According to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, just over half of Americans currently hold a valid U.S. passport. While that number may seem low, it’s a huge leap from the 3% of U.S. citizens with passports in 1989. Although this is partially due to stricter land border policies, there’s no denying that American’s have caught the travel bug over the past few decades.
In September 2024, the U.S. Department of State began allowing online passport renewals for eligible passports. It was a welcome announcement for the nearly 170 million American passport holders. But what if you need to apply for your first passport?
Don’t worry. Applying for a U.S. passport is easy, but it’s important to get every step right to ensure your U.S. passport application is approved.
Step 1: Complete the U.S. Passport Application Form
You may complete the passport application form online and print it single-sided on 8.5”x11” paper, but do not sign it until you are instructed to do so at the passport acceptance facility; in most instances, this may be your local post office.
What’s the difference between a passport card and a passport book?
The passport card has no passport stamp pages and is not valid for international travel by air. It can be used by U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries.
Step 2: Gather the required documents for your passport application
You’ll need to provide proof that you’re a U.S. citizen. Most people use a birth certificate. If you use this, you’ll need to ensure that it meets the necessary requirements. In addition to evidence of citizenship, you must present a secondary form of identification, such as a driver’s license or another up-to-date government ID.
Can’t find your birth certificate? Visit the National Center for Health Statistics to learn how to obtain a copy.
Black and white photocopies of all of these documents (front and back, if there is printed information on both sides) must also be submitted with your passport application.
Step 3: Obtain a passport photo
Now put on your best face and go have your photo taken! Due to the strict requirements for passport photos, don’t take the photo yourself; many chain pharmacies with photo departments take passport photos, as do copy shops and FedEx/UPS stores. Unacceptable photographs are one of the biggest reasons for U.S. passport denials, so be sure to have the photo taken by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Step 4: Prepare to pay the fees
If you’re age 16 or old and applying for your first passport, you’ll need to pay a $130 application fee (to the U.S. Department of State) and a $35 execution fee (to the facility that receives your application). If you need your passport in a rush, you have the option to pay an additional $60 fee for expedited service. Postage fees can vary depending on the shipping option you choose. As a first-time applicant, this will cost between $135 and $165 if you use standard-return shipping, but fees vary depending on age and shipping methods.
Note that these costs are current as of November 2024 based on a first-time adult passport applicant with no special circumstances. Consult the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date fee information.
Step 5: Submit your passport application in-person
After confirming you have everything listed above and double-checking the U.S. Department of State’s requirements, you’re ready to submit your application! First-time applicants must file their application in-person at an authorized facility.
InterExchange is not an official government or representative thereof. Always review the requirements from the source – the U.S. Department of State – before applying. They have a helpful passport wizard, as well as a set of frequently asked questions.
