🇺🇸 United States

DS-11 Passport

First-Time US Passport Application

Easy ~15 min PassportTravelIdentity

/ What is this form?

Form DS-11 is for first-time US passport applicants, minors under 16, and anyone whose passport was lost, stolen, or expired more than 5 years ago. It must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility.

The US passport book is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. A passport card ($30 extra) is also available for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Renewals (for unexpired passports within 5 years) use a different form (DS-82) and can be done by mail.

/ Who needs this form?

First-time US passport applicants
Minors under 16 (both parents must appear or provide consent)
Anyone whose passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
Anyone whose passport expired more than 5 years ago

/ What you need before you start

Proof of US citizenship: certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport

Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, military ID)

2x2 inch passport photo (within 6 months)

Fee: $130 application + $35 acceptance facility fee

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Complete Form DS-11

Fill in the form online at travel.state.gov and print it. Do NOT sign it yet — you must sign in the presence of the acceptance agent.

2 Get Passport Photo

Obtain a 2x2 inch photo with white background, taken within 6 months. Many pharmacies and post offices offer this service.

3 Gather Documents

Collect: proof of US citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), photo ID, and photocopies of both.

4 Visit Acceptance Facility

Go to a passport acceptance facility (post office, library, court) with original documents. Sign the form in front of the agent.

5 Pay Fees and Wait

Pay $130 application fee + $35 acceptance fee. Routine processing: 6–8 weeks. Expedited (+$60): 2–3 weeks.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Place of birth	City and state if born in the US, or city and country if born abroad.	Entering only the state without the city, or the hospital name instead of the city.
Emergency contact	Name and phone number of someone not traveling with you.	Listing a travel companion — the emergency contact should be someone at home.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Signing the DS-11 before arriving at the acceptance facility — invalidates the application.

Photo doesn't meet requirements — must be 2x2 inches, white background, no glasses.

Not applying early enough — routine processing takes 6–8 weeks.

Bringing photocopies but not originals — originals are required (and returned).

/ Frequently asked questions

How long does processing take?

Routine: 6–8 weeks. Expedited (+$60): 2–3 weeks. In urgent situations, make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency for same-day service.