So you’ve never applied for a passport before? That’s alright! There’s no right or wrong time to get your first passport, so long as you have one when it’s needed. We’ll walk you step by step on how to apply for your first passport as an adult so you can be on your international travels in no time.
1. Determine where you’ll need to apply for a passport
First time U.S. passport holders will need to apply at the Post Office or passport acceptance facility in person. If you’ve previously had a passport but the last one issued to you was when you were under 16, you’ll need to apply for your passport in person too. You’ll also need to apply in person if your most recent passport was lost, stolen or damaged or is more than 15 years old from the issue date.
2. Fill out the U.S. Passport Application Form
You’ll then need to fill out this application form online. Be sure not to sign your form until requested by a passport acceptance agent. Then print out your completed, unsigned form.
3. Get all your documents ready
For your passport application, you will need a physical and photocopy proof of U.S. citizenship, in addition to a physical and photocopy of your ID. Proof of citizenship can include a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Certificate of Naturalization, or an undamaged, full validity U.S. passport. Valid IDs include the aforementioned proof of citizenship documents, along with a valid driver’s license, Trusted Travelers ID, Government employee ID, U.S. military ID, etc.
4. Prepare for special case situations
Certain scenarios may require extra action and or documents when applying for a passport. This could include you applying for your child’s passport, you’re selecting a new gender market, you’re applying for a special issuance passport, you’re previous passport was damaged or stolen, etc.
5. Take your passport photo
We’ve all seen the passport photo trend on TikTok, so this is your opportunity to finally have a great picture for at least one form of identification you own. Applicants can take the photo at home (taken by someone else since selfies aren’t allowed) or go to a store that takes them for you. The submitted passport photo must have been taken within the last six months from the time you apply for a passport. Read up on all the tips for taking a valid passport photo and examples here.
6. Pay passport fees
Passports cost an application (price varies) and an execution fee (standard $35). The total cost depends on whether you’re applying for a passport card, passport book, or both. See more fee details here.
7. Schedule an appointment at your application location
You can apply for your passport while in the States at your local Post Office, library or government office. Search all participating application sites here. However, if you’re expected to travel in the next three weeks, it’s advised you make an appointment through a passport agency/center to expedite the process.
8. Follow your passport application status
Keep tabs on the status of your passport application via email updates, the Online Passport Status System or mailings. Note it could take up to two weeks before your application is “In Process,” warns the U.S. Department of State.