A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a US Passport for First-Time Applicants
Applying for and obtaining a US passport is a straightforward process. You can apply for a US passport if you are an American citizen by birth, naturalization, or by a qualifying US national.
You have to apply in person using Form DS-11 if any of the following criteria apply to you:
If you don’t fall under any of these categories, Form DS-82 must be submitted, and this is for passport renewal.
With that said, this article provides a guide for first-time US passport applicants. It outlines the step-by-step process of obtaining your first passport. If you need any other information regarding cities and towns in the USA, you can click citydirectory.us.
Fill out Form DS-11 online and print it out. You must only sign the form if instructed by the acceptance agent.
When applying for a US passport, you must submit proof of US citizenship with your application. The evidence submitted must be an original copy or a certified copy. The primary proof of US citizenship includes the consular report of birth abroad, US birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship.
Along with your proof of US citizenship, you must also submit proof of identification. The proof of identity must have your signature and a photo of you. In addition, it must be a permanent form of identification officially issued by the US government. Examples of proof of identity include military identification, permanent driver’s license, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, and expired passport card or book.
The next step is to submit the passport photo that will be attached to your application. One photo is required per application, and the picture must be of the highest quality, taken in front of an off-white or white background, taken within the last six months, and must be 2 X 2 inches in size.
While clicking a photo for your passport application, you must wear regular clothes. Do not wear any glasses or headdress unless worn for religious reasons and documented as such.
To ensure your photo meets all the requirements of a passport photo, you can avail of a passport photo service.
Although you need to have all the official documentation when submitting your passport application, you must also carry photocopies of each document you are submitted. This will ensure there’s a copy of all the submitted documents.
Before submitting your application, it is necessary to photocopy all secondary and primary evidence you are bringing. You must keep them separate so that when asked, you can quickly hand over the correct document and speed up the process.
You must pay the applicable fees for your passport card or passport. If you are a first-time applicant and over 16 years, the application fee is $130 for a passport book, $160 for a passport card and book, and $30 for the passport card.
The application fee does not include the execution fee of $35. If you wish to expedite the process, you may have to pay an additional $60.
The passport application fees may vary depending on your age and other factors.
Are you inside the USA? If so, the form must be submitted to a passport acceptance facility. These agencies typically include public libraries, post offices, and other sites. Depending on your chosen location, you must be prepared with the appropriate payment method. So, you must check ahead to find out what form of payment is accepted by your preferred passport agency facility.
While submitting your application form, you must show your documents to the acceptance agent.
Suppose you are outside the US, you might be able to submit the forms at a US embassy or consulate. The different locations will have different guidelines. Ensure to go through them.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a US Passport?
The process of applying for and obtaining a US passport may take between 12 to 16 weeks. You can speed up the process by paying $60 but don’t expect to get your passport before 12 weeks.
If you have any travel plans, you must make an appointment with enough time on your hands.
Congratulations on successfully applying for your first US passport. If you follow the steps mentioned above, the entire process will seem like a breeze.
Keep your proof of US citizenship and identity handy to ensure the application process is free of bottlenecks.