Are you considering applying for a passport in the United States, whether it be for a vacation, education, volunteering or work? Even if you don’t have an important trip coming up, getting a passport as soon as you can could save a lot of hassle in the long run, as the process of applying for and receiving your passport is a time consuming and complicated process.

At Next Light one of our biggest commitments is making information accessible and easy to understand. For our very first how to, our Chief of Research compiled a step-by-step, easy guide on how to get a passport!

Our quick guide will help you:

1. Understand the passport application process
2. Provide accurate documentation when applying
3. Know where to submit your application
4. Follow other instructions
5. Easily navigate the process 

Before you begin reading, know that if you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to reach out to the Next Light Foundation for assistance! Steps to getting a passport are sometimes interwoven, and it can be hard to keep track of what you do and don’t have, so we recommend making a checklist of what you need (which we made a rough-draft for at the end of the blog! We also highly encourage you to visit the websites listed under our Resources tab, as they provide direct, up-to-date information from the U.S. State Department on how to apply for a passport.

*NOTE: Italicized words/phrases are direct links to resources!

The Steps

1. Complete Form DS-11

• Print on single-sided paper
• Do not sign until the passport acceptance agent asks (Check Step 7)

For first-time applicants, the Passport Book ($130) is generally recommended, as it allows international travel by air, land, or sea. The Passport Card ($30) is optional and only works for land or sea travel to nearby countries.

2. Citizenship Evidence 

• U.S. birth certificate (must show seal/stamp, full name, date of birth, parents’ names, date filed within 1 year, and registrar’s signature)
  • Additional Info here
• Only physical copies are accepted! (Check Step 7)

3. Identification 

• Bring a physical ID:
  • Valid driver’s license or enhanced driver ID
• If your driver’s license is from a different state than where you are applying, bring a second form of photo ID
  • State-issued non-driver ID card
  • Military ID Card
  • Government Employment Card
  • Certificate of naturalization/citizenship
  • Tribal photo ID Card

4. Passport Photo

• Follow the official photo instructions
  • One recent 2×2 color photo
• Do not attach the photos! The agent will staple it to your application (Check Step 7)

5. Payments
When you submit your passport application, you will need to pay two separate fees:

• 1. Application Fee (payable to U.S. Department of State by check or money order):
  • Passport Book: $130
  • Passport Card: $30
  • Both Book & Card: $160
• 2. Facility Acceptance Fee (payable to the location where you submit your application): $35
  • Check with the facility for accepted payment methods (some may accept cash, credit, or check).

You may also need to pay additional fees for optional services:

• Expedited Service: +$60 (for faster processing, 2–3 weeks instead of the standard 4–6 weeks)
• 1–2 Day Delivery: +$22.05 (to receive your passport quickly after it is printed)

6. Special Situations (if applicable)
Some applicants may need to provide extra documents:

• Lost or stolen passport: Complete and submit Form DS-64
• Damaged passport: Submit the damaged passport and a signed statement explaining the damage. (Damage includes water, mold, stains, tears, missing pages, or unofficial markings. Normal wear, like small bends or folded pages, does not count.)
• Covered sex offenders under International Megan’s Law: Provide a signed and dated statement acknowledging your status.

7. Submit in Person

• Visit an authorized passport acceptance facility
  • A US post office, library, or local government office.
    • Check the facility’s website to see if you need an appointment.
• What happens at the facility:
  • The passport agent will verify your original documents and photocopies.
  • You will take an oath confirming that the information on your application is true.
  • You will sign Form DS-11 in front of the agent.
  • The agent will attach your passport photo to the application. (Check if your local passport acceptance facility will take your passport photo in person or if you need to come with it prepared.)

Important Things to Note About the Photocopy Requirements

When you apply for a passport, you must bring both the original documents and photocopies of:

1. Citizenship Evidence (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate)

• Bring the original with the government seal or stamp.
• Bring one photocopy of the document.

2. Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, state ID)

• Bring the original ID
• Bring one photocopy of the front and back of the ID

Photocopy Guidelines:

• Use standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper
• Photocopies must be black and white only (no color)
• Photocopy single-sided! 

*If you cannot photocopy at home, check with your local passport acceptance facility to see if they can provide you assistance! If that does not work go to your local pharmacy, library, or copy shop.

8. Be Cautious of Processing Times

If you are applying for a passport because you plan to travel soon, be mindful of how long it may take. Below are rough estimates of how long it will take you to receive your passport, but complications that could make it longer are always subject to happen; so plan accordingly.

• Routine Service: 4–6 weeks (does not include mailing time).
• Expedited Service: 2–3 weeks (plus mailing time; additional $60 fee).
• Mailing Considerations:
  • It may take up to 2 weeks for your application to reach the State Department.
  • It may take up to 2 weeks to receive your new passport after it is mailed.

Conclusion

For first-time applicants, applying for a passport can seem huge and daunting. Breaking down the task into smaller steps, and double-checking requirements with your local passport facility is the best way to keep it simple and do it correctly! Below is a simplified check-list to help you keep track of what you need that we recommend you write down! We will also provide further resources below that will provide you with up-to-date information and may clarify more information.

Check-list: 

• Fill out Form DS-11 (don’t sign)
• Gather proof of citizenship, photo ID, and photocopies.
• Provide a passport photo
• Address special cases (lost, damaged, etc.).
• Pay the required fees
• Submit in person at an acceptance facility.
• Track processing and plan around mailing times

Further Resources:

• Apply for a passport homepage
• Compilation of passport forms
• 4-Minute Video Guide

Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck on applying for your passport and safe travels!