Apply for a U.S. Passport: • Post Office • Courthouse • Passport Office For additional information or to print a Form DS-11: Application for U.S. Passport, go to [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html).

FAQs

When can you apply and what passport validity requirement must be met for travel to the USA?

All passports must be valid six months from the return date to the USA following travel.

What documents and steps are required for submitting Form DS-11 in person?

Fill out Form DS-11 without signing until instructed by the Acceptance Agent, submit it in person, provide primary evidence of U.S. citizenship, present primary identification, bring photocopies of the IDs, pay the applicable fee, and provide a passport photo.

When should you use DS-82 for passport renewal instead of applying for a new passport?

Use DS-82 when your most recent passport has expired or is near expiration, and it is undamaged, can be submitted with your application, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and has your current name. You must also submit your most recent passport and include certified name-change documents if your name has changed.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Terk