How to Apply for a Passport

It’s that time of year again. The warm Spring sun is beginning to shine through those grey clouds reminding us how exciting it would be to travel to a distant land with your best friend (or your super cool newsletter writer). Planning these travels to distant lands takes time so there’s a couple of steps you need to take. I’m not great at planning ahead so I won’t be your trip advisor anytime soon, but I do know distant lands outside the US require a passport. So, let’s talk about how to get one.

Applying for a Passport the First Time

The first thing you need to know about your first passport application is that it must be done in person. You can fill out the required form online, but the submission of the form will be done at a physical location. Here are the steps:

1. Filling out Form DS-11

   • This form can be done online following this link: Passport Forms (state.gov). Ensure to follow the instructions given on the online form. Don’t sign the form until you are told to do so in front of an authorized agent during your appointment.

   • Print the form once you complete it .

2. Schedule An Appointment:

   • You’ll need to schedule an in-person appointment to submit your application. Post offices are a great place for these appointments, and you can schedule one by following this link. Schedule An Appointment | USPS 

   • Bring your DS-11 form, payment, and documents (below) to this in person appointment

3. Gather all Documents for the Appointment. Needed Documents Include:

   • Original Birth Certificate or other “proof of citizenship.”

   • Acceptable photo ID (list of ID’s: Get Photo ID for a U.S. Passport (state.gov))

   • A photocopy of your birth certificate AND photocopy of photo ID. You’ll need a physical and photocopy of both of these docs. For your ID, you’ll need a photocopy of both the front and back with you.

   • Passport Photo: These can be done easily at most CVS’s, Walgreens, or other pharmacies: Passport Photos & Visa Photos - $2 Coupon! - CVS Photo

   • Passport Fee: As of writing this newsletter a standard passport book is $130. Calculate your fee here: Passport Fees (state.gov).

   

   Image 1: List of all documents needed for your passport application. Apply for a new adult passport | USAGov

4. Waiting for Your ID

   • The turnaround time to get a passport is 6-8 weeks. Make sure you apply early enough so you don’t have to cancel your trip. You can track your passport application status through this link: Get your Passport Application Status (state.gov)

Video Walking Through the Steps

Renewing Your Passport

Unlike applying for a new passport, you may renew your current passport by mail. Most countries require your passport to expire no less than 6 months from the day you enter the country. To be safe, if your passport is set to expire in the next 8 months, it is best to go through the renewal process:

1. Identify if you qualify for a passport renewal. You may renew your passport if:

   1. It was issued after your 16th birthday

   2. It was issued less than 15 years ago

   3. Was not damaged, lost, or stolen

   4. Passport is in your current name or legal documentation is provided for the name change (ex. marriage certificate)

2. Fill out Form DS-82

   • You can fill out this form online which can be found here: Passport Application System (state.gov)

3. Gather Documents to Send

   • Your current passport

   • Completed & signed form DS-82

   • Passport Photo: Passport and Visa Photos | Walgreens Photo

   • Personal Check or money order for the fee due payable to “U.S. Department of State” (calculate your fee here: Passport Fees (state.gov))

   • If applicable: Name change documentation

4. Mail Out Passport Application Renewal

   • Using the United States Postal Service (USPS) mail all documents to one of the following locations listed on the photo below.

5. Track Your Application Status

   • Enroll in email updates to ensure you know where and when your renewal passport is coming back to you. You can do so at this link: U.S. Passport Application Status (state.gov)

Great Video Walking Through Each Step

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