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Your passport is one of the most important documents you will ever own, and the process to get one can be overwhelming. There are different passport processing speeds, fees, and required documents, but we will make it easy to understand how to apply for a new passport.
Whether you need your passport in 1 week, or 8 weeks, the new passport application process is largely the same. This post will help you understand the required documents, fees, and how to apply for a new passport.
New Passport Required Documents
For a New or First Time passport, you’ll need to gather the following required documents:
- Form DS-11 application (this can be done online and printed, but don’t sign it until you get to the acceptance agency and an agent gives you the go-ahead).
- Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or an undamaged US passport).
- Proof of identity (usually a driver’s license or state-issued ID card)
- Photocopy of the ID you submitted.
- 2 passport photos.
Next, you will need to visit a local passport acceptance facility to pay the ‘execution fee’, which is usually places like libraries, county court clerks, and post offices. You can find the nearest one here.
Passport Fees
Passport fees are required for all passport applicants. The application fee will be paid using a check or money order. The ‘execution fee’ is paid at the local passport acceptance facility that adjudicates your documents. Passport acceptance facilities will often accept credit or debit card payments.
Here is a breakdown of the required fees for a new passport:
- For adults, a $130 application fee plus a $35 execution fee.
- For children under 16, an $100 application fee plus a $35 execution fee.
- For expedited service, a $60.00 expediting fee plus approximately $16 for overnight delivery (optional, but recommended).
How to Expedite Your Passport
Currently, it takes up to 8 weeks for routine processing of a passport and up to 3 weeks for an expedited passport. If you need your passport quicker, a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com is the easiest way to go. We can have your application processed in as little as 3-5 business days. A trusted passport service like RushMyPassport will also provide a team of passport specialists who can assist you with every step of the application process. Get started online, or visit one of our 2000 partnered FedEx Office locations near you.
Good luck 🙂
New passport
i owe child support but im paying my debt every mounth on time will that afect me to get my passporrt
Unless you have stipulations applied to your owed child support, you are likely eligible for a passport. If you owe an amount that prohibits you from getting your passport, the Department of State will notify you when you apply.
I’m a bit confused. The US gov website (and yours) says expedited passports take 5-7 weeks, but that you must show proof you’re traveling within 5 days. I don’t understand how that works. I’m 75% sure I’ll be going to Europe in about 6 weeks time, but I won’t know for another few weeks. I’d like to obviously get started replacing my passport (which I just discovered I misplaced) but I don’t have a ticket as proof. Is it not possible to expedite a passport without a ticket? Or is it just that it costs more money? Is there anywhere I can call to speak to a person to get advice on this? 🙂 Any help would be much appreciated.
JFM,
That is confusing, I agree. The standard processing is the 5-7 weeks. The travel that you are speaking about is when you are wanting to use the 1 or 2 week service option. If you are wanting to renew a passport, then you can definitely use the 5-7 week service, but be cautious in booking the travel plans.
Hi David, I have so many questions and you seem to be the knowledge I need. We have a family of 5 and none of us have passports. I have heard so many things about getting one and I don’t honestly where to start. Question 1: My daughter will be 18, she will be able to get her own adult passport without parental need to be there, correct? #2: My current husband is my second husband. Will I need any specific documentation other than a birth certificate to obtain a passport? I.E. divorce papers, I have always hyphenated my last name and kept my birth name on all my major documents. We have never traveled anywhere outside the states and so any Information you can give me is appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Aimee, you will be fine getting your passports. If you’re traveling soon, give us a call and we can help get it faster. If you’re not traveling soon, just visit the post office or county clerk with the required documents listed on this post. Your daughter will only need her birth certificate and photo ID, no parent consent necessary. You may want to include any documents that show your name changes if applicable. Original documents are always returned with the passport.
My daughter is 15-1/2 years old and will be travelling to China from America. What type of passport should I get for her? If I get a child one, will she be able to update it when she turns 18?
If she is not yet 16, it will be a minor passport and only valid for 5 years. Then she will need to apply for a new adult passport. If you can wait until she is 16, she will get a 10 year adult passport.