If you have had a previous passport and wish to use the mail-in application DSP-82, you must obtain the proper application and information from a participating U.S. Post Office. We DO NOT handle mail-in applications.

Passports are processed at one of the nationwide passport centers and forwarded to your mailing address by one of these centers within 6 - 8 weeks depending on the time of the year. If you will be traveling sooner than the 6 - 8 week turn around time, then please click here to learn how to expedite your passport.

If you would like to check on the status of your passport you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778, TTY/TDD: 1-888-874-7993; this will connect you to a 24 hours a day, seven days a week automated service. Operators are available Mon - Fri 8 AM - 8 PM.

For access to on-line passport forms which are available for printing or downloading click here.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Applicants Born in the United States must submit a Certified Birth Certificate or a previous U.S. passport. Birth certificates must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records. If your birth is not on record, your birth record was filed more than 1 year after you were born, you were born outside the U.S. but claim citizenship through your or your parents naturalization, please click here for more information.

Proof of Identity

In order to apply for a U.S. Passport, you need to be able to establish your identity to the passport agents satisfaction. Click here for a list of acceptable forms of identification.

Two Photographs

You must submit two identical photographs of you alone, sufficiently recent to be a good likeness (normally taken within the last 6 months). The photos must be 2x2 inches in size, with an image from bottom of chin to top of head (including hair) of between 1 and 1-3/8 inches. Photographs must be clear, front view, full face taken in normal street attire without a hat or dark glasses. The photos must be printed on thin paper with a plain light (white or off-white) background. They may be black and white or color. They must be capable of withstanding a mounting temperature of 225° Fahrenheit (107° Celsius). Retouched photographs are unacceptable. Snapshots, most vending machine prints, and magazine or full length photographs are also unacceptable.

Fees

The passport fee for an adult 16 or older is $75 payable in the form of either a personal check or money order and a $25 processing fee payable in cash. For a minor the fee is $60 payable in the form of either a personal check or a money order and a $25 processing fee payable in cash. In the case of an adult, the passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue except where limited by the Secretary of State for a shorter period. For minors the passport is valid for 5 years except where limited as above. Please make all checks and money orders payable to U.S. Department of State.