In the United States, passports are issued by the State Department.
In order to comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, any U.S citizen returning by air from any international location must present a valid passport to customs authorities in order to gain re-entry into the country. In the United States, issuing passports falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State. Any U.S. citizen may apply for a passport. For first-time applicants, your application, application fees and additional required documentation must be submitted in person at locations approved by the State Department. Depending on where you live, these locations might be your local post office, town clerk's office or public library.
Passport Application
The first step in acquiring a passport is to complete the application, Form DS-11, Application For A U.S. Passport. The form is available for downloading and printing, or you may fill out an online form and print it once it has been completed. Paper copies may be obtained at any passport acceptance facility, such as your local post office. However, do not sign the form until instructed to do so at the acceptance facility.
Application Submission
Anyone applying for a U.S. passport for the first time must submit the application in person at one of the designated acceptance facilities identified by the State Department. It is at this time that you will be instructed to sign the application in the presence of the facility's personnel. It bears repeating that you must not sign the completed application in advance.
Application Fees
For adult first-time applicants age 16 years or older, the passport application fee is $110. There is an additional execution fee of $25, which must be paid separately. The passport fee for minor children is $80 plus the $25 dollar execution fee. Payment methods include credit cards, personal or certified check, money order and in some cases, exact cash. Checks or money orders must be made payable to "Department of State." If you intend to pay in cash, it is advisable to verify in advance that the acceptance facility will take cash, as some will not. The application fee is nonrefundable, even if your application is denied.
Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
In addition to the application and fees, you must submit proof of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include a previously issued and undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. After your application has been processed, these documents will be returned to you by mail.
Personal Identification
When applying in person, acceptable identification must also be presented. Valid examples include a Naturalization Certificate, valid driver's license, current government ID card or current military ID card. In conjunction with the presentation of these items, you must submit front and back photocopies of your identification. They must be on white standard-sized copier paper.
Passport Photos
Along with your application, you must also submit two, 2-inch by 2-inch identical color photos. They must show your full face, have been taken within the last six months, illustrate you wearing normal street attire and must be printed on photo-quality paper. When submitting Form DS-11 in person, the photos should not be attached to the application.
Special Rules For Children
Children must appear in person along with their parents or legal guardian when submitting a passport application. Citizenship and identification documentation for children must also be provided, as well as written proof that the adults are, in fact, the child's biological or adoptive parents. The same photo requirements exist for children as well. Additionally, parents must also sign the child's DS-11 form indicating their consent to the issuance of a passport. As with adult passports, all parties must sign at the time the DS-11 form is submitted.
