How to Apply for a US Passport

We’re back to traveling again, and if your wanderlust includes international destinations which require a US passport, expect to wait up to three months for a new or renewed passport to the world.

And as with groceries and gas for a road trip, it costs more to get a new or renewed passport in 2022 than it did in 2021.

Passport Fees

Prices increased $20 as of January 2022. The new fees are:

A first-time adult passport now costs a total of $165, including the $35 acceptance fee.
An adult passport renewal now costs $130.
A passport for a minor costs a total of $135.

Processing Times

According to the US State Department website, normal processing time is 8-11 weeks.

Expedited processing is 5-7 weeks and costs an additional $60.

So plan ahead. Far ahead, actually.

The good news is that the US State Department website also has a way to track the progress of your application.

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Documents Needed

You can apply for a passport if you are a US citizen and are 18 years of age.

If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian will have to submit additional documentation for you. Any criminal activity may affect your eligibility.

Here’s what’s needed for a first-time passport:

Original evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information).

Photocopies must be: legible, on white 8.5”x11” standard paper, black and white, and single sided.

In some cases, you may be able to submit a certified copy of your citizenship evidence. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.

You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship (e.g. electronic or mobile birth certificate) when applying for a U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of it.

A passport photo also is required. It must have been taken within the last six months, and can not be a selfie. More information on passport photo requirements here, on the US State Dept. website.

Passport Card

An alternative to the familiar blue US passport, the Passport Card can be used for land crossings between the US and Canada – but not for airline travel.

You can apply for both at the same time if you feel you want both options.

You must apply in person using Form DS-11 if at least one of the following is true:

You are applying for your first U.S. passport
You are under age 16
Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16
Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago

If none of the above statements apply to you, you may be eligible to Renew using Form DS-82.

If you live in another country (including Canada) and you’re submitting Form DS-11, you must apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

See Applying for a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States.

You can find where you will need to go on the state department’s website. This can give the best information especially if you have travel constraints.

Where to Apply

Find your closest agency or center here for expedited requests.

Find your local acceptance facility here for routine processing.

Some facilities offer appointments, others don’t.

Getting Your Passport

Once your application is processed and if it is approved, your documents and new passport and/or card may be delivered to you in separate mailings to the address you specify.