How to Get a U.S. Passport for the First Time

Getting your first U.S. passport is a major travel milestone. It is also a process with very specific rules, so the best approach is to gather everything before you schedule your appointment.

As of June 21, 2026, first-time adult applicants and adults who do not qualify for renewal must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. The U.S. Department of State says this includes adults whose prior passport was lost, stolen, damaged, issued more than 15 years ago, or issued when they were under age 16.

Who needs to apply in person

You generally need to apply in person using Form DS-11 if:

You are applying for your first U.S. passport.
Your most recent passport was issued before you turned 16.
Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Your passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged.
You cannot submit your most recent passport with a renewal application.

Children and teens have separate requirements, including parental consent rules, so families should check the child passport instructions before applying.

What to gather before your appointment

For a first-time adult passport, prepare:

Form DS-11, completed but not signed until the acceptance agent tells you to sign.
Original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or a full-validity undamaged U.S. passport.
A photocopy of your citizenship evidence.
A physical photo ID, such as a valid driver's license.
A photocopy of the front and back of your photo ID.
One compliant passport photo.
Payment for the passport application fee and the separate acceptance facility fee.

The State Department does not accept digital evidence of citizenship for passport applications. Bring the physical document.

Passport book, card, or both

A passport book is the best choice for most international travelers because it works for international air, land, and sea travel. A passport card is less expensive, but it is limited to land and sea travel from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean destinations. It cannot be used for international flights.

If you expect to travel by air internationally, choose the passport book. If you live near a land border, cruise frequently from U.S. ports, or want an additional REAL ID alternative for domestic flights, a passport card may also be useful.

Timing and fees

Current State Department processing times are 4-6 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, not including mailing time. Mailing can add up to 2 weeks each way, so plan around the total timeline, not just the processing window.

For adult first-time applicants, the State Department lists a $130 application fee for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both, plus a $35 acceptance facility fee. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

Practical advisor tip

Apply before you have urgent travel whenever possible. Passport demand is usually busiest from late winter through summer, and small errors can delay processing. If you are traveling internationally in less than 3 weeks, you may need a passport agency appointment once you are within 14 calendar days of travel.