How to Fill Out a Passport Application Form - Expedited Passports

One of the least fun parts of applying for a passport is filling out the passport application form.  Paperwork is never fun, and the procedure for filling out the application form can be a little bit confusing. To minimize the frustration,  here’s a handy, step-by-step guide for filling out Passport Application Form DS-11, an application for a new passport.

Step 1- Read Pages 1,2 and 4. These pages have important information about the documents you’ll need to apply for a passport, information about fees, and other handy information. For example, did you know that the estimated “paperwork burden”  for filling out a passport application form is 85 minutes?

Step 2- Fill out page 3 of the passport application form.  You can do this in advance, but DO NOT SIGN it until the nice passport acceptance agent tells you to do so. If you sign it too soon, you get to start all over again.

Step 3- If you need a new passport, you must apply in person. Find a local passport acceptance facility and take your passport application in with the required documents and photos.

Step 4- Sign Form DS-11 when requested to do so.  (more…)

Some passport requests, including renewals and name changes, can be handled through the mail.  However, the government requires many passport applicants to apply in person. If any of the following conditions apply to you, you’ll need to submit your passport application in person at a passport office:

• This is your first time applying for a US passport, or your current US passport was issued before you turned 16.
• You are currently under 16 years of age.
• Your passport has been lost, stolen or damaged.
• Your most recent passport is more than 15 years old.
• Your name has changed and you don’t have legal documentation for the name change.

There are actually two types of US passport offices. The first is called an acceptance facility. Libraries, post offices county clerks can act as US passport offices by accepting your application, witnessing your signature, and sealing your application documents. There government also has 15 Passport Agency offices scattered throughout the country. These passport offices accept applications by appointment only, usually for emergency passports that are needed in less than 2 weeks. A list of Passport Agency offices and instructions for making an appointment is available at the Department of State’s website, along with a list of passport acceptance facilities.

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