Easy steps to your U.S. passport

All U.S. citizens regardless of age (i.e. including infants and newborns) require a valid passport to travel overseas. The basic steps to obtain a new passport are given below.

Passport requirements

  • An unsigned photo(until asked to), US Passport application form DS-11
  • Identity and Citizenship proof
  • Two passport photos
  • Passport application fee
  • Social Security Number


Procedure

  • Take the documents to the Passport Acceptance Facility and sign the Form DS-11 when asked by the passport agency representative. Processing time
  • Normal processing takes about ten weeks
  • Use the Expedited Service to get your US passport in about two weeks.
  • Contact a passport agency, if you need your passport faster than that


Minors

All under-16 minors and minors of 16&17 age have to appear in person; both parents or legal guardians must present evidence of identity when they apply for a minor under the age of 16. For security reasons, parental consent may be requested for minors aged 16&17. If the child does not have identification of his/her own, the parents need to accompany the child, present identification and co-sign the application.