Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply for a passport in person, check your application status, and get it changed or corrected.

Eligibility to get a passport

If you are not able to renew your U.S. passport, or if this is your first one, you will need to apply for a new passport. To be eligible, you must be either:

• A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or
• A qualifying U.S. non-citizen national

You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility for a new passport. It cannot be done online or by mail.

What do you need to get a passport?

The application process for passport books and passport cards is the same. You will choose which type of passport you want when you fill out the application. Learn about the differences between passport books and passport cards.

There are 4 things you will need to apply for and get your U.S. passport.

• Application - You will need Form DS-11.You can Fill out Form DS-11 online and print it, or
• Download Form DS-11 [PDF, 5 pages, 1.9 MB] and fill it out by hand, or
• Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up Form DS-11.
• Do not sign Form DS-11 until you are at your appointment and the passport acceptance official tells you to do so.
• Personal documents including:Original proof of citizenship - Learn about what qualifies as primary citizenship evidence or what secondary evidence may qualify if you do not have primary evidence. If you submit your current or expired U.S. passport as proof, it may take up to 4 weeks to get it back after you receive your new passport.
• An acceptable photo ID
• A photocopy of your citizenship document
• A photocopy of the front and back of your photo ID
• Passport photo
• Passport fee

Apply in person. Find your local passport acceptance facility. This facility could be a library or post office. Some facilities require appointments or have limited hours.

Check the status of your passport application

Follow the steps from the Department of State to check the status of your passport application online.

If you need to change your name or correct your new passport

After you receive your passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated passport to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to apply for a passport while outside the U.S.

How to get a passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

If you need help with your passport application

If you have questions about your U.S. passport, the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) can help. Get contact information for NPIC, and find out when to contact them based on when you are traveling.

Understand legal matters that could affect you getting a passport

Legal issues, like unpaid child support or tax payments, could restrict your ability to get a passport. Find out about specific legal matters when applying for a passport.

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