An official US travel identification document is not only a completely unassailable form of personal identification, it’s also needed if you want to visit any other country. The process to follow on how to get a US passport is not difficult but they are exacting. The process outlined below applies to adults who are looking for a new passport rather than needing a renewal.
Forms
To make sure that this process is the one you should follow, make sure you’re really applying for a new passport. This category is actually pretty broad. Even if you’ve had one in the past, you might still be considered applying for a new one now. For example, if your last one is gone due to theft, damage or getting lost, you’re applying for a new one. Likewise, if you haven’t had one issued in the past 15 years, you’re applying for a new one. Lastly, if you’ve changed your name but can’t provide legal documentation of the change, yes, you’re applying for a new passport.
Online Forms
You will have to fill out federal from DS-11, which you can download off a variety of government websites. You’ll find the instructions for filling it out directly on the form. This is an application, so if you want yours to be accepted, it’s probably best to fill out this form and fully and accurately as possible. Of course, you also want to be completely truthful on it as well. There’s a different form for renewing passports.
Forms Of ID
With your DS-11 form, you’ll have to show proof of your identity. While you’ll be able to use this travel document as ID once you get it, you can’t use this process to establish your identity. You’ll have to show the government first that you are exactly who you say you are before you can get further additional documentation. The easiest way to prove your identity is by including a copy of what’s called primary proof of identity. This category includes a current military ID, driver’s license, naturalization certificate, or any current government issued identification.
Certificates Of Citizenship
You will also have to prove that you’re an American citizen. If you’re a born US citizen, you’ll have to include a citizenship certificate, certified copy of your long form birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. If you’re a naturalized American citizen, the naturalization certificate your use to prove your identity will also suffice as proof of citizenship.
Fees
Lastly, you’ll need to include a photo and your application fees. The photo must be color and two by two inches in size. It must have been taken within the last six months and must show your full face as a close up. The specific amount you’ll have to pay as your application fee will vary based on your specific situation. You can consult the online fee schedule to find out what you’ll have to pay.
Agency
After you have all this documentation together, you’ll be ready to submit your application. To do that, you’ll have to visit one of the thousands of authorized US passport offices somewhere in the country. There is a full directly of these offices online, so you can find the one most convenient to you. You’ll generally find them located in public buildings frequented by the public, like a courthouse, post office or library. Call before just showing up as some offices require a scheduled appointment before they’ll meet with you.
That’s all there is to it. Now that you know how to get a new passport, you can get the process started. There can be nothing so valuable as having proof of your US citizenship that will be accepted the world over. There’s a different process for renewing US online passport.



























