1️⃣ Fill Out the Application
• Go to travel.state.gov
• Complete Form DS-11 (for first-time applicants)
• Print it — don’t sign it yet (you sign in person)

If you’ve had a passport before and it’s eligible for renewal, that’s a different form (DS-82), but most people asking this are first-timers.

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2️⃣ Gather Your Documents

You’ll need:
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
• Government photo ID (driver’s license, etc.)
• A passport photo (2×2 inches, white background — most post offices, Walgreens, CVS can do this)
• Payment (check or money order for the passport fee; some locations take cards for the processing fee)

Make copies of your ID — they’ll ask for one.

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3️⃣ Apply in Person

Go to a:
• Post office
• County clerk office
• Library (some locations)

Bring everything.
You’ll sign the form there and submit your documents.

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4️⃣ Wait (or Expedite)
• Routine processing: ~6–8 weeks
• Expedited: ~2–3 weeks (extra fee)
• Emergency travel: You can request urgent processing with proof of travel.

You’ll get your passport book in the mail. Your original documents come back separately.