The United States passport is one of the passports giving more benefits in the U.S. and when traveling internationally. As an American citizen, you have the right to obtain a U.S. Passport to have your citizenship recognized and to enjoy the benefits of a U.S. Passport. Applying for a U.S. Passport involves several important steps.
1. Complete and Submit Form DS-11: Application For A U.S. Passport
Note: If completing Form DS-11 by hand, do so legibly and in black ink. Make sure that all of the entered information is complete and correct. Illegible applications may delay application processing times. As part of the requirements provide your Social Security number. DO NOT SIGN Form DS-11 until you are instructed to do so at the Acceptance Facility. Form DS-11 can also be obtained from your local Acceptance Facility or a Passport Agency, U.S. Embassy, or Consulate. You must submit Form DS-11 and the additional required documentation in person at an Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency. Above all Forms, DS-11 may not be submitted by mail. If completing Form DS-11 online, make sure that all of the entered information is complete and correct before printing. Print the completed form using black ink on one-sided pages.
2. Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
When applying for a U.S. passport in person, evidence of U.S. citizenship must be submitted with Form DS-11. All documentation submitted as citizenship evidence will be returned to you. These documents will be delivered with your newly issued U.S. passport or in a separate mailing.
3. Present Identification
When applying for a U.S. passport in person, acceptable identification must be presented at the time of application. If you apply at an Acceptance Facility and submit out-of-state primary identification, you must present an additional ID document, as well. For example, if you apply in California with a New York Driver’s License, you must present an additional ID.
4. Submit a Photocopy of the Identification Document Presented (STEP 3)
5. Pay the Applicable Fee
6. Provide Two Passport Photos
Please note that you will have to file supplemental forms in certain cases.
Applying for a U.S. passport is a process that needs to be taken responsibly and no detail left out. Application for a U.S. passport can be submitted at a Passport Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency. If the applicant is abroad then the application can be filed at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. Order this guide to learn more details about the passport application process and to learn how to start your passport application. First-time applicants, children, and certain renewals must apply for a passport in person. However, certain renewals may be submitted by mail.
